Location : ETHIOPIA
Application Deadline : 25-Nov-13
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 27-Nov-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : 10 working days
Expected Duration of Assignment :10 working days
Background
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Ethiopia is commissioning a Consultant to undertake comprehensive editing of the publication termed ‘Turning the Tide'- Advancing the Gender Equality Agenda in Elections and Management of Diversity in Africa. The publication is part of UN Women Ethiopia's on-going work on gender and elections and is based upon the discussions held at the eighth African Governance Forum (AGF – VIII) in Gaborone, Botswana, in October 2012. The AGF recognizes the need to facilitate a debate on contemporary issues relating to democracy in Africa as well as promote progressive institutions, policies and laws. Subsequently the African Governance Forum is periodically convened to review the state of democracy and governance on the continent . Hence, the main outcome of the AGF is to identify concrete policy options for forward looking actions by diverse stakeholders. In order to provide a gender sensitive lens to issues related to democracy, governance and diversity management UN Women Ethiopia commissioned several researchers to closely study the inter-linkage between gender and elections. As the countries across the African continent continue to strive to ensure the effective implementation of democratic processes as well as hold free, fair, transparent and democratic elections it becomes imperative that policymakers and stakeholders comprehend the importance of non-discrimination of women during electoral processes. Thus, UN Women subsequently underlines that 'democracy depends on women's full participation, [thus] by definition, their limited political voice impedes the quality of governance'. The close inter-linkage between gender and elections has been illustrated in the past as women for instance have been subjected to sexual and gender-based violence in the aftermath of elections. By producing this Knowledge Product on Gender and Elections UN Women Ethiopia aspires to influence as well as inform relevant stakeholders and policymakers at the national, regional and international level regarding the importance of recognizing women's participatory rights as well as their special vulnerabilities. The spotlight on elections acknowledges that popularly supported, legitimate institutions can promote peace, manage diversity and conflicts, as well as result in increased economic growth and long term development. Inclusion of all citizens, in particular promoting the full participation of women and men in elections responds to international and regional standards relating to free and fair elections.
The Knowledge Product on Gender and Elections consists of the following components:
- An introductory chapter;
- An issue paper from the eighth African Governance Forum focusing on gender, elections and diversity management;
- A study on good practices on gender, elections and diversity management;
- A study on violence against women in the context of elections;
- A critique of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of UN Women Country Representative, the consultants is expected to:
- Produce high-quality (content and details) editing of the English version of the Knowledge Product on Gender and Elections, including: Substantive and organizational editing, to clarify logic and presentation as well as in the right style for the intended audience; Correcting typographical errors, punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary;Making corrections to ensure stylistic consistency, consistency in the use of terminologies, clarity of expression by re-writing where necessary;
- Check facts and ensure error-free texts, and raise any related queries with the researchers and the Program Officer;
- Ensure that all references and sources are accurately and consistently stipulated;
- Ensure that figures, charts, graphs, boxes and tables are correctly identified and cross-referenced in the texts, and that data from them are also accurately reflected in the document;
- Ensure that the formatting is consistent;
- Ensure correlation between the list of acronyms and their occurrence throughout the texts;
- Ensure that footnotes are consistently numbered, appropriately positioned and formatted;
- The editorial work submitted to UN Women under this Terms of Reference is the property of UN Women and cannot be submitted, distributed to or used by any other party, unless arranged otherwise;
- The editor is obligated to work within the required deadlines and be available to UN Women for comments and corrections.
Deliverable
- The Consultant will primarily produce a coherent, logical and consistent Knowledge Product on Gender and Elections by conducting comprehensive editing of the five different components of the document.
Competencies
Professionalism
- Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work;
- Good writing skills; high standards of accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text;
- Good grasp of the subject matter;
- Ability to use all sources of reference, consultation and information relevant to the text at hand;
- Ability to maintain an adequate speed and volume of output, taking into account the difficulty of the text and the specified deadline;
- Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
- Must have the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure, shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges as well as remains calm in stressful situations.
Client Orientation
- Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;
- Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
- Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
- Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
- Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Communication
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
- Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
- Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
- Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
- Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork
- Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
- Is willing to learn from others;
- Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Post-graduate background within at least one of the following thematic areas: Political Science, International Relations, Gender, Human Rights, Law or any other related field of study.
Experience
- Extensive experience working with issues related to gender, diversity management, governance and elections (preferably within an international context);
- Previous experience working within the United Nations system or other inter-governmental organizations will be considered an advantage;
- At least ten years of work experience in the relevant field, with proven research and editorial skills;
- Extensive and demonstrated experience in content editing and writing as well as the publication of materials of similar nature;
- Highly proficient in MS Word, and familiar with other MS Office software.
Language
- Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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