The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) and the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) are engaged in a joint project to produce a publication providing information on how the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights protects the rights of human rights defenders (HRDS) in Africa.

IHRDA and ISHR seek to engage a Consultant to turn an already existing first draft of the publication into a user-friendly text which will be launched during the 50th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (24 October – 7 November 2011).

Purpose and Scope of the Assignment

A first draft of the publication, which is already available, needs to be turned into a text using language, style and format which would deliver key information in a user-friendly manner, according to the following main specifications:

• Produce a publication which is clear, easily readable, using short, concise and to the point sentences;
• Turn complex legal concepts and text into straight-forward and accessible language;
• Break up the text by using short sections and a question-and-answer format, allowing the HRD to quickly locate the specific bit of information he/she is looking for by keeping paragraphs short and limited to a single subject matter;
• Use style which allows the text to be visually accessible and appealing, ensuring that the most important points are readable at a glance, with informative headings;
• Incorporate substantive improvements to the document through analysis and a focus on the advocacy potential of the document.

Time frame and Deliverable

The final publication is scheduled to be launched to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights during the 50^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission to take place between 24 October and 7 November 2011.

The schedule and time frame to produce the deliverable (i.e. the reworked text) is as follows:

• 15 – 22 August 2011: Advertise on IHRDA and ISHR websites;
• 29 August 2011:  Selected consultant informed;
• 31 August 2011: Signature of contract;
• 1 – 15 Sep 2011: Consultant to produce first version of revised draft;
• 16 – 23 Sep 2011: IHRDA/ISHR Review of first version of revised draft;
• 24 – 30 Sep 2011: Consultant incorporates comments;
• 1 – 8 Oct 2011: Final review (IHRDA and ISHR) and formatting;
• 9 – 15 Oct 2011: Printing
• Week of 24 – 31 October 2011: Launch

Required Skills

• Ability to write clearly, concisely and to summarise complex text without losing the gist;
• Ability to present legal concepts in an easy-to-understand manner;
• Ability to show ideas visually and graphically;
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking similar projects;
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and deliver on time.

Remuneration

A flat rate of Euros 1,000.

How to Apply

• Please send a letter indicating your interest in undertaking this project, together with a two-page CV and an unedited sample of your work;
• Deadline for the application: 23 August 2011

The application should be sent to: hsipalla@ihrda.org and sbkeetharuth@yahoo.com, cc to c.voule@ishr.ch and e.openshaw@ishr.ch Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  No phone calls please.