Terms of Reference for an Editor (Consultant)

Terms of Reference for an Editor (Consultant)
Project Title:
Duration:
Start Date:
End date:
Assignment Scope:
Editor - Strengthening UNHCR’s Certification Programmes
About 60 Days (over 4 month’s period)
January 2015
May 2015
300 – 400 pages to be edited
Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 15 January 2015 (CET).
I. About UNHCR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December
14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its
primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.
II. About the GLC
The Global Learning Centre (GLC) opened its doors on 1 June 2009 in Budapest, with the goal of
improving organizational performance by providing all staff with opportunities to acquire
knowledge and learn new skills, so as to improve their performance and better manage their
individual career paths. The GLC is responsible for coordinating internal learning activities agencywide, ensuring that learning design, delivery, assessments and evaluations have the highest
substantive and methodological integrity, adopt state-of-art educational technologies and that
learning activities closely reflect institutional priorities.
III. Background of the project
The GLC is in the process of establishing a learning programme for its senior managers in field
locations: The Certification Programme for Representatives and Heads of Offices (C-PRHO). Upon
completion of the learning Programme, participants will earn a UNHCR recognized certification,
which will qualify them for possible selection for field representational positions. Staff members
will be invited to undergo a four-month self-study learning programme of functional and soft skill
modules and an accompanying case study before assessment. The total expected learning time is
between eighty to a hundred hours. The GLC, in collaboration with relevant subject matter
experts, is finalizing a solid draft of the functional modules and will soon need expert editorial
services to transform the draft into a more cohesive product with a homogenous tone.
IV. Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to edit the draft modules and produce a cohesive set of
learning materials for the Certification Programme for Representatives and Heads of Offices (CPRHO) learning programme that:
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Demonstrates a unified tone and perspective that meet the high-profile of the
programme;
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Preserves the key messages and core content provided by the expert authors;
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Applies relevant UN / UNHCR concepts and terminology;
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Supports the learning objectives and other instructional design considerations identified
for each topic (e.g. reader friendliness, learner-oriented approach, etc.) within the
framework of the overall learning programme.
V. Working arrangements
The consultant could be home-based, although travel to Budapest and/or Geneva is expected
during the course of the assignment. The assignment will entail frequent consultation with
relevant GLC functional officers, learning experts and content providers. The consultant will
regularly report to the GLC Learning Solutions Officer (Design and Development). A more detailed
work plan and travel schedule, if necessary, will be arranged with the reporting officer upon hire.
VI. Scope and Activities
The assignment entails the provision of high quality editorial service covering 300 – 400 pages as
described below:
1. The Editor will work with a set of UNHCR content experts and Learning specialists within the
Global Learning Center and under the direct supervision of a Learning Solutions Officer
(Design and Development) to conduct various editorial activities to produce the requested
learning materials for the C-PRHO.
2. The Editor will be expected to render the highest quality of editorial services to produce a
learning package that is cohesive, well structured, easy to read and consistent with UNHCR
terminologies. In so doing, the following sets of activities will be required:
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Structuring (or restructuring) of contents;
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Executing various editing activities (screening, structuring, proofreading, polishing,
etc.) on the learning materials provided by the content experts to meet the overall
framework and instructional design considerations within the C-PRHO;
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Ensuring compliance with UN / UNHCR submission standards and regulations
throughout all the materials, such as typographical accuracy in conformity with UN /
UNHCR editorial rules and style as well as consistent application and terminology;
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Ensuring that the tone, language and perspective of the materials match the intended
audience and assist learning;
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In case of restructuring and/or paraphrasing, ensuring the maintenance of proper
breadth and depth of materials as well as sound conclusions;
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Ensuring a logical consistency and flow across the various components of the package;
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Checking and editing materials for proper syntax, composition, spelling, grammar, and
punctuation, etc.;
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Ensuring factual validation of cross-referencing content with authors and verifying
headings, statistics, data in graphs, and footnote entries;
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Maintaining a versioning system together with the Learning Solutions Section of the GLC
for monitoring development of the learning materials; and
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Providing advice on imaging, graphic design and desktop publishing functions.
Outputs
The key deliverables are as follows:
1. Properly edited (as per agreed requirements) self-study learning modules and case study for
the C-PRHO Programme. (Approximately 300-400 pages of pre-edited content)
VIII.
Requirements, qualifications and experience
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
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Previous experience working with UNHCR as a staff or consultant;
University degree in Communications, Journalism or related field;
At least five years of experience in the field of Journalism, Publishing and/ or
Communications;
Excellent written and spoken English. (Working knowledge of another UN language is an
asset.);
Proven editing and proofreading experience;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
Familiarity with academic publication standards;
Familiarity with instructional design concepts as well as educational technology will be an
asset;
Information Technology skills (including experience with website and publications
software preferred; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent programs, as well
as Microsoft Office applications including PowerPoint; working experience with
educational technology, Learning Management System (LMS)) will be an asset;
Creativity, with strong editorial and design skills;
An excellent eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to take ownership, prioritize, and meet deadlines with minimal
supervision.
IX. Submission of Applications
If you think you meet the qualification criteria above and are interested, please submit your
application in MS Word or PDF format and include the following information:
1. A short letter outlining your understanding of the assignment, explaining why you consider
yourself fit for this assignment and highlighting relevant and concrete experience only.
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2. Proposed fee (in USD). Do not include travel costs. These will be borne separately by UNHCR
in line with UN Rules and Regulations.
3. Curriculum vitae including full contact details of at least two references from among recent
clients.
X. Assessment Method
Qualified applicants will be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other
assessment methods.
Please submit your application via email to Mr. Vafolay Tulay ([email protected]) with a copy to Ms.
Viktoria Csozik ([email protected]). Only applicants under serious consideration will be contacted.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, 15 January 2015 (CET).
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