Deadline: 31 July (Autumn issue), 31 December (Spring issue)
Lapis Lazuli is a refereed Bi-annual International e-journal of emerging Literary and Linguistic perspectives in the contemporary literatures in English relating to theoretical articles, interviews and book reviews on both literature and language. It is published on behalf of PINTER SOCIETY OF INDIA.
Lapis Lazuli encourages interpretative criticism, fresh insight into new and established literary/linguistic areas and seeks to entertain meaningful pursuits of different contemporary academic issues. It also encourages original contributions in the form of poetry. Each issue contains essays on major works of literatures in English in the global perspective. The journal will love to invite articles on the literatures in English of Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Africa, South Africa and South East Asia.
CALL FOR PAPERS
The Journal would like to have original, well-written, duly researched articles on various segments of both the older and the contemporary literature in English, throwing light particularly on Drama and Theatre. The journal, nevertheless, will also encase, in the global perspective, such articles on poetry, fiction, literary criticism, linguistics, critical theories, creative writings and reviews of published books. We invite critical and analytical articles on various aspects of contemporary literature written, researched and duly documented by the academics, scholars and perceptive readers across nations.
The society will make efforts to publish occasional special issues. The editorial policy, with no leaning towards any particular ideology or concept, is open to any intellectual exercise in any area of literature. Publishers may send copies of their published books for review by selected experts.
Submissions, should be typed double spaced on hard copies (not exceeding 3000 words) on one side of the paper only, in conformity with the MLA style sheet (6th or 7th Edn.) documentation pattern; or may also be submitted by e-mail Attachment or by sending CDs using MS word. Hard copy manuscripts submitted for publication can not be returned to the authors, if not personally collected.
SPRING ISSUE of LAPIS LAZULI the last date for submission is 31 DECEMBER of every year.
AUTUMN ISSUE of LAPIS LAZULI the last date for submission is 31 JULY of every year.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For inquiries: lapislazulijournal@gmail.com or drdineshpanwar@rediffmail.com
For submissions: submissions to be sent through e-mail at lapislazulijournal@gmail.com or drdineshpanwar@rediffmail.com
We are inviting academic editorial contributors to a new four volume reference work organized by geographic region:
Volume 1: Middle East Volume 2: Africa Volume 3: East and Southeast Asia Volume 4: West, Central, and South Asia
In our age of globalization and multiculturalism, it has never been more important for Americans to understand and appreciate foreign cultures-how people live, love, and learn in areas of the world unfamiliar to most U.S. students and the general public. The Cultural Sociology encyclopedia takes a step forward toward presenting concise information with historical and contemporary coverage of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, as four volumes of area studies illuminate the powerful influence of culture on society.
Each title comprises approximately 200 articles organized chronologically and alphabetically, addressing such academic disciplines as sociology, political science, women's studies, business, history, religion, law, health, education, economics, and geography. It is the intent of the encyclopedia to convey what daily life was/is like for people in these regions. Each article ranges from 600 to 3,000 words.
This comprehensive project will be published by SAGE Reference in 2012 and will be marketed to academic and public libraries as a print and digital product available to students via the library's electronic services. If you are interested in contributing to this cutting-edge reference, it is a unique opportunity to contribute to the contemporary literature, redefining sociological issues in today's terms. Moreover, it can be a notable publication addition to your CV/resume and broaden your publishing credits.
SAGE Publications offers an honorarium ranging from SAGE book credits for smaller articles up to a free set of the printed product for contributions totaling 10,000 words or more.
At this time the project is nearing completion and all articles have been assigned with the exception of a few entries. The final deadline for submissions is August 29, 2011. The remaining topics for the Africa Volume are as follows:
Time period: Prehistory-1400 - Ethnic Migration Patterns (900 words)
Time period: 1400-1900 - Fulani Empire (1000 words), Market Economies (Pre-European) (1000 words), Music (1000 words)
If you would like to contribute to building a truly outstanding reference with the Cultural Sociology of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa: An Encyclopedia, please contact me by the e-mail information below. Please provide a brief summary of your academic/publishing credentials.
Lisbeth Rogers Author Manager Golson Media culturalsociology@golsonmedia.com
Contact Information:
For inquiries: culturalsociology@golsonmedia.com
For submissions: culturalsociology@golsonmedia.com
The Miriam Tlali Reading & Book Club invites the public to engage “The Poverty of Ideas, South African Democracy and the Retreat of Intellectuals” with authors Leslie Dikeni and William Gumede, 24th September 2011, African Literature Bookshop, 191 Louis Botha Avenue, and Corner 8th Street, Orange Grove, from 14H00 to 16H30.
This groundbreaking book tackles the uncomfortable and much avoided issue of the devaluation of ideas and the intellect in the public sphere in post-apartheid South Africa. In particular, it examines the intolerance of criticism and dissent and the impact this has had and continues to have on the consolidation of democracy.
Contributors include: William Gumede on building a democratic political culture; Leslie Dikeni on pseudo-intellectuals, James Matthews on poets and dissidence, Albert Nolan on the spiritual life of intellectuals and many other intellectuals.
The discussants will be the co-editors, Leslie Dikeni, a political analyst and researcher at the graduate School of Public and Development Management at the University of Witwatersrand and William Gumede, the author of The New History of South Africa and Thabo Mbeki and the Battle for the Soul of the ANC. He is also a Programme Director of the Africa Asia Centre, School of Orientation and African Studies at the London University.
The facilitator is Sandile Ngidi, one of South Africa’s leading journalists and editor of a literary journal, Baobab.
The programme will also feature the Kiddies’ and Teen’s sessions which accommodate kids aged 2-10 and teens aged 11 – 16. Thembi Mkhizwane of the Pimville Library Services will be facilitating the kiddies’ session by reading “Izinganekwane engazixoxelwa nguGogo by Lisa Grainger ” and the teen’s will be writing and performing poetry under the theme “My Language Is My Pride”, said the wRite associates.
Books will be available for sale. Entrance is free and people are encouraged to bring their kids. “The Poverty of Ideas, South African Democracy and the Retreat of Intellectuals” can be bought at the wRite associates and leading book stores. The book price is R 180.00
To place an order and for more information, please contact the wRite associates at or 011-791 3585 or info@wRiteassociates.co.za or info@sala.org.za
The Festival will take place in Gaza from May 5th to May 9th, with an event in Ramallah on May 5th and a reprise event in Cairo on May 11th.
It has been a longstanding aim of the festival to travel to Gaza. Since it started in 2008 PalFest has taken the form of a travelling festival – moving to audiences constrained and divided by Israel’s military occupation, establishing creative links between Palestine and the rest of the world and pitting the power of culture against the culture of power.
PalFest has tried several times in the past to reach Gaza from the Occupied Palestinian Territories but has never been able to because of the restrictions put in place by the Israeli Occupation. Gaza has been under siege and isolated from the rest of the world since 2007. This May, PalFest 2012 will bring a group of writers, educators and artists through the Rafah crossing from Egypt to perform free public events, run workshops with students of varying ages and meet civil society leaders in Gaza.
PalFest has endorsed the 2004 Palestinian call for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel. PalFest 2012 stands against the siege of Gaza; it is committed to re-invigorating cultural ties between Arab countries, ties that have been eroded for too long. The Festival will be bringing writers and artists from across the Arab world and beyond.
While the Festival’s primary activities will be taking place in Gaza, PalFest works to retain its active presence in the West Bank. British authors Rachel Holmes and Bee Rowlatt will lead extended creative writing workshops in Birzeit with the Palestine Writing Workshop. They will also be joining Maya Abu el-Hayat, Abd al-Rahim al-Sheikh and Imad Sayrafi on stage at the Sakakini Centre on May 5th. A one-day children’s literature festival will be held during the Festival, with plans for a larger children’s event in the summer.
Beyond the Festival dates PalFest continues its educational programme through its sister organization the Palestine Writing Workshop, whose activities include regular book clubs, creative writing classes and the creation and maintenance of a library.
PalFest will be launching a new, bi-lingual website this week. Developed with the support of the UK Arts Council, the site will be profiling new literary talent from across Palestine and the diaspora as well as developing an online space for critical feedback between young writers and more established authors.
The full list of artists attending PalFest 2012 is:
GAZA
Ghada Abd el-Al
Alaa Abd el-Fattah
Suad Amiry
Selma Dabbagh
Najwan Darwish
Amr Ezzat
Amin Haddad
Tariq Hamdan
Nathalie Handal
Manal Hassan
Khaled Khamissi
Jamal Mahjoub
Sahar el-Mogy
Khaled Najar
Youssef Rakha
Ahdaf Soueif
Hyam Yared
Nariman Youssef
& the bands Eskenderella, Jafra and al Salam.
Birzeit & Ramallah
Maya Abu el-Hayat
Rachel Holmes
Abd al-Rahim al-Sheikh
Bee Rowlatt
Imad Sayrafi
Further Information
PalFest is supported by the Arts Council UK, the Abdalla Foundation, the British Council, the Open Society, the Qattan Foundation, Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing, Reach out to Asia and individual donors, Rana Sadik, Samer Younis, Fadi Ghandour, Riad Kamal, Zina Jardaneh, Mostafa Beidas, Suhail Sikhtian and Janwa Dajani.
The Sheikh Zayed International Book Award, one of the most prestigious and well-funded prizes, has announced the opening of nominations for its sixth session of 2011/2012. The deadline for nominations is September 1st, 2011.
Commenting on the rollout of the Award’s sixth session, Juma'a Al Qubaisi, Deputy Director General of ADACH for the National Library, Member of the Award’s Higher Council, said: “The significant successes which the Award generated since its inception six years back, give us confidence today to rollout our latest session with an aspiration to reach the international market. It’s our sixth year now and we are still speeding forward with the same passion and commitment to the core objectives inspired by late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. ”
Accordingly, the Award now welcomes nominations from authors, translators and publishing houses in any of the Award’s nine categories; Best Contribution to the Development of Nations, Children’s Literature, Young Author, Translation, Literature, Fine Arts, Best Technology in the Field of Culture, Best Publishing House, and Cultural Personality of the Year. For cultural personality of the year award, applicants should be nominated by academic, research or cultural institutions. For the other eight categories, applicants are requested to fill in the Nomination Form in person.
Applicants must fill the application form either online www.zayedaward.ae or by downloading the form. Once completed and signed, the application forms should be submitted to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Offices along with the candidate's resume, passport copy, personal photo, and Five copies of the nominated book - works nominated for the Award of the Best Technology in Culture, can be in digital format.
All nominated works must have been published in the last two years. The work must be written in Arabic, except for the Translation Award.
Over the past six years the Award has recognized the creative literary and cultural achievements of more than 34 individuals and entities, including Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi; Novelist Wacini Laredj; Prof. Pedro Martinez Montavez; Novelist Ibrahim al-Kouni; Orientalist Xhong Jikun and many more. In its last session, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award received a record total of 715 nominations, flooding from 28 countries with impressive variety, including the Arab World, Europe, and East Asia.
The award comprises a total monetary prize value of seven million UAE dirhams. Each prize consists of a gold medal bearing the SZBA logo, a certificate of merit. The Cultural Personality of the Year winner receives a prize of one million dirhams, while the winners of the other categories receive 750,000 dirhams.
Award Categories
Award Value:
The value of the award amounts to AED seven (7) million. Every winner is granted:
- a financial amount of AED 750,000 - a golden medal bearing the logo of the award - an appreciation certificate for the winning work
Sheikh Zayed Award for the Cultural Personality of the Year receives 1 million dirhams.
Nomination
Step 1: Applicants are requested to read and abide by the general terms of the award nomination.
Step 2: If applicable, choose which category they want to apply to, and then fill in the application form found under that same award category “Award Categories” tab. However, the “Cultural personality of the year” Category nominations should be filled out and sent by one of the following groups:
• Three prominent figures in the cultural world • Academic institutions • Literary or research entities
Step 3: Once completed and signed, the application forms should be submitted to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Offices along with the:
• Candidate's Resume. • Passport copy. • Personal photo. • Five copies of the nominated work.
Note: Application forms can be downloaded or collected from the Administrative Offices of the Award
General Terms
1. The nominated work should have contributed to the development of Arabic culture. 2. The nominated work shouldn’t be previously awarded by an international/ prominent Prize. 3. The work must be published in a book format. Works, nominated for the Award of the Best Technology in Culture, can be in digital format. 4. The work should have been published for no more than two years. 5. The work must be written in Arabic, except for works nominated for the Translation Award. They could be translated either from or to Arabic. 6. The work should maintain high standards of authenticity and creativity 7. Nomination is not accepted for more than one work. 8. Re-nomination for the same work is accepted if time condition is still valid. However, a new application form should be filled out and new copies of the work submitted. 9. The work must abide by the terms listed in the application form.
* The award of any category may be detained or withdrawn at the discretion of the Advisory committee and the committee is allowed to take any decision it sees fit .
*Nominees are not entitled to object to the decisions of the Advisory Committee of the award.
FAQs
What is the Sheikh Zayed Book Award?
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is an independent cultural award. It is presented every year to outstanding Arab writers, intellectuals, publishers as well as young talent whose writings and translations of humanities have enriched Arab cultural, literary and social life.
Who was Sheikh Zayed?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the principal architect of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years.
What has the award done to expand its international profile over the past two years and how will this impact nominations for session three?
In 2008, the Award Committee evaluated a total of 512 works from more than 1,200 nominated across the nine award categories and which represent submissions from more than 30 countries. Needless to say we’ve achieved a great deal over the past two years to increase our visibility overseas. In 2008, we exhibited at both the London Book Fair and Book Expo America in Los Angeles and held high profile speaking engagements at both of these events. We saw these milestones as real opportunities to talk internationally about the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and its missions. We very much hope that this heightened international presence will translate into an increased number of nominations for 2009 from a broader pool of talented and creative individuals.
Do you have plans to host or attend any other events in the near future?
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award hosted its very first regional event in Paris at the Arab World Institute in July 2008. This event is themed around ‘recognising creativity’ and addressed how translation can help to build bridges between the French and Arab cultures. The future plans of sheikh zayed book award is to host 6 international events around the world.
Approximately how many people were nominated across the nine book award categories? If we take 2008 figures as a guideline, the Award Committee evaluated a total of 512 works from more than 750 nominated across the nine award categories and which represent submissions from more than 20 countries.
Who manages and oversees the entire selection process?
The award is supervised by a Higher Committee and an Advisory Council that manage a rigorous award selection process
Who selects the members of the selection committee?
Every year, the Advisory Council appoints a group of distinguished regional and international cultural figures who serve on nine separate selection committees, one for each award category
Why do judges remain anonymous?
The selection committee members remain anonymous to maintain the independence and integrity of the selection process.
Do the judges meet?
The category judges independently evaluate the nominations and submit their evaluations against a stringent, quantifiable scoring criterion to ensure the decision is truly reflective of their independent and expert views. The assessment results are then calculated for each category and evaluated by the Supreme Advisory Committee for the award.
Doesn’t this approach inhibit discussion and full vetting of the nominees?
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award judging procedure maximizes independence and consistency throughout the evaluation process. The two-stage structure is designed to ensure that the independent views of the expert judging panel are fully captured in a quantifiable and qualifiable manner while also allowing for collective evaluation by the Supreme Advisory Committee.
Why was the prize for Best Technology in the Field of Culture Award not awarded for two consecutive years?
The Best Technology in the Field of Culture Award was withheld for the second consecutive year because the judging panel felt that none of the entries lived up to the high standards that have been set for this category for driving innovation in digital publishing throughout the Arab World. Some awards have been witheld last year as the works did not meet the high standards of the award.
The winners of the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize were announced today in Sydney in an exciting climax to this year's final programme. Critically acclaimed international literary titles for Best Book and Best First Book were awarded to:
Best Book Winner – The Memory of Love, Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone)
The judges praised The Memory of Love for its risk taking, elegance and breadth. A poignant story about friendship, betrayal, obsession and second chances – the novel is an immensely powerful portrayal of human resilience. The judges concluded that The Memory of Love delicately delves into the courageous lives of those haunted by the indelible effects of Sierra Leone’s past and yet amid that loss gives us a sense of hope and optimism for their future. Forna has produced a bold, deeply moving and accomplished novel which confirms her place among the most talented writers in literature today.
Best First Book Winner – A Man Melting, Craig Cliff (New Zealand)
The judges chose this highly entertaining and thought provoking collection of short stories for their ambition, creativity and craftsmanship. Confidently blending ideas that frequently weave outlandish concepts with everyday incidents, the prose is skilfully peppered with social observations that define the world we live in. The eighteen short stories are truly insightful and amplify many of the absurdities around us, reflecting our own expectations, fears and paranoia on the big questions in life. This book is of the moment, and is rightly at home on a global platform. Cliff is a talent to watch and set to take the literary world by storm.
Now in its 25th year and supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation, Commonwealth Writers’ Prize is unique in offering both established and emerging writers the opportunity to showcase their work. The Best Book winner claims £10,000 while the writer of Best First Book wins £5,000.
For the last 25 years the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize has played a key role in unearthing new international literary names, bringing compelling stories of human experience to a wider audience. As highly acclaimed international authors Aminatta Forna and Craig Cliff will follow in the footsteps of some of the biggest names in modern fiction in winning the Prize, including Louis De Bernieres, Andrea Levy, Ian McEwan, and Zadie Smith.
For the fifth consecutive year the Macquarie Group Foundation, one of Australia’s leading philanthropic foundations, is helping to advance one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the world. With Macquarie’s support the prize has grown to reach more people around the world, encouraging wider reading across a range of Commonwealth cultures and rewarding the rising talent that other prizes often overlook.
Aminatta Forna was born in Glasgow, Scotland and raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Her first book, The Devil that Danced on the Water, was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize 2003. Her novel Ancestor Stones was winner of the 2008 Hurston Wright Legacy Award, the Literaturpreis in Germany, was nominated for the International IMPAC Award and selected by the Washington Post as one of the most important books of 2006. Aminatta lives in London.
Craig Cliff was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. A graduate of Victoria University’s MA in creative writing, his short stories and poetry have been published in New Zealand and Australia. His short story 'Another Language' won the novice section of the 2007 BNZ Katherine Mansfield Awards. Craig lives in Wellington, New Zealand.
Commenting on the winning announcement, Danny Sriskandarajah Interim Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, said:
“I am delighted to congratulate, the winners of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize 2011. In its 25th year, the Prize embodies the Commonwealth at its best. It unearths the best writing from across 54 countries, promoting dialogue and understanding on an international scale.”
Richard Sheppard, Chairman of the Macquarie Group Foundation, the supporter of the Prize, added:
"The Macquarie Group Foundation is delighted that two such diverse writers have won this year's Commonwealth Writers' Prize. For the last 25 years, the Prize has helped to bring writers to new global audiences and I'm sure once again that this year's winners will delight and inspire readers and writers around the world."
Nicholas Hasluck, Chair of the judging panel said:
“This year’s winning books demonstrate the irreducible power of the written word at a time of rapid global change and uncertainty. The standard of entries this year has been exceptional, showcasing work with strong insight, spirit and voice introducing readers to unfamiliar worlds.”
The regional prize winners are:
Africa:
Best Book: The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone) Best First Book: Happiness is a four-letter word by Cynthia Jele (South Africa)
Caribbean and Canada:
Best Book: Room by Emma Donoghue (Canada) Best First Book: Bird Eat Bird by Katrina Best (Canada)
South Asia and Europe:
Best Book: The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell (UK) Best First Book: Sabra Zoo by Mischa Hiller (UK)
South East Asia and Pacific:
Best Book: That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott (Australia) Best First Book: A Man Melting by Craig Cliff (New Zealand)
UN Capital Development Fund is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 48 least developed countries. It creates new opportunities for poor people and their communities by increasing access to microfinance and investment capital. UNCDF focuses on Africa and the poorest countries of Asia, with a special commitment to countries emerging from conflict or crisis. It provides seed capital – grants and loans – and technical support to help microfinance institutions reach more poor households and small businesses, and local governments finance the capital investments – water systems, feeder roads, schools, irrigation schemes – that will improve poor peoples’ lives. UNCDF programmes help to empower women, and are designed to catalyze larger capital flows from the private sector, national governments and development partners, for maximum impact toward the Millennium Development Goals.
YouthStart, a UNCDF programme funded by The MasterCard Foundation aims to reach 200,000 youth in Sub-Saharan Africa with demand-driven financial services and non-financial services, in particular savings and financial education, by 2014. To date, US$7.2 million have been awarded to 10 Financial Service Providers, of which US$1.3 have been disbursed, to design, deliver and scale up demand-driven youth financial services and youth-centric programmes in partnership with Youth Serving Organizations.
YOUTHSTART AIMS TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING THREE OBJECTIVES:
To expand low income youth access to financial and non financial services by supporting financial service providers (FSPs) and their partner Youth Serving Organizations (YSOs) to conduct youth inclusive market research, develop and deliver comprehensive services to youth;
To build institutional capacity of FSPs, youth service organizations (YSOs), policy makers, donors and other stakeholders (including UNCDF’s internal capacity) to provide comprehensive youth services; and. To expand access to and mobilize knowledge related to youth financial services, by acting as a convener and facilitator among stakeholders (e.g., governments, national and regional microfinance associations, banking experts, regulators).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To achieve the objectives depicted above, UNCDF seeks a copy editor with experience in microfinance on a retainer basis
Edit the first draft of knowledge products, to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience.
Under the guidance of the Technical Writer, assemble all sections suggestions, re-writing as necessary, adding/editing boxes of interest, tables and charts bringing the manuscript to full completion including all necessary components (table of contents, foreword, preface, introduction, bibliography, tables, annexes, boxes, etc.)
Point out factual inconsistencies in arguments, political nuances, faulty logic, and awkward or unclear passages and suggest solutions
Ensure all references are in order, requesting source information for tables and figures when such information is missing
Ensure incorporation of feedback from internal and external peer reviewers into the draft manuscript
Work closely with the Technical Writer and the graphic designer to develop ideas for graphics and charts that creatively convey key messages/data in the manuscript
Proof-read the final texts as laid out by the designer to ensure both text and associated graphics are error free and ready for printing
DELIVERABLES FOR EACH KNOWLEDGE PRODUCT:
Copy edit 1st draft of knowledge products for peer review
Copy edit 2nd draft of knowledge product that incorporates changes of technical writer after peer review
Revisions to graphic designer version
Proof-read the final text as laid out by the designer .
COMPETENCIES
Strong analytical and writing skills and track record in copy editing relevant reports and other materials
Demonstrated strong technical and practical knowledge in issues relating to microfinance in particular Sub-Saharan Africa
Conceptualizes and analyses problems to identify key issues, underlying problems and how they relate
High level of communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi cultural environment
Sensitivity to diverse opinions and difficulties arising from differing social and cultural perceptions
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Masters degree in international affairs, literature, economics, finance, business or public administration or related field.
A minimum of 5 years experience as a technical writer or copy editor in microfinance, inclusive finance, or development research.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Fluency in French is a plus.
ASSESSMENT OF CANDIDATES WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Academic qualifications, years of relevant experience for the assignment and, language skills (20%)
Technical competency in the subject of Microfinance (10%)
Competencies as a copy editor or technical writer (40%)
Cost of the services (30%)
PAYMENT MODALITIES FOR EACH KNOWLEDGE PRODUCT:
Prior to the development of each knowledge product, the consultant needs to submit for approval to the YouthStart Programme Manager a quote with an estimation of the days it will take him/her to complete the 4 deliverables of the knowledge product.
Payments will be done at the completion of each knowledge product. For each payment, the consultant needs to:
i) Submit an invoice for the completion of the 4 deliverables of the knowledge product to UNCDF
ii) Submit and get approval from UNCDF of all 4 deliverables of the knowledge product subject to payment
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Location : home base
Duration of Initial Contract : Up to 30 days
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For submissions: apply via the UNCDF job site here
UN Capital Development Fund is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 48 least developed countries. It creates new opportunities for poor people and their communities by increasing access to microfinance and investment capital. UNCDF focuses on Africa and the poorest countries of Asia, with a special commitment to countries emerging from conflict or crisis. It provides seed capital – grants and loans – and technical support to help microfinance institutions reach more poor households and small businesses, and local governments finance the capital investments – water systems, feeder roads, schools, irrigation schemes – that will improve poor peoples’ lives. UNCDF programmes help to empower women, and are designed to catalyze larger capital flows from the private sector, national governments and development partners, for maximum impact toward the Millennium Development Goals.
YouthStart, a UNCDF programme funded by The MasterCard Foundation aims to reach 200,000 youth in Sub-Saharan Africa with demand-driven financial services and non-financial services, in particular savings and financial education, by 2014. To date, US$7.2 million have been awarded to 10 Financial Service Providers, of which US$1.3 have been disbursed, to design, deliver and scale up demand-driven youth financial services and youth-centric programmes in partnership with Youth Serving Organizations.
YOUTHSTART AIMS TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING THREE OBJECTIVES:
To expand low income youth access to financial and non financial services by supporting financial service providers (FSPs) and their partner Youth Serving Organizations (YSOs) to conduct youth inclusive market research, develop and deliver comprehensive services to youth;
To build institutional capacity of FSPs, youth service organizations (YSOs), policy makers, donors and other stakeholders (including UNCDF’s internal capacity) to provide comprehensive youth services; and. To expand access to and mobilize knowledge related to youth financial services, by acting as a convener and facilitator among stakeholders (e.g., governments, national and regional microfinance associations, banking experts, regulators).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To achieve the objectives depicted above, UNCDF seeks a copy editor with experience in microfinance on a retainer basis
Edit the first draft of knowledge products, to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience.
Under the guidance of the Technical Writer, assemble all sections suggestions, re-writing as necessary, adding/editing boxes of interest, tables and charts bringing the manuscript to full completion including all necessary components (table of contents, foreword, preface, introduction, bibliography, tables, annexes, boxes, etc.)
Point out factual inconsistencies in arguments, political nuances, faulty logic, and awkward or unclear passages and suggest solutions
Ensure all references are in order, requesting source information for tables and figures when such information is missing
Ensure incorporation of feedback from internal and external peer reviewers into the draft manuscript
Work closely with the Technical Writer and the graphic designer to develop ideas for graphics and charts that creatively convey key messages/data in the manuscript
Proof-read the final texts as laid out by the designer to ensure both text and associated graphics are error free and ready for printing
DELIVERABLES FOR EACH KNOWLEDGE PRODUCT:
Copy edit 1st draft of knowledge products for peer review
Copy edit 2nd draft of knowledge product that incorporates changes of technical writer after peer review
Revisions to graphic designer version
Proof-read the final text as laid out by the designer .
COMPETENCIES
Strong analytical and writing skills and track record in copy editing relevant reports and other materials
Demonstrated strong technical and practical knowledge in issues relating to microfinance in particular Sub-Saharan Africa
Conceptualizes and analyses problems to identify key issues, underlying problems and how they relate
High level of communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi cultural environment
Sensitivity to diverse opinions and difficulties arising from differing social and cultural perceptions
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Masters degree in international affairs, literature, economics, finance, business or public administration or related field.
A minimum of 5 years experience as a technical writer or copy editor in microfinance, inclusive finance, or development research.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Fluency in French is a plus.
ASSESSMENT OF CANDIDATES WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Academic qualifications, years of relevant experience for the assignment and, language skills (20%)
Technical competency in the subject of Microfinance (10%)
Competencies as a copy editor or technical writer (40%)
Cost of the services (30%)
PAYMENT MODALITIES FOR EACH KNOWLEDGE PRODUCT:
Prior to the development of each knowledge product, the consultant needs to submit for approval to the YouthStart Programme Manager a quote with an estimation of the days it will take him/her to complete the 4 deliverables of the knowledge product.
Payments will be done at the completion of each knowledge product. For each payment, the consultant needs to:
i) Submit an invoice for the completion of the 4 deliverables of the knowledge product to UNCDF
ii) Submit and get approval from UNCDF of all 4 deliverables of the knowledge product subject to payment
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Location : home base
Duration of Initial Contract : Up to 30 days
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For submissions: apply via the UNCDF job site here
