Technical Report Proofreading & Editing Services Short Term Technical Assignment Democratic Republic of Congo

Background

SoCha, LLC is contracted to provide technical and advisory services to the United States Agency for International Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (USAID/DRC) on the 5-year Mission Strategic Support Program (MSSP). The purpose of MSSP is to provide these services in planning, designing, conducting, disseminating, and learning from monitoring and evaluation of the Mission’s portfolios assisting the mission with strategy and activity-level performance monitoring, evaluation, and learning, including conducting data gathering and verification, data visualization (including Geographic Information Systems), data quality assessments, impact and performance evaluations, assessments, organizational learning, and collaboration among USAID’s implementing partners.

In the course of its work MSSP produces a large number of technical reports destined for review and approval by USAID before their finalization, approval and publication. These reports are drawn from data collection exercises, project evaluations, assessment, studies and field monitoring work conducted by MSSP and/or its sub-contractors. Much of the original data is generated in French and may require professional level translation. Other documents may be procurement related such as scopes of work and solicitation documents. All require the highest standard of quality and presentation meeting USAID branding requirements as well.

Purpose of this assignment

SoCha is seeking a qualified proof-reader and editor and produce easy-to-read, attractive and creative content and layouts for various technical reports and documents in English. The aim is two-fold: a) to have a report that accurately reflects the technical content and b) a finished product that is easy to read and appealing to all stakeholders and prepared for online publication. The consultant may be asked to propose several design layouts, from which one will be selected. The appropriate placement of illustration such as maps, tables, box items and other graphics shall be guided by MSSP.

MSSP will provide the draft report and the Consultant will be engaged “on retainer” and work remotely, receiving files electronically for editing and formatting from the MSSP Team.

The Consultant shall be responsible for producing high-quality professional written and visual material suitable for publication and archiving in international databases.

Duties and Responsibilities (Scope of Work)

• Proofread draft report provided and consult source documents if required;
• If needed, translate reports and documents from French-English and English-French;
• Edit and arrange the text and graphic components of the report layout based on the texts and data provided by MSSP and/or sub-contractor or USAID implementing partner;
• Edit and format the overall layout; provide options for the cover page, content and annexes; enhancements for visualization and a report structure that conforms to USAID standards;
• Finalize all designs and layouts of the report;
• Create a set of PDF and ready-to-print publication files for the finished report:
  • Banners, icons, and other artistic elements to be used on the web to advertise the report;
  • PowerPoint slides with main charts and findings from the report (10 to 20 slides);
  • Public version of the report.
• Ensure stylistic consistency and uphold USAID corporate visual identity guidelines;
• Address any formatting issues to ensure the report is fit to be published and disseminated;
• Remain available to address comments from USAID on submission;
• Respect deadlines and maintain confidentiality of all information provided.

Deliverables

• Reports and documents finalized in PDF including Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Tables, photo captions and credit information etc. meeting MSSP and USAID final approval;
• Design and lay-out for communications material finalized for production;
• All final deliverables provided in electronic form.

Required qualifications and skills

• University degree and/or higher education in international development, economics, communications, journalism or information technology with specialization in graphic design.
• Proficiency in the use of Adobe Creative Suite such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop.
• Experience in data analysis, report writing, infographics, data visualization and digital design.
• Experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes (offset and digital) and color management.
• Experience in producing corporate products – especially reports in English and French.
• Experience in commercial copy editing preferred.
• Fluency in both French and English, written and oral, is required.

Selection Criteria

Consultant will be selected based on experience, daily rate and availability. Daily rate must be fully burdened and there will be no indirect costs allowed. References will be required.

Documentation Required

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications.

• Cover Letter
• CV indicating all past experience from similar assignments
• Sample copies of similar previous reporting products
• Names and contact information for three references.

Location

This assignment will be conducted remotely. The consultation will need to confirm availability on demand for up to 60 days of LOE. After signing of the contract, individual jobs will be tasked to the consultant by the MSSP DCOPs. Average LOE per task is not expected to exceed 3-5 days.