Introduction
The African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU- IBAR) is a specialized technical office of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC). AU-IBAR’s mandate is to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union (AU). AU-IBAR is at the forefront of reducing the impact of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses on livelihoods and public health in Africa. The prevention, control and eradication of the diseases is achieved through specific networks, platforms and projects within the framework of the Malabo commitments/Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme.
The International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC) was established in the 60s on the realization that the removal of tsetse and trypanosomiasis (T&T) required an international organization that would serve as a vehicle of cooperation and implementation across national, regional and continental barriers. ISCTRC is a statutory council of the African Union with the secretariat at AU-IBAR and is managed by an Executive Committee, and complimented by the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) that was established to initiate national campaigns on the African continent to eradicate the trypanosomiasis and tsetse flies menace from the African continent, once and for all. The ISCTRC has continued to act as a platform for knowledge sharing and information dissemination on trypanosomiasis research and control. The ISCTRC has provided the scientific arena to enable important discussion, including, review control strategies and recommendations for appropriate smarter methods of tsetse and trypanosomiasis control.
Background
The ISCTRC commemorated its 70th year of existence during the 35th General Conference held in 2019. A key decision made during the ISCTRC was to chronical the ISCTRC’s 70-year journey by reporting on some of the outcomes, lessons and best practices that were achieved. The document is intended to inform, record and showcase the efforts of the many individuals who worked towards the elimination of Trypanosomiasis, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the various interventions in the fight against T&T and how the work of the ISCTRC is constantly improving.
The publication is further aimed to articulate how the ISCTRC has provided a comprehensive program that has avoided ad hoc action and, rather, has drawn all cooperating partners into a forum where common goals and a vision have been shared and supported based on the national, regional and continental priorities owned by the African Union Member States.
Aim of the Consultancy
AU-IBAR seeks to engage a Copy Editor to provide copy editing support for the preparation of the ISCTRC Coffee Table Book. The Copy Editor will be guided by the ISTCRC Working Group, Stories Guide and Checklist and supported by a Resource Person.
Aim and Objective of the Coffee Table Book
The aim of the publication is to document and critically analyze the continental approach adopted and implemented in the fight against T&T. The publication will consider the case studies and lessons learned since inception, progress made since that time and analyze the evolution of the thematic work under the fight against T&T in the past 70 years.
The publication is expected to also generate knowledge and lessons, by assessing the continental approach and provide key recommendations for the future of the sector to remain effective, relevant and responsive to the Continental elimination of the fight against T&T and the nexus of T&T with other key strategies, such as the One Health Approach.
Expected Output
The expected outcome is a technical publication highlighting key experiences, important stories and lessons learned from the past 70 years of cooperation in the fight against T&T, aligning with the implementation of key continental policies and strategies on animal health.
Scope of work: Copy Editor
Working closely with the Resource Person/Chief Editor, and the Working Group, the Copy Editor will perform the following tasks:
- Work closely with the Resource Person/Chief Editor, Working Group and AU-IBAR to refine understanding of the assignment, its scope and level of details by participating in discussions relating to editorial processes and design of the Coffee Table Book;
- Edit the text of several versions of stories to improve readability and accessibility of the content for a more general audience by ensuring that the analysis is more basic and less of jargon;
- Perform a copy edit of the final approved stories ensuring matching consistency of photographs, illustrations and flow, accompanied by captions and small blocks of text, as opposed to long prose;
- Proofread all the typeset stories
Proposed Schedule of Tasks
The consultancy will be carried out from the date of signing the contract to December 31, 2020. Specific tasks and deliverable deadlines will be dependent on the agreed work plan for the review periods that should not spread beyond 10 working days in total.
Total Consulting Fees: USD 3 000
Supervision, Reporting and Deliverables
The consultant shall report to the Senior Knowledge Management Officer, under the overall supervision of the Director, AU-IBAR.
The main deliverable is as follows:
- Final copy edited ISCTRC Publication ready for print and online dissemination
Qualifications and Experience
The consultancy assignment defined in this terms of reference (ToR) requires technical/professional expertise with the following qualifications and experience:
- Relevant post-graduate qualification in Development Communication; Science Communication; Policy Development (with a focus on professional writing and content editing).
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in professional writing, content editing and publications.
- An understanding of Animal and Public Health issues particularly in the African context.
- Knowledgeable of design techniques and illustration
- Knowledge of English language is a must.
- Knowledge of French and Portuguese will be an added advantage.
Language Requirements
Native or bilingual level proficiency (verbal and written) in English is essential. Knowledge of a second language (French, Arabic or Portuguese) is desirable.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications from qualified individuals with outstanding technical ability will be desk reviewed by the selection panel. The technical evaluation will be against minimum recruitment qualifications and competencies. The best submission will be further interviewed or engaged in the assignment.
How to apply:
How to Submit
The entire proposal, including all supporting documentation (CV, Motivation letter, proof of similar assignments) should not be no longer than 8 A4 pages in length, and should be emailed as a single document to:
procurement@au-ibar.org, with a copy to Khalid.seid@au-ibar.org, and by no later than 5.00 pm East African Time on 6th October, 2020
Specific questions not answered either in this call may be emailed to: procurement@au-ibar.org