Specialist, Strategic Writing and Editing

Background

UNDP, through the Regional Programme promotes political participation and leadership among women, their economic empowerment, and their engagement in peace and security. UNDP works to advance gender equality and empower women as agents of change and leaders in the development processes that shape their lives towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient world. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are integrated in the organization’s work in promoting sustainable development pathways, inclusive and effective governance systems and resilience building.  UNDP’s framework for engagement is drawn from the four interconnected pathways identified in the Africa Human Development Report on accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa: a) supporting implementation of existing legal reforms for improved gender equality; b) engaging women in decision-making at all levels, including in conflict resolution and peace consolidation; c) eliminating discriminatory social institutions that block women’s health and education; and d) providing equitable access to economic, financial and natural resources.

The 2022-25 Strategic Offer for Africa, focusing on six impact areas (structural economic transformation, natural resource governance, climate change, affordable and sustainable energy, women and youth empowerment, and peace and security) prioritizes the region’s economic and developmental transformation. Aligned with these overarching priorities, the Regional Programme for Africa (2022-25) is a flagship UNDP programme that contributes to regional development by addressing challenges facing Africa and amplifying opportunities related to the priorities and aspirations defined by the African Union and other regional entities.

The UNDP Regional Service Center for Africa, through the Regional Programme for Africa, seeks to recruit a Strategic Writer and Editor to support implementation of Regional Programme in areas of strategic reporting writing, content review and analysis, and strategic corporate communication. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Coordinator, working closely with the three hubs in Africa, HQ, relevant thematic teams and external/internal partners to enhance visibility and impact communication of the Regional Programme through creative and strategic writing, research and development of high-level inputs for range of knowledge products, briefing notes, analysis, speeches, presentations and papers.

Scope of Work

The Specialist, Strategic Writing and Editing will play a crucial role in developing, refining, and executing our content strategy. This position requires a creative and strategic thinker with exceptional writing and editing skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of content marketing, brand voice, and audience engagement. The Specialist, Strategic Writing and Editing will be responsible for the following tasks:

I. Strategic Content Development:

• Draft and prepare compressive strategic contents for high level reports, knowledge product, speeches, presentations in coordination with other teams throughout RSCA, regional hubs and RBA;
• Support the development of various communication materials and knowledge products, such as periodic reports, research reports, discussion papers, consultation papers, fact sheets, and press releases;
• Provide clear and timely guidance to facilitate strategic positioning of the RSCA and the Regional Programme in the preparation of briefs, speeches and reports for specific audience;
• Review speeches, concept notes, reports, briefs, background papers, etc. for substantive accuracy, completeness, strategic messaging, in liaison with the relevant thematic teams, the hubs, RBA and HQ units, as needed;
• Develop analysis materials, internal written communications, knowledge products for RP initiatives relating to the Regional Programme priority areas.

II. Editing and Proofreading:

• Prepare analytical reviews and systematically capture lessons learnt from the RSCA and Regional Programme interventions through the various thematic projects and initiatives;
• Conduct high-level review and analyze relevant regional programme reports, knowledge products, documents and submissions for the approval or clearance of the Regional Programme Coordinator and Director, as needed to ensure alignment with corporate guidance and standards as well as to ensure quality and comprehensiveness of inputs;
• Provide strategic inputs to the elaboration of narrative / annual reports focusing on results, output, and outcomes;
• Support the Regional Programme Coordinator to collect and analyze information, including qualitative data, on partners, projects and initiatives, and prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for collaboration.

III. Document Review and Presentation:

• Thoroughly review all relevant documentation including reports and knowledge products, communication reports and data incorporated, and any additional background materials provided;
• Conduct a detailed and comprehensive assessment of draft strategic notes and documents to ensure completeness of information, accuracy of data, consistency with past reports and UNDP writing guidelines;
• Provide feedback on the draft reports, knowledge products and strategic notes, identifying  inconsistencies, highlighting any missing or unclear information, and addressing issues of relevance to the effectiveness of communication;
• Offer actionable suggestions for enhancing draft reports, knowledge products, presentations, strategic notes around structure and organization, clarity and readability, and overall presentation, including visual aids and formatting;
• Collaborate closely with the relevant hubs, office and project teams to discuss and address any identified issues and ensure that necessary revisions are made so the final report meets required standards and UNDP writing and editorial guidelines;
• Prepare comprehensive review reports and presentations that includes a summary of findings from review.

IV. Research and Drafting

• Research UNDP and external data sources and technology relevant to the regional programme and compile information to support strategic positioning of RP programme and project implementation;
• Undertake targeted data research and data collection for regional programme flagship initiatives and projects;
• Undertake high level analysis based on Regional Programme primary- and open-source data;
• Coordinate drafting of substantive inputs into preparations of meeting materials, including agenda, accompaniment, and supporting materials for engagements of the Regional Programme, as well as management of the RSCA;
• Provide ad-hoc editorial support to various regional programme emerging initiatives, liaising with relevant teams;
• As needed, support the commissioning of relevant services and contracts.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Specialist, Strategic Writing and Editing is based at UNDP’s Regional Service Center for Africa, as part of the Regional Programme Team and will be supervised by the Regional Programme Coordinator and will work in close collaboration with the Hubs, Country Offices and UNDP’s policy, programme, management and various project teams.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact ;

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems;

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences;

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands;

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results;

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration;

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

• Systems Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Development

• Working with Evidence and Data
  • Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.
• Partnerships Management
  • Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Results-based Management
  • Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
• Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively;
  • Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.

Communication

• Storytelling
  • Ability to convey information in engaging narratives through digital media to achieve communication outcomes.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Academic Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree) or equivalent in International Development, Social Sciences, International Relations or related field is required, or;
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• Minimum  of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional working experience in strategic communications, research, reporting, knowledge management, and/or communications is required.

Required skills and competencies

• Proven experience in collecting, analyzing, synthesizing and interpreting information to produce high-quality, high-level strategic communication and reports is required;
• Experience in writing strategic communication materials, flagship reports and strategic notes is required;
• Experience in high-level, impactful communication contents development, planning and execution is required;
• Proficiency and proven experience in the use of Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point) is required.

Required Language(s) at working level

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
• Working knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian) will be an advantage.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

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