CONSULTANT: PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH WRITER

Location :Home based online job

Application Deadline :12-Mar-09

Additional Category :Women’s Empowerment

Type of Contract :SSA
Languages Required :English

Starting Date :25-Feb-2009
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)

Duration of Initial Contract :12 month On-Call period (with an estimated total of 60 days)
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Background

UNIFEM is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s human rights in Afghanistan. Staff and consultants of UNIFEM Afghanistan are expected to contribute to a professional working environment in which the strengthening of national capacities and human potential is prioritized. Respect for diversity and human dignity is required, as is the active pursuit of a collaborative and inclusive approach to both internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues and partners.

Summary:
UNIFEM’s Women, Peace & Governance Unit aims to build the capacity of and strengthen opportunities for Afghan women to mobilize as political actors of change as a means of demanding accountability by state and non-state actors on the implementation of gender equality commitments, including provisions of women’s full and meaningful participation in peace and governance processes at the community, sub-national and national levels. The unit operates within the framework of UN SCR 1325, CEDAW, the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan (NAPWA) and the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS).

As the unit is in the early days of its inception, it is in need of a Professional English Writer to be on-call for a period of 6 months, with the aim of working 20 days over this period, to help the unit produce materials and communications to the highest standards. Under the direct supervision of the UNIFEM Women, Peace & Governance Deputy Unit Manager, the Professional English Writer will take the lead in producing professional English documents for the unit which includes the production of newsletters, the production of brochures, the drafting of Terms of Reference (TORs) for national and international UNIFEM staff, and to work with current staff to strengthen their English writing skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

* Professional English Writing. The Consultant will be responsible for the drafting and finalization of English language materials issued by the Women, Peace & Governance unit, including but not limited to TORs, brochures, newsletters and on-line bulletins.
* English writing support to WP&G unit staff, and to other UNIFEM units or staff as assigned by the WP&G Unit Manager or Deputy Country Director. The Consultant will work with WP&G unit staff to ensure a high standard of English in all official materials and communications.
* Liaising with UNIFEM Operations. The Consultant will work in close collaboration with the UNIFEM Operations unit in order to help expedite recruitment processes and the production of official unit materials.

Competencies

* Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
* Powerful analytical skills.
* Commitment to capacity development.
* Excellent teamwork skills, cross-cultural and gender sensitivity.
* Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

* University degree in English Language or other related fields, including international studies, peace and conflict, political science, or gender;
* 3-5 years relevant work experience;
* Proven excellent English language written and oral communication skills;
* Proven ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and contribute to a team environment of respect, recognition, and mutual accountability;
* Commitment to upholding the organizational values and principles of UNIFEM Afghanistan;
* Ability to work with junior staff with the aim to empower and build potential;
* An understanding of the social, cultural, and political context of Afghanistan and its relation to gender;
* Experience working in Afghanistan.
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