AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
FOR
ENGLISH SPEAKING WRITER/ EDITOR CONSULTANT
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Avenue Joseph Anoma 01 B.P 1387 Abidjan 01 – Cote d’Ivoire
African Development Institute
Assignment Title : English speaking Writer/ Editor Consultant
Brief Description of the Assignment : The consultant will provide writing and editing services to the Communication and External Relations Department in compelling English content. Such content will be used for the African Development Bank’s corporate website and other platforms, and for different communications products as needed :
| Department issuing the request: | Editorial and Media Relations (PCER1) | |
| Place of assignment: | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire | |
| Duration of the assignment: | Six months | |
| Tentative date of commencement: | 24th May 2021 | |
| Deadline for applications: | 14th May 2021 at 17:00 GMT | |
| How to submit applications: | click here | |
Questions and requests for clarification may be sent to : m.thouraya@afdb.org
Terms of Reference
For the Recruitment of an English-speaking Writer/Editor
Background :
The African Development Bank (“the Bank”) is Africa’s premier multilateral development finance institution. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development and social progress of its regional member countries, mobilize resources for the financing of development projects, and promote economic integration on the African continent.
The Bank has 54 African member countries and 25 non-regional member countries. It has established cooperation ties with an extensive network of international development partners and enjoys an excellent reputation on the capital markets. Since its inception in 1964 and until December 31, 2015, the Bank Group has committed over $100 billion to support about 4000 development projects and programs in Africa. Over the last 10 years, the Bank has grown in size and impact, and modernized its operations to improve efficiency and value for money.
The current Bank president is strongly committed to accelerating the implementation of the institution’s Ten-Year Strategy, which covers the period 2013-2022. This strategy has put the Bank at the centre of Africa’s economic transformation. The Bank is implementing it with five key priorities, which it refers to as its High 5s.
These priority areas are the following :
- Light Up and Power Africa: power, energy, environment and green growth ;
- Feed Africa: agro-industry, agricultural finance and rural development ;
- Industrialise Africa: private and financial sectors, infrastructure, urban, industrial and trade development ;
- Integrate Africa: regional development, integration and impactful delivery ;
- Improve the quality of life for Africans: human capital and skills development, health, nutrition, water and sanitation
Duties and responsibilities :
The consultant will be expected to write, edit, copyedit and proofread the following :
- Opinion pieces (op-eds), media advisories, press releases, reports, brochures, web articles, briefs, features, blogs, film scripts, speeches, newsletters and publications of up to 10 pages ;
- Event notices and briefs in keeping with the Bank style.
The consultant will also provide editorial coverage of Bank events pertaining to projects, programs, initiatives, and success stories from other organizational units for posting to the Bank’s external website.
S/he may will also be expected to carry out other communications relations duties as needed.
It is the responsibility of the communications service provider to provide high-quality output and he/she should have the ability to write and communicate effectively in English, with an excellent working knowledge of French.
Duration of the Assignment :
The consultant shall provide the required services for a period of six months commencing on the 24th of May 2021, unless terminated earlier as per the terms and conditions. All obligations will be fulfilled during this period unless otherwise stated.
Reporting line :
The consultant will report and work under the supervision of the Division Manager, PCER1, Communication and External Relations Department.
Qualifications and Experience :
The assignment will be undertaken by an individual consultant who meets the following criteria :
- Minimum of a Bachelor degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, or a related field ;
- National of an African Development Bank member country ;
- Not less than 10 years of experience as a writer, reporter, journalist and communication expert, with at least three years of professional experience as an editor for a recognized digital or print publication or website. Experience in the fields of finance, economics, agriculture or human development would be particularly welcome ;
- Excellent ability to write and communicate effectively in English, and a good working knowledge of French ;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, working experience within multicultural teams and international organizations or companies, and knowledge of Africa and development issues ;
- Ability to solve problems, undertake relevant research and analysis, and fact-checking ;
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment ;
- A team player and self-starter with a can-do attitude ;
- Proficiency in standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, as well as knowledge of best practices in social media.
TIME FRAME AND PLACE OF WORK :
The Consultant is expected to commence duties at the Bank’s Headquarters, in Abidjan, on 24th May 2021. The assignment is for a period of six months. This is renewable, based on performance.
Establishment of the Shortlist :
A shortlist of three to six individual consultants will be established at the end of the stipulated period of request for expressions of interest. Consultants on the shortlist will be assessed based on the following criteria and on the basis of their updated résumé :
| Qualifications relevant to the assignment | 30% |
| Experience in the area of the assignment as shown in | 40% |
| work samples and understanding of the terms of | |
| reference | |
| Experience with writing and editing for both traditional | 10% |
| and digital media platforms | |
| Experience with international institutions such as the | 5% |
| African Development Bank | |
| Knowledge of the Region (Africa) | 10% |
| Language proficiency (fluent English, with working | 5% |
| knowledge of French) | |
| Total | 100% |
To express your interest, please submit your cover letter and an updated CV.
Please use this template for naming your files :
- [Your-Last-Name]_[Your-First-Name]_CV ;
- [Your-Last-Name]_[Your-First-Name]_Cover-Letter ;
- [Your-Last-Name]_[Your-First-Name]_Samples.
To facilitate our candidate assessment process, please attach an updated curriculum vitae on the basis of the template below. This does not prevent you from submitting another version of your CV in the format / layout of your choice, under cover of a strong cover letter, where are free to make a case for your candidacy.