Individual Contractor (IC) – Arabic Language Editor at UNDP

Background

The Knowledge Project (KP) is a partnership between UNDP and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF). Originally established in 2007, the partnership resulted in the production of a series of reports known as the Arab Knowledge Reports [1] that document key challenges and opportunities to building effective knowledge-based societies in Arab countries, with a particular focus on youth and skills development.

Aiming to widen the partnership’s scope of impact and reach, as well as support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted globally in 2015, UNDP and MBRF reinforced their strategic collaboration for five additional years (2016-2020). In this new phase, KP launched the Arab Knowledge Index (AKI) to assess the state of knowledge acquisition, dissemination and production across the Arab region. The index is designed to cover the most important pillars of development reliant on knowledge: Pre-university education, higher education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET); information and communications technology (ICT); economy, and research, development and innovation (RDI), in addition to the enabling environments. It builds on data obtained from globally-recognized institutions including UNESCO, World Bank, OECD, ILO, World Economic Forum, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and IEA Data Processing and Research Center, while taking into consideration the specific socio-cultural context, needs and challenges of the Arab region. The KP has also developed Knowledge4all digital portal, which contains previous Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index in its two versions, and the Arab Reading Index; as well as the K4all mobile application to provide easily accessible data on knowledge within a development framework.

Throughout 2019, the KP has been preparing to produce the Knowledge Index, which is a global measure of knowledge accumulation and production covering more than 140 countries internationally. The Knowledge Index was launched in its Arabic and English versions in November 2017 during the fourth Knowledge Summit organized by MBRF in Dubai. The Global Knowledge Index 2020 will be released during the seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit 2020 scheduled in the month of November of this year (2020).

Also, for the Future of Knowledge Report 2021, it will be released in the month of April 2021. The KP is, also, in the process of drafting the said report to present relevant technical notes, as well as the country profiles. The Future of Knowledge Report 2021 is being drafted in English, will be translated into Arabic and will consist of sections on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, blockchain, cybersecurity and future skills. The report is not expected to exceed 250 pages (including the Forwards, Table of Contents, References and Annexes) and not exceeding 66,000 words.

To this end, UNDP is seeking consultancy services for editing the Arabic version of the Future of Knowledge Report as well as proofreading the final text to ensure a coherent narrative. Qualified candidates should have experience working on similar projects with leading international institutions, organizations, and research centers - preferably the United Nations.

[1] AKR 2009: Towards Productive Intercommunication for Knowledge”; AKR 2010/2011: “Building Future Generations for Knowledge Society”; AKR 2014: “Youth and Localisation of Knowledge.”

Duties And Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORK

Responsiblities

S/he will be responsible for undertaking and performing the following tasks

The selected individual will work under the general guidance and direct supervision of the Arab Knowledge Project (AKP) Chief Technical Advisor and in close coordination with the said project team members.

• Edit publications sections with a professional view to ensure:
• The spirit of the original text;
• The consistency in text, data and bibliography;
• The structure and organization of the publication in a format consistent with UNDP standards (relating to grammar, punctuation and spelling);
• Conduct a second round of technical editing and copy-editing for readability, including the sequencing, consistency (especially integration of text and boxes), style and punctuation, spelling and grammar;
• Proof-read final reports in layout form, checking spelling, country and city names as well as acronyms and other abbreviations (making sure that they follow official U.N. terminology and conventions), style consistency, callouts, layout problems, references, etc.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Expected No. of Working Day(s) for each deliverable

Targeted Due Dates

Review And Approvals Required

Deliverable 1.1: Edit 275 pages and not exceeding 72,000 words of the Future of Knowledge 2021 Report;

Up to (30) working days from contract signature date

No later than 30 April 2021

Hany TORKY (Mr.), Chief Technical Advisor, Arab Knowledge Project (AKP)

Deliverable 1.2: Perform a second round of proofreading revisiting the edited text as required attending to UNDP’s remarks

Competencies

Corporate

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional

• Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to undertake multiple tasks and deliver under pressure;
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and present practical solutions to complex problems;
• Ability to work independently and achieve quality results with limited supervision and within tight schedules;
• Experience in reports production;
• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner;
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills;
• Flexibility and ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure;
• Excellent computer skills especially Word, Excel and Power Point

Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to provide credible leadership;
• Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis/resolution of complex issues;
• Ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of development experience.

Managing Relationships

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships;
• Demonstrated well developed people management and organizational management skills;
• Excellent management skills in navigating and working with diverse range of partners, stakeholders, including senior and high-level policymakers.
• Excellent negotiating and networking skills with strong partnerships in academia, technical organizations and as a recognized expert in the practice area.

Managing Complexity

• Ability to address global development issues;
• Demonstrated substantive leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products;
• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
• Demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity in providing strategic policy advice and direction.

Judgment/Decision-Making

• Mature judgment and initiative;
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction to the project implementation process;
• Independent judgment and discretion in advising on handling major policy issues and challenges, uses diplomacy and tact to achieve result.