Writing, Editing and Proofreading Services at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Scope of work:

The selected national and international consultants will work under the direction of the Regional Communications Advisor to write, edit and/or proofread English language documents, ensuring high quality content for publication purposes, in line with the following:

Writing

• Gathering information on project-specific areas related to UNFPA’s work
• Writing drafts, editing and proofreading the drafts
• Checking for conceptual or grammatical errors in drafts
• Demonstrating excellent writing ability
• Revising drafts as needed
• Adhering to deadlines
• Coordinating deliverables with UNFPA project staff

Basic copyediting

• Ensure consistency of editorial style
• Enter editorial changes to text and tables electronically using track changes
• Check grammar (verb–subject agreement, dangling participles, incorrect or unclear use of pronouns, etc.) and punctuation for correctness and consistency
• Check spelling for correctness, conformity to the UN Editorial Manual, and consistency
• Eliminate jargon, wordiness and inappropriate abbreviations
• Check references, cross-referencing, titles, names, captions, organizations, event titles, etc.
• Propose editorial changes in documents for greater clarity or impact
• Check and add web links as appropriate
• Ensure consistency in brand style
• Check for proper sequencing (such as alphabetical order) in lists and other displayed material
• Prepare a list of proposed changes to figures or enter changes manually on a printed copy and scan the latter
• Eliminate abbreviations as far as possible and ensure that essential abbreviations are spelled out at the first mention
• Delete excessive italic, boldface, and quotation marks
• Check spelling and presentation of Member States’ names in accordance with the official list of Member State names
• Check proper names (for cities, international conventions, conferences, nongovernmental organizations, named individuals, etc.)
• Edit chapter titles, sections, subsections, lists and table, figure and text box captions for brevity, consistency and parallel construction, and check numbering
• Ensure that UN referencing style has been used for reference lists and bibliographies, and that the information for each reference is complete
• Check that the titles of references cited correspond to the subject matter in the text at the point of citation
• Check that any tables, figures, text boxes, annexes, and web annexes are correctly cited in the text
• Check for and eliminate or query discriminatory language
• Edit or prepare a table of contents
• Prepare instructions for the graphic designer, if needed
• Revise the material to take account of comments of reviewers.

Substantive editing

Perform all the tasks for a light edit, in addition to the following:

• Rewrite text where necessary to improve flow
• Change text and headings to achieve parallel structures
• Ensure consistent style and tone
• Ensure previews and summaries reflect content
• Flag unclear or incorrect statements
• Monitor the overall structure for logical flow and balance and advise/consult on how to rectify if necessary
• Rewrite, reorganise, or shorten the text to improve logical structure or argument and make communication more effective
• Draft new text as needed
• Eliminate unnecessary and repeated material
• Make suggestions on layout, as appropriate
• Revise the material to take account of comments of reviewers and additional material supplied by the author(s).

Proofreading

• Ensure consistency of written and visual content in line with the UN online editorial manual as a style guide
• Review text files and page proofs and correct typographical or formatting errors
• Ensure that page numbers, chart labels and captions are error-free
• Ensure that changes made at the proof stage are accurately made by the designer.

Experience

Essential:

• A Master’s degree and at least 7 years’ relevant experience as a writer and/or editor at national or international level; alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with 9 years of experience.
• Experience editing for United Nations agencies and/or intergovernmental organizations.
• At least 6 samples of relevant previous work submitted with application.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights programming, particularly for adolescent girls and young women, is an advantage.
• Experience of writing and/or editing UNFPA publications and/or communication materials. 

Skills:

Essential:

• In-depth knowledge of current editorial techniques, procedures and publishing standards.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work effectively and tactfully in an interdisciplinary, multicultural, and multilingual environment. 
• Ability to work under pressure and respect deadlines.
• Excellent administrative skills, and proven ability to use Microsoft Office applications and to conduct Internet searches.

Desirable:

• Some degree of specialisation in one or more of the fields of activity of UNFPA.