Support to Improving Social Cohesion through Community Development Planning in 3 LGAs in North-East Nigeria
Terms of Reference (ToR) for Copy Editing and Production of the Guyuk, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area Community Development Plan
1. Background:
Oxfam, CRUDAN, Yaharakari Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation and (YWYEF), Community Development and Reproductive Health Initiative (CODERHI), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) GIZ are implementing a twenty-four (24)-month project aimed at improving social cohesion through participatory and inclusive community development planning in the ten (10) wards of Guyuk Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, ten (10) wards in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area (LGA), and eleven (11) wards in Biu Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
The project has supported the development of ward-level Community Development Plans (CDPs) and a harmonized Local Government Development Plan through inclusive processes involving government officials, community representatives, and other key stakeholders. These efforts have strengthened local governance structures, fostered collaboration between citizens and government institutions, and promoted community-driven development.
With the Community Development Plans from all 31 wards now harmonized, reviewed, and validated into the Guyuk, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Areas (LGA) Development Plans, there is a need to finalize the document for publication. This Terms of Reference, therefore, outlines the requirements for professional copy editing, proofreading, design, and production of the Guyuk, Kwaya Kusar, Local Government Areas (LGA) Community Development Plans.
2. Objectives of the Consultancy
The overall objective of the consultancy is to produce a high-quality, professionally edited, and visually appealing publication of the Community Development Plan for Guyuk, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Areas (LGA), including the accompanying Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Costed Implementation Plan.
Specific objectives are to:
Edit, proofread, and format the final version of the reviewed and validated Community Development Plan.
Design and produce the publication in both print and digital formats.
Ensure the document adheres to professional publication standards and is ready for dissemination to relevant stakeholders.
3. Scope of Work:
The consultant(s) will work under the supervision of the CRUDAN, Yaharakari, and CODERHI Project Officers, the Oxfam Project Coordinator, and the GIZ Governance Advisor to deliver the following services:
A. Copy Editing and Proofreading
Conduct developmental and substantive editing to ensure logical flow, consistency, and clarity of content.
Review language, tone, and structure for accuracy, coherence, and readability.
Verify consistency of spelling, abbreviations, tables, figures, numbering, and references.
Ensure compliance with British English standards using Concise Oxford Dictionary (12th Edition).
Apply all edits using the Track Changes function in Microsoft Word.
Prepare both tracked and clean copies of the edited document.
B. Design, Layout, and Production
Format and design the final layout of the document, ensuring a professional and visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate relevant graphics, tables, and photos, ensuring clarity and visual balance.
Apply the agreed MS Word and PDF templates for the final output.
Prepare the publication for printing and digital dissemination.
Produce and deliver 300 copies of the printed publication following the specifications below:
Printing Specifications:
Booklet Size A4
Cover Material 300g card, spot lamination
Binding Perfect binding with spine
Inner Pages 135g art paper
Printing Quality Full-colour, high-quality coating
Packaging All books to be neatly packaged and sealed
Distribution
Arranging for the distribution of the published
documents to relevant stakeholders, such as
government officials and community members.
Digital Publishing
Optionally, the publisher may also handle the
digital publishing of the document, making it
available online or in digital formats for wider
accessibility.
4. Expected Deliverables
1. Tracked and clean copies of the professionally edited Guyuk, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area (LGA) Community Development Plan, including the M&E Framework and Costed Implementation Plan.
2. Print-ready and digital (PDF) versions of the publication.
3. 300 printed and packaged copies of the final document, meeting the above specifications (100 copies per LGA Plan).
4. Optional digital publication made available for online or electronic distribution.
5. Duration and Timeline
The consultancy is expected to last eighteen (33) working days, as follows:
Copy editing and proofreading – 14 days
Layout and design – 10 days
Printing and delivery – 9 days
The assignment will commence immediately upon contract signing and submission of a detailed work plan.
6. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the CRUDAN, Yaharakari, and CODERHI, Project officers and work closely with the Oxfam Project Coordinator for technical guidance, content review, and approval of deliverables.
7. Required Qualifications
The consultant or firm should demonstrate:
Proven experience in professional copy editing, proofreading, and publication design.
Evidence of at least two (2) similar assignments completed for development agencies or public institutions.
Excellent command of the English language and ability to apply consistent editorial standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, or equivalent design software.
Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
Has a good experience and knowledge of the context in the northeast
8. Ownership and Confidentiality
All materials, data, and outputs produced under this consultancy shall remain the property of CRUDAN, Yaharakari, and CODERHI, Oxfam, and GIZ. The consultant shall treat all project-related information as confidential and shall not use it for purposes other than this assignment.
Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit:
A short technical proposal outlining their understanding of the task, methodology, and work plan.
Financial proposal (in Naira) indicating total cost, including taxes;
Two samples of similar work completed; and
CVs or company profiles demonstrating relevant experience.
Applications should be submitted electronically to project-bids@crudan.org no later than 26th March January 2026.