English Editor - Independent Evaluation Office

Background

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

The UNDP Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) works to enhance the development effectiveness of UNDP by providing an objective assessment of contributions to development results, through assessing its programmes and operations. The Independent Evaluation Office conducts strategic, thematic, programmatic and country level evaluations. It assures the quality and use of UNDP evaluations by establishing norms, standards and guidelines and by knowledge sharing and networking.

The IEO of UNDP produces approx. 20 evaluation reports a year, including: thematic evaluations, evaluation syntheses, reflections papers and independent country programme evaluations. Please visit our website to view these reports: www.undp.org/evaluation.

Aside from these publications, the IEO also produces several communications and outreach materials such as annual reports, brochures, fact sheets, briefs, occasional papers, National Evaluation Capacity Proceedings, speeches and more.

The IEO requires the services of English editors to ensure the proper presentation and dissemination of information relating to the production of its publications, evaluation reports and other communications materials.

The IEO of UNDP would like to enter into long-term agreements (LTAs), with contractors who can provide professional editing services for its publications, evaluation reports, communications materials and technical documents. Topics include global development and UNDP’s thematic areas, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, good governance, the Sustainable Development Goals, and national ownership.

Duties and Responsibilities

The deliverables of editorial services for each IEO publication include the following:

Provide editing and proofreading services for materials ranging from complex publications to substantive technical documents.
Provide technical writing if requested/required for some sections/paragraphs to improve the readability of reports.
Perform up to six rounds of substantive editing of IEO reports. This includes up to three rounds of editing and proofreading in track changes in word and up to three rounds of final review and editing of the designed version in pdf.
Perform editing according to the UNDP and UN editorial style manuals.
The editor will be responsible for ensuring:

Copyediting, proofreading, filling in gaps in information, restructuring and rewriting if required.
Correct spelling and appropriate use of words with correct grammar and syntax.
Consistent style and format throughout the document.
Correct use of English while maintaining the authors’ writing style to the extent practical.
Elimination of repetition and inconsistencies.
Appropriate positioning and numbering of boxes, figures and tables.
Consistent font(s) as relevant to headings and text.
Appropriate use of italicized and bolded words.
Ensure all footnotes, sources, references are complete and consistent.
A thorough review of annexes (people consulted, bibliography, etc) to highlight incomplete areas along with consistency in presentation as per UNDP publication guidelines.
Prepare a complete table of contents and acronym list per document.
Editing/review of figures, tables, infographics and pictures.
Proofread designed layout files to ensure a complete print-ready file.

To view the full terms of reference for this consultancy, please click here.

Competencies

Excellent writing and editing/reviewing skills are required.
Demonstrate strong written communication, research and analytical ability to rapidly integrate information from various sources.
Knowledgeable of current UNDP activities and established brand guidelines.
Ability to work in track changes in word, and with comments on pdf files is required.
Technical skills in production, editing, and ability to write quickly, clearly and concisely in English.
Ability to adhere to tight deadlines and respond to all communications from IEO.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s Degree preferably in public administration, public policy, political or social science, international studies or related field; or
Bachelor's degree can be substituted in lieu of Masters with additional experience.

Experience

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in editing, writing, and proofreading is required, including significant experience with print publications and technical documents in international development.
Proven record of edited reports, publications, or technical documents.
Experience in publication/report writing and editing for a UN agency and/or other international organization is required.
Experience in professional editing in the area of audit, evaluation, international development or the public sector is required.

Language

Outstanding command of written and spoken English is required.