Editor Consultant – For the Fiji Country Gender Assessment Report, UN Women Fiji MCO
Contract
This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.
Background
Background
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. The UN Women Pacific sub-region has four main thematic areas:
- Ending Violence against Women (EVAW);
- Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) which includes the Markets for Change project (M4C);
- Humanitarian Response and Disaster Risk Reduction; and
- Women’s Political Empowerment and Leadership.
The Fiji Country Gender Assessment is a project under UN Women’s normative work to support Governments and stakeholders to have increased capacity to assess progress in implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and other global normative and policy frameworks for gender equality and the empowerment of all women. This project is led by Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation with funding support from New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The project focuses on the development of the Fiji Country Gender Assessment (FCGA) Report. This is in response to the Government of Fiji’s commitment to the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The FCGA report provides a comprehensive overview of gender issues in various sectors. The FCGA is a critical knowledge product and expected to highlight many of the achievements made in the past 5 years, identify remaining challenges as well as be used as the evidence-based policy tool. It would present an understanding of persisting gender inequality and its causes, how it intersects with other inequalities, how it impacts the realisation of human rights and equitable access to benefits of development efforts as well as an understanding of the governments’ commitment, using a gender equality lens, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030 Agenda.
In this context, FCGA contains qualitative information, sex-age disaggregated data and analysis in the identified/selected sectors to contribute to policy dialogues and facilitate to integrate gender concerns and priorities across the Government's relevant policies, strategies, programmes and budgets. It also intends to provide comprehensive recommendations for MWCPA and other line ministries to deepen the collective efforts for promoting gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment in Fiji.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work required under this contract is to undertake consultancy for copy and content editing of the following chapters under the Fiji Country Gender Assessment Report from 17 November- 15 February 2022 as per the scope of work listed below. The chapters are cumulatively 200-250 pages with policy briefs (3-5 pages) for each chapter. The following are the 9 Chapters which are part of the FCGA report:
- Women and Leadership and Decision Making
- Social Norms, Attitudes and Behaviors
- Violence Against Women and Girls
- Gender and Education
- Gender and Environment
- Accountability and Gender Responsive Institutions
- Gender and Economy
- Gender and Health
- Fiji Country Gender Assessment Data Landscape
Scope of Work/Duties and Responsibilities
- Thoroughly review the 9 chapters and policy briefs, strengthen the analysis and overall content to make it more comprehensive and readers friendly.
- Provide editing and proofreading of the report including spelling, typography, grammar, improve phrasing and language, punctuation and use of language style.
- 1 round of proofreading of designed/layout version in PDF for the completed FCGA report.
- Editorial advice on layout and design – ensuring that sections are in the correct order and that there is consistency in style and layout for each chapter.
- Write up Forward and Acknowledgement Note.
A word document of the final text that was sent for layout will be shared, along with a PDF of the draft that was shared with stakeholders for comments (that has a few additional edits not reflected in Word Doc.)
The Editor will be responsible for ensuring:
- Editing to sharpen the content and structure, ensuring the Gender Analysis is clear and concise.
- Copy editing, proof reading, filling in gaps in the information, restructuring and rewriting if required.
- Correct spelling and appropriate use of words with correct grammar and syntax.
- A 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.
- Clearly incorporate all footnotes, sources, references from the finalized FCGA chapters and ensure that the references are accurately captured, complete and consistent in style.
- Clear annexes, bibliography and Table of content.
- Thorough review of annexes (people consulted, bibliography, etc) to highlight incomplete areas along with consistency in presentation as per UN Women publication guidelines.
- Work with the graphic designer to provide editorial advice on layout and design.
- Proofread designed layout files to ensure a complete print ready file.
Duration of the assignment
The duration of this assignment will be up to an estimated 40 working days from December 2021 to February 2022 Work must begin as soon as possible.
Expected Deliverables
The Consultant is expected to work and deliver the following results during the approved period of work.
The total 8 FCGA chapters cumulatively will be approximately around 200-250 pages.
#
Key Deliverables
Time Frame / Key Dates and Tentative # of days required for accomplishment of task
Deliverable due date (tentative)
Sample proposed Layout and Template for FCGA Report and workplan
Up to 3 working days
31 Dec 2021
1st Tranche payment 10% upon submission of workplan and sample FCGA Report template
Submit finalized chapter on Women and Leadership and Decision Making.
Up to 3 working days
31 Dec 2021
Submit finalized chapter Social Norms, Attitudes and Behaviors
Up to 2 working days
31 Dec 2021
Submit finalized chapter Violence Against Women and Girls
Up to 3 working days
31 Dec 2021
Submit finalized chapter Gender and Education
Up to 3 working days
31 Dec 2021
2nd Tranche payment 30% upon submission of finalised chapters (deliverables 1-4 above)
Submit finalized chapter Gender and Environment
Up to 3 working days
31 Jan 2022
Submit finalized chapter Accountability and Gender Responsive Institutions
Up to 2 working days
31 Jan 2022
Submit finalized chapter Gender and Economy
Up to 3 working days
31 Jan 2022
Submit finalized chapter Gender and Health
Up to 3 working days
31 Jan 2022
Submit finalized chapter Fiji Country Gender Assessment Data Landscape
Up to 3 working days
31 Jan 2022
3rd Tranche payment 30% upon submission of finalised chapters (deliverables 5-9 above)
Final review of the FCGA report – designed layout files
Up to 3 working days
10 Feb 2022
Submit finalized Policy briefs
Up to 3 working days
10 Feb 2022
Submit finalized Cover page, Table of content, Acknowledgment, Annexes and Bibliography.
Up to 6 working days
10 Feb 2022
4th and Final Tranche payment 30% to be done upon submission of deliverables 12 and 13 and consolidated FCGA Report
TOTAL
Up to 40 working days
(Final submission of deliverable will be 1 week before 15th Feb 2022)
Upon receipt of the final deliverables and prior to the payment of the instalment, the deliverables, related reports, and documents will be reviewed and approved by UN Women at least within 10 days of submission. The deliverables need to be cleared and approved by UN Women and Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Director Women and Permanent Secretary.
Inputs
Management Arrangements:
The Consultant will work under the guidance and supervision of the UN Women Programme Specialist who will provide overall management and supervision. The Programme Specialist in consultation with Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation will review and approve all outputs and shall work in close coordination with the Consultant.
Performance evaluation
Contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.
Financial Arrangements
Payments will be disbursed to the consultant in instalments, upon submission and approval of deliverables set forth in the section “Expected Outputs and Deliverables” above, and certification by the UN Women Programme Specialist that the services have been satisfactorily performed.
No relocation costs will be provided for the position.
Competencies
Core Values
- Respect for Diversity;
- Integrity;
- Professionalism.
Core Competencies
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
- Accountability;
- Creative Problem Solving;
- Effective Communication;
- Inclusive Collaboration;
- Stakeholder Engagement;
- Leading by Example.
Functional Competencies
- Ability to think conceptually, strategically and analytically;
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Results oriented, flexible and problem-solving skills.
Required Skills and Experience
The Consultant should fulfill the following requirements:
Education
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Gender Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Science or other related field is required.
- A first-level University Degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience and skills
- At least 7 years (with Masters’ degree) or 9 years (with first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in editing work at national or international level including practical experience as an English editor.
- Demonstrate strong written communication, research and analytical and ability to rapidly integrate information from various sources.
- Specific experience in editing documents for publication.
- Proven experience in developing publications.
- Knowledge of the social-cultural, economic and political context is an asset.
- Skilled writer, researcher, facilitator and communicator, with experience writing materials for UN agencies, donors and partners.
Knowledge and experiences of reviewing reports containing Gender Analysis.
United Nations experience an asset.
Language and other skills
- Outstanding command of written and spoken English is required;
- Excellent writing and editing/reviewing skills;
- Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use internet and email.
Evaluation
Initially, individual consultants will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Gender Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Science or other related field is required.
- A first-level University Degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- At least 7 years (with Masters’ degree) or 9 years (with first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in editing work at national or international level including practical experience as an English editor.
The shortlisted individual consultant will be further evaluated based on a cumulative analysis process, with a total score being obtained upon the combination of weighted technical and financial attributes.
Cost under this method of analysis is rendered as an award criterion, which will be 30% out of a total score of 100 points.
Evaluation of submitted offers will be done based on the following formula:
where:
T
is the total technical score awarded to the evaluated proposal (only to those proposals that pass 70% of 70 points obtainable under technical evaluation);
C
is the price of the evaluated proposal;
Clow
is the lowest of all evaluated proposal prices among responsive proposals; and
X
is the maximum financial points obtainable (30 points)
Technical evaluation will be represented through desk review of applications. Interviews and/or written tests will be organized if needed only, depending on the short-listed candidates’ qualifications.
Technical Qualification Evaluation Criteria: The technical part is evaluated based on its responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR).
No.
Criteria
Maximum points
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Gender Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Science or other related field is required.
- A first-level University Degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
First-level university degree – 5 pts,
Masters’ or equivalent of 10 pts
10
- At least 7 years (with Masters’ degree) or 9 years (with first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in editing work at national or international level including practical experience as an English editor.
*7 years (**Masters’* *Degree) or 9 years (first-level university degree) – 7 pts,*
Each year over 7 (or 9) years - 1 pts up to a max 10 pts
10
- Demonstrate strong written communication, research and analytical and ability to rapidly integrate information from various sources.
7
- Specific experience in editing documents for publication.
7
- Proven experience in developing publications.
5
- Knowledge of the social-cultural, economic and political context is an asset.
5
- Skilled writer, researcher, facilitator and communicator, with experience writing materials for UN agencies, donors and partners.
7
- Knowledge and experiences of reviewing reports containing Gender Analysis.
3
- United Nations experience is an asset.
3
- Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use internet and email.
3
Outstanding command of written and spoken English is required.
Excellent writing and editing/reviewing skills.
10
Maximum Total Technical Scoring
70
Financial Qualification Evaluation Criteria: In the Second Stage, the financial proposal of candidates, who have attained minimum 70% score in the technical evaluation (at least 49 points), will be compared.
WINNING CANDIDATE
The winning candidate will be the candidate, who has accumulated the highest aggregated score (technical scoring + financial scoring).
Submission of application
Interested candidates are requested to submit fully completed application on the UNDP Vacancy Site.
Submission Package:
- Cover letter explaining the suitability of the consultant: applicants are encouraged to address experience and qualifications listed in the ‘criteria for technical evaluation’.
- Duly filled Personal History Form (P11) and/or Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Consultant including records of experience in similar assignments and specific outputs obtained; P11 can be downloaded at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
- Financial proposal – specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this Terms of Reference. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (daily rate and number of anticipate working days and any other possible costs).
- Please read, use and complete ANNEX I and ANNEX II below to provide your financial proposal.
Applications without a complete financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment. UN Women reserves the right to accept or reject any bid.
The consultancy recruitment process will be governed by the rules and regulations of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).
UN Women Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check).
Deadline of all submission: 22nd November 2021.
Annex I
Price Proposal Guideline and Template
The prospective Individual Contractor should take the following explanations into account during submission of his/her price proposal.
1.Lump Sum Amount
The daily price proposal should indicate a "lump sum amount" which is "all-inclusive"; All costs (professional fees, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Individual Contractor needs to be factored into the proposed price.
UN Women will not withhold any amount of the payments for tax and/or social security related payments. UN Women shall have no liability for taxes, duties or other similar charges payable by the Individual Contractor in respect of any amounts paid to the Individual Contractor under this Contract, and the Contractor acknowledges that UN Women will not issue any statements of earnings to the Individual contractor in respect of any such payments.
Contract price is fixed to activities/deliverables indicated in the ToR, regardless of the changes in the cost components (such as days invested for completion of the deliverables.)
2.Travel costs
No travel is envisaged for the implementation of the current assignments.
3.Daily Subsistence Allowance
Not applicable.
4.Currency of the price proposal
The applicants are requested to submit their price proposals in USD.
In case of proposals in other currency, these shall be converted into USD using the official UN exchange rate for currency conversion at the date of applications’ submission deadline.
Annex II
Price Proposal Submission Form
[ Mandatory document for the Consultant to complete and submit]
To: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
Ref: Editor Consultant – For the Fiji Country Gender Assessment Report, UN Women Fiji MCO
Dear Sir / Madam,
I, the undersigned, offer to provide professional consulting services to UN Women within the scope of the referred Assignment. Having examined, understood, and agreed to the Terms of Reference and its annexes, the receipt of which are hereby duly acknowledged, I, the undersigned, offer to deliver professional services, in conformity with the Terms of Reference.
My maximum total price proposal for the assignment is given below:
Estimated Costs (in USD$)
Unit of Measure (e.g., Day, Month, etc)
Unit Price
(USD$)
No. of Units
Total Price
(USD$)
Consultancy Fee
Daily Fee
$
Other Related Costs (please specify)
$
Total USD$
$
I confirm that my financial proposal will remain unchanged. I also confirm that the price that I quote is gross, and is inclusive of all legal expenses, including but not limited to social security, income tax, pension, etc., which shall be required applicable laws.
I agree that my proposal shall remain binding upon me for 30 working days.
I understand that you are not bound to accept any proposal you may receive.
[ Signature]
Date:
Name:
Address:
Telephone / Fax:
Email: