Technical Editor and Report Development Consultant for the Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino

Purpose of consultancy:

The Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child (LCSFC) is the Philippines' flagship longitudinal study following a nationally representative cohort of Filipino children from age 10 through early adulthood. Implemented by the University of San Carlos - Office of Population Studies Foundation Inc. (USC-OPS), the study generates nationally significant evidence on the trajectories of Filipino adolescents across education, work aspirations, health, mental well-being, sexual and reproductive health, child protection and other dimensions of human capital development..

The Mid-Study Report presents findings from the first seven waves of the LCSFC and represents the study's first comprehensive synthesis of longitudinal evidence. As a flagship knowledge product of UNFPA and its partners, the report is intended to support evidence-informed policymaking and programme development for adolescents and young people in the Philippines.

The technical analyses for the report have been completed. The next phase focuses on transforming the technical manuscript into a publication-ready flagship report by

strengthening the overall narrative, improving coherence and readability, and ensuring that the publication effectively communicates the value of the longitudinal evidence to

policymakers, development partners, researchers and the wider public.

UNFPA therefore seeks to engage a Technical Editor and Report Development Consultant to undertake the substantive editing, publication development, and preparation of the publication-ready Mid-Study Report and an accompanying abridged publication.

 

Scope of work:

The consultant will work closely with UNFPA Philippines through the Demographic Intelligence Analysis and Population (DIAP) Analyst, in consultation with the USC-OPS

research team, to undertake the editorial development of the Mid-Study Report. The consultancy is expected to preserve the technical integrity of the report while strengthening its overall narrative, readability and publication quality. Specifically, the consultant shall undertake the following:

Output 1. Editorial Review and Development Strategy

The consultant will undertake a comprehensive editorial review of the Mid-Study Report and prepare an editorial strategy for strengthening the publication. This will include:

● Reviewing the overall structure, narrative flow and coherence of the report;

● Identifying opportunities to improve transitions across chapters and strengthen the report's overarching narrative;

● Recommending editorial restructuring, where appropriate, while preserving the underlying technical analyses;

● Preparing an editorial workplan in consultation with UNFPA.

Output 2. Technical Editing and Development of the Mid-Study Report

Working closely with UNFPA throughout the editorial process, the consultant will produce the final edited and publication-ready manuscript of the Mid-Study Report.

● Technical editing and substantive copy-editing of the report;

● Refining the introduction, executive summary, chapter transitions, conclusions and policy messaging;

● Improving consistency, readability and accessibility of the report;

● Reorganizing sections where appropriate to strengthen the overall narrative;

● Harmonizing language, terminology, style, figures, tables and references;

● Ensuring consistency between the narrative and supporting tables, figures and annexes;

● Prepare the final publication-ready manuscript of the report, ensuring consistency in formatting, references, tables, figures and overall presentation prior to layout and

   publication.

● Ensure that the edited manuscript is consistent with UNFPA's editorial and publication standards and incorporate the required acknowledgements, disclaimers and partner      attribution, in consultation with UNFPA.

● Incorporate comments from UNFPA and relevant partners and produce the final publication-ready Mid-Study Report in editable format.

Note: The consultant is not expected to undertake new statistical analyses or alter the technical findings and conclusions of the report.

Output 3. Development of an Abridged Mid-Study Report

Based on the final Mid-Study Report, the consultant shall prepare an abridged publication intended for policymakers, development partners and public audience. The consultancy shall include:

● Synthesizing the principal findings, key messages and policy implications into a concise publication;

● Preparing publication-ready content, including tables, figures, call-out boxes and visual elements, where appropriate;

● Preparing the final edited manuscript of the abridged report in accordance with UNFPA's editorial and publication standards;

● Producing the final abridged report in editable format. 

Final Deliverables:

1. Editorial Review and Publication Development Plan;

2. Final edited manuscript of the Mid-Study Report (MS Word);

3. Final edited manuscript of the abridged Mid-Study Report (MS Word).

Place where services are to be delivered: 

The consultancy is deliverable-/output-based. The consultant is expected to report to and attend occasional meetings at the UNFPA Country Office in Mandaluyong City.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered

First Tranche: 30%, Editorial Review and Publication Development Plan approved by UNFPA, 7 September 2026

Second Tranche: 40%, Draft edited Mid-Study Report submitted to UNFPA, 25 September 2026

Third Tranche: 30%, Final edited Mid-Study Report and abridged report, incorporating UNFPA comments, submitted in editable MS Word format, 7 October 2026

Supervisory arrangements:

The Technical Editor and Report Development Consultant will be under the overall supervision of the Country Representative and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst

for Demographic Intelligence Analysis and Planning.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Education:  

A first-level university degree in communications, journalism, English, development studies, economics, demography, public policy, public health, social sciences, or a related field, with at least two (2) years of prior relevant professional experience in technical editing, report writing, publication development, or knowledge product development; 

or Advanced university degree in the relevant field.

Professional Experience:

● Prior relevant professional experience in technical editing, report writing, publication development, or knowledge product development.

● Demonstrated experience in editing and developing publication-ready research reports or policy publications, including strengthening narrative flow, structure and editorial    quality. Familiarity with organizational branding and publication standards is an advantage.

● Experience translating complex research into accessible publications for policy and general audiences.

● Familiarity with demographic, population or development issues is highly desirable.

● Demonstrated experience in developing publication-ready reports, including document layout, formatting and application of organizational branding standards.

● Previous experience working with UN agencies, government, research institutions or development organizations is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

● Excellent technical writing and editing skills.

● Strong ability to synthesize complex research and strengthen narrative flow while preserving technical accuracy.

● Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.

● Fluency in written and spoken English.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.