Issued on: 04/09/2014
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-Habitat
DUTY STATION: Nairobi/Kenya, with possible travel to the northern Somali region
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Publications and Visibility Expert/Editor
DURATION: 4 working months spread over 12 months
CLOSING DATE: 25 September 2014
BACKGROUND
The UN-Habitat Somalia Programme has worked with various partners in the Somali region for many years, in the sectors of infrastructure rehabilitation (including that related to roads, markets, water, health, and governance), shelter, economic empowerment, community housing, urban planning, capacity building, and support to marginalized groups.
Programme Context
In Somalia, the long-standing unstable country context has had widespread adverse social and economic effects. As a result of the conflict, as well as of recurring environmental shocks, large sections of the population have experienced long term displacement. In each region of Somalia, there are huge deficits in basic infrastructure and in the provision of essential services. Since the collapse of the state in 1991, the private sector and civil society, including local non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations, have become important providers of social services.
Urban populations in Somalia largely rely on an informal economy based on trade, the hospitality sector, transport, utilities (energy and water), communications and construction. Subsistence, petty trading, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are the sources of employment and income for the majority of city dwellers. Local communities – particularly youth, women, IDPs and other marginalized groups – have little opportunity to participate in processes that influence decision making, and opportunities to enhance livelihoods through business and technical and vocational skills training are limited.
It is estimated that between 30 percent and 66 percent of Somalia’s estimated population of 9.5 million is unemployed, and the greatest portion of those are under the age of 25.
One consequence of this high rate of unemployment is widespread poverty: it is thought that over 73 percent of the population have an income of less than $2 per day, while 43 percent live in extreme poverty, on less than $1 per day. It is believed that, due to the higher levels and prolonged duration of conflict, poverty is more extreme in South Central Somalia than in its northern regions. Due to poverty and the lack of job opportunities, labour migration (both to urban areas as well as abroad) is one of the main livelihood strategies, as is enrolment in non-state militias.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The expert will be responsible for the following outputs:
- Edit and co-write UN-Habitat Somalia newsletters, publications and other visibility-related documents
- Give editing and writing support to all reports
- Develop brochures or fact sheets on different project activities, as necessary
- Manage and update the UN-Habitat Somalia webpage
- Update the UN-Habitat intranet webpage with news and information on UN-Habitat Somalia activities
- Assist in laying out and printing programme documents
- Take a leading role in the distribution of visibility material
- Assist, provide guidance, or train staff on writing/editing issues, if required
- Other outputs where needed
COMPETENCIES (maximum of five)
Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN-Habitat. Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
EDUCATION
A university degree in English, journalism, communications, social sciences, planning or other fields relevant to the assignment.
WORK EXPERIENCE
A minimum of ten years of experience in editing, writing, and producing publications in a development context. Experience producing human interest stories is desirable. Proven experience with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable. Experience in post-conflict environments is desirable.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Excellent knowledge of English is required.
OTHER SKILLS
· Ability to use and follow style and branding guides.
· Ability to provide professional editing feedback with clarity and supporting information.
· Knowledge of computer programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc, as well as design programmes such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
· Knowledge of the Somali context and how development projects operate is an asset.
· Knowledge of UN-Habitat and its global mandate is an asset.
REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.
How to apply:
Applications should include:
· Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
· Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
- Educational Background (incl. dates)
- Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
- Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
- Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
- Expectations regarding remuneration
All applications should be submitted to:
UN-Habitat Somalia
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org
Please be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the
UN-Habitat e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 25 September 2014UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org
