Call for freelance writers, editors and editorial project coordinators

Contract type	Short-term consultancy/retainer contract
Date of issue:	17 November 2011
Deadline for applications:	1 December 2011
Position Title:	Freelance writers, editors and editorial project coordinators for roster
Organizational Unit	Writing and Publications Unit, Communications Division
Duty station:	Multiple (Rome and home-based)
Duration of assignment:	various

Background

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) works with poor rural people to enable them to grow and sell more food, increase their incomes and determine the direction of their own lives. Since 1978, IFAD has invested about US$13.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans to developing countries through projects empowering some 400 million people to break out of poverty, thereby helping to create vibrant rural communities. IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency based in Rome – the UN’s food and agricultural hub. It is a unique partnership of 167 members from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), other developing countries and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The Writing and Publications Unit is part of IFAD’s Communications Division. The unit is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, researching and writing corporate materials for a variety of audiences. These products are designed to raise global awareness of rural poverty, the complexities of its causes, and how IFAD’s work can contribute to its eradication. They also tell the individual stories of poor rural women, men and young people involved in IFAD-funded activities, recounting their experiences. The unit also coordinates the development and production of publications such as IFAD’s Annual Report, and provides editorial guidance to the Fund’s technical divisions on the preparation of publications and other materials.

Roster

The Writing and Publications Unit is updating its roster of freelance writers, editors and editorial project coordinators for short-term assignments. We will select for the roster only those candidates whose professional experience and qualifications meet the requirements described below. We may ask candidates to complete a written test.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of the Writing and Publications Unit or, where applicable, the Manager, Web, Knowledge and Internal Communications, tasks will include:

• Conceptualizing, planning, researching and writing high-level corporate communication products for a variety of audiences. Products may include: opinion editorials and articles for publication in major international newspapers, periodicals and journals; speeches; texts for the IFAD’s Annual Report; thematic factsheets; newsletters; promotional brochures and flyers; text for collateral materials; exhibit texts; stories from the field; and country and topic pages for IFAD’s web-based communication channels.
• Rewriting and/or substantive editing of technical publications and other materials, working in close consultation with originators and authors in IFAD’s technical divisions.
• Developing contacts with Communications Division staff and IFAD technical staff as appropriate, to define the main emphasis and approach of materials to be developed.
• Copyediting texts to ensure consistency with IFAD style and to eliminate spelling and grammatical errors.
• Coordinating the development, editing, translation and production phases for publications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience

• University Degree in Communications, Journalism or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience as a writer or editor in the field of communications, media relations, public relations, publishing, advocacy or public information, with knowledge of development issues.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Good planner and implementer.
• Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop good working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Good judgement and ability to work independently.
• Good knowledge of the UN system is an asset.

Languages

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of other IFAD languages (Arabic, French, Spanish) is an asset.

Additional information

Please note that consultants are not staff of IFAD, and that this consultancy does not carry any expectation of employment with the Fund. Remuneration will be in line with the standards set for UN consultants.

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To apply for the editorial roster, send your Personal History Form and a one-page letter of interest by 1 December 2011 to: wpu-roster@ifad.org

• IFAD can recruit consultants only from its Member States.
  
• Applications from women candidates are particularly encouraged.
  
• Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.