Consultant for National Action Plan for Health Security Editing

The World Health Organization (WHO) seeks a qualified national consultant to provide editorial support for Malawi's National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2026–2030. The consultant will undertake comprehensive editing, proofreading, formatting, and quality assurance to produce a publication-ready final document.

Responsibilities

• Review the complete NAPHS document, including worksheets, annexes, tables, figures, references, and appendices.
• Perform comprehensive copy-editing to improve readability, clarity, flow, structure, and coherence while preserving the technical integrity and intended meaning of the content.
• Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and language usage throughout the document.
• Ensure consistency in terminology, abbreviations, acronyms, style, and formatting.
• Verify internal consistency between narrative text, tables, figures, annexes, and cross-references.
• Review and validate references, citations, footnotes, hyperlinks, and supporting documentation.
• Standardize headings, numbering, table of contents, captions, page layout, and other formatting elements in accordance with WHO and Government of Malawi publication standards where applicable.
• Recommend minor substantive edits to enhance readability and accessibility without altering technical content.
• Ensure the document reflects gender-sensitive, inclusive, and accessible language.
• Track all revisions using Microsoft Word Track Changes functionality.
• Incorporate comments and feedback received from WHO and the Ministry of Health and prepare the final version of the document.
• Provide a clean, publication-ready version of the NAPHS.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's level or higher) in English, Communications, Journalism, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Public Health Communications is an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years of demonstrated professional experience in editing, copy-editing, technical writing, or publication development.
• Proven experience editing complex technical, strategic, policy, or programme documents, preferably within public health, health security, development, government, or international organization settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with multisectoral documents involving multiple stakeholders and technical disciplines.
• Previous experience supporting WHO, United Nations agencies, government ministries, or development partners is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and spoken English with exceptional editing and proofreading skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, including Track Changes and document formatting functions.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams.

Skills

• Editing
• Copy Editing
• Technical Writing
• Publication Development
• Policy Document Editing
• Public Health Communication
• Multisectoral Document Coordination
• Proofreading
• MS Word
• Document Formatting
• Quality Assurance
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Health Security Documentation
• International Organization Experience

Languages

English