Engagement of Writers – Editors (Local – Uzbek/Russian) and Writer – Editor (International Consultancy – Native English) on Long Term Arrangement (LTA)/Roster

BACKGROUND

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

Advocacy, communication, and partnerships are key strategic priorities for achieving programme results in Uzbekistan. To support these goals, UNFPA requires compelling digital content, publications, and reports to mobilize support from decision-makers and the public.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

UNFPA Uzbekistan seeks to engage highly creative and professional writers and editors to document activities and programmes for multiple audiences, including the general public, donors, and partners. This LTA will facilitate and expedite the hiring of professionals for specific projects, campaigns, and humanitarian emergency materials.

PROGRAMME AREA AND SPECIFIC PROJECT AREA

The consultant under the LTA arrangement will support all programme areas by providing professional editing and writing services. Specific contract managers will provide supervision for specific services contracted under the provisions of this LTA. Technical supervision will be provided by the Operations\Programme team.

OBJECTIVE(S)

The overall objective is to set up a Long-Term Agreement to facilitate and expedite the process by which the UNFPA Uzbekistan will hire professionals as required for specific projects to develop advocacy, communication, campaign and humanitarian emergency materials that demonstrate UNFPA's activities in the field to raise awareness.

MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

Successful consultants must provide writing, editing/proofreading services to produce quality communication, visibility and advocacy products including programme reports, case studies/documenting, human interest stories, articles, fact sheets and other documents related to the implementation of the UNFPA Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030 – Uzbekistan.

The consultant will provide writing, editing, and proofreading services for the following products:

-Event coverage stories, news and other materials for UNFPA web site (250-800 words): (first draft in 2-3 days)

- Human interest stories or media articles (500-1,500 words): (first draft in 3-5 days)

- Reports of UNFPA-supported events/workshops/projects in (1,500-8,000 words): (first draft in 3-5 days)

- Publications, briefing kits etc.: (Timeline can vary depending on the quantity of content. Consultant will deliver in agreed time with supervisor before being assigned)

- Be available for several rounds of editing

- Deliver on tight, short timelines as needed- Articles/stories/reports should meet UNFPA quality standards and guidelines concerning length, style, and format.

- The consultant will incorporate the comments and suggestions by UNFPA. Timelines for subsequent drafts and final

Responsibilities of the Consultant: 

The consultants will use their own equipment; laptop, software and other accessories and software that may be required for this task. 

The consultant will not give the content/material or any part thereof to any third party without the written permission of UNFPA. All components will be the property of UNFPA, and the consultant will not share the same with anyone else. 

The consultant will not put their own name or logo/emblem on the content / final product. The only organization branding will be UNFPA, if required. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNFPA:

To provide a thorough briefing, information and technical update as required by programme colleagues.

6. DELIVERABLES:

At the end of each assignment, the editor\writer will deliver high quality  documents in English/ Uzbek/ Russian language(s); and editing/writing services within the given time ensuring clarity and correctness:

7. TRAVEL:

Payment of travel costs including tickets, DSA, etc. should be agreed upon, between UNFPA and the consultant as part of the quotation for each specific assignment and included in the respective purchase order. All air travel will be by economy class irrespective of the duration of travel. Travel expenses will be reimbursed as and when they take place in accordance with UNFPA rules and regulations.

8. ESTIMATED DURATION OF LTA:

Twelve (12) months with optional extension of twenty four (24) months (36 months in total)

9. QUALIFICATIONS / SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE/ LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED

Writer – Editor (Local Consultancy)

At least 3 years’ experience of writing stories, articles, features, human interest stories or reports on social issues for public audiences in Russian, Uzbek or Karakalpak, preferably in a media or development environment. Experience as a writer-editor is essential.

Perfect, professional fluency in written and spoken Uzbek and/or Russian, Karakalpak.

Experience of working with UNFPA and/or other UN agencies is an asset.

Basic knowledge of English is an advantage.

Writer – Editor (International Consultancy)

At least 3 years’ experience of writing stories, articles, features, human interest stories or reports on social issues for public audiences in English, preferably in a media or development environment. Experience as a writer-editor is essential.

Perfect, professional fluency in written and spoken English.

Experience of working with UNFPA and/or other UN agencies is an asset.

Note: Candidates are free to apply to any category based on their qualifications and experience. They can also apply for multiple categories or all of them. UNFPA will award LTA to top ranked 10 (ten) candidates under each category. A candidate may be awarded LTA for one or more than one category.

10. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA (WITH WEIGHTS FOR EACH CRITERIA)

The selection of consultants for the LTA will be based on technical evaluation. The criteria for technical evaluation will be as follows:

11. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The LTA to be signed will have a fixed fee rate for three years (should there be a change in the UN establishment common rates for translation services, the variation agreement is signed). However, UNFPA in Uzbekistan does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming needs.

Payment will be made after completion of deliverables and submission of invoices for the actual work completed, subject to satisfactory performance.

12. CONTRACTS CREATED AGAINST THE LTA

Whenever writer and editor services are required, details of the requirement/deliverables including quantities and deadlines will be presented to the top-ranking LTA holder. Should this consultant not be available for this assignment, UNFPA in Uzbekistan will contact the second ranked consultant and so on, while ensuring

Upon receipt of confirmation of availability and interest in the assignment, a contract will be issued with the prices/fees agreed in the LTA. The consultant must sign the contract prior commencement of work.

Payment will be made after completion of deliverables and submission of invoices for the actual work completed, subject to satisfactory performance.

13. HOW TO APPLY

Applications shall be submitted through the designated online application link and must include the following four (4) separate attachments:

Three Work Samples or Portfolio –It is critical to submit work samples as you will observe from the advertisement that marks have been assigned to these criteria for arriving at the most suitable candidate (to be uploaded online)

Without all the above 3 documents your application will be considered incomplete and invalid and will not be considered further.

UNFPA is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds including persons living with disabilities to apply.