Background

To promote its media outreach, advocacy and fundraising, the UN in Zambia is consistently in need of new and updated communication, advocacy and visibility materials that document collective support and results through high quality content packages. These materials are indispensable for a range of products, including fundraising proposals, donor reports, human interest stories and contents for social media. They will support the UN Zambia to better communicate with policy and decision makers, media, donors, partners and the public at large.

These high-quality content packages include design packages, advocacy toolkits, photo essays, human interest stories, and short films that document UN Zambia initiatives. The packages will be disseminated through different channels including website, social media networks, partner networks and donor reports. 

To achieve these, the UN Zambia would like to engage the services of a Copy Editor to edit material in line with UN style and brand guidelines. The Copy Editor should be available at short notice.

Scope of Work

1. Review, organize, edit and consolidate material for knowledge products ensuring clarity and continuity of the argument; as well as clarity of structure and core themes;
2. Edit human interest stories, reports, papers, documents and other materials;
3. Proof-read layout files, including checking spelling, country and city names as well as acronyms and other abbreviations, style consistency, callouts, references, etc.;
4. Edit digital content media as required including project factsheets; web pages; stories of change and for knowledge products such as forewords, prefaces etc.;
5. Ensure implementation of the UN Editorial Style (to be provided by the UNCG);
6. Check that authors have provided the correct references where required;
7. Resolve queries directly with concerned offices/agencies concerning style and text inconsistencies;
8. Be available for feedback and inputs as per the requirement of the office.

Deliverables

At the end of each assignment, the editor will deliver edited material in the same format as received (either a word document or the design/layout file).

1. Well-edited human-interest stories, articles, reports and documents;
2. PowerPoints or other written materials edited to UN standards.

Duration

The assignment, under this Long-Term Arrangement, is expected to have a duration of 5 years. The initial LTA would be for 24 months with an option for renewal for subsequent years subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and continuing need for the service. The service fee shall remain unchanged for the whole period of this assignment.

Qualifications and Competencies

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English; or related field;
• Experience and quality of work demonstrably meet the highest international standards;
• Thorough knowledge of the English language;
• Experience working as a copy editor;
• Methodical working style;
• Concentration, accuracy and great attention to detail;
• Ability to multitask;
• Tact and diplomacy for negotiating changes with authors;
• Ability to work to tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to edit high quality, creative communication collaterals quickly and to style;
• Experience of working with the Government, UN and/or other international organizations is desirable;
• Excellent track record along with experience of editing documents for the social development sector;
• Possess good research, analytical and writing skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are kindly requested to send the following documents to:

Email: Zambia.office@unfpa.org

1. Letter of Interest (cover letter);
2. CV or Resume;
3. Performance evaluation reports or references of similar consultancy assignments (if available);
4. Financial proposal: Vendors must send a financial proposal based on Daily Fee in ZMW/USD.
   Please state separate Daily Fee for:
   a) Human interest stories and other communication materials: per word
   b) Reports/proposals: Per/page
   c) Papers: Per/page
   d) Proof Reading only: Per/word

Deadline: 25 September 2023