Consultancy for Editing and Proofreading Services

**TERMS OF REFERENCE**

**FOR**

**Editing and proofreading services**

**1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT**

The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) is one of the six major political foundations in the Federal Republic of Germany, dedicated to political education and progressive social development both nationally and internationally. Closely linked to the German Left Party, Die Linke, RLS was found in 1990 and upholds the legacy of Rosa Luxemburg, advocating for critical thinking, democratic socialism, and unwavering internationalist perspective.

The Representative Office in Vietnam of Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung was founded in 2009 and is located in the capital city Hanoi. The first projects, however, already started in 2003. RLS works in Vietnam, Laos and in other countries of the Mekong region and foster political education, analysis and dialogue on issues like social justice, socio-ecological transformations as well as peace and security. The office is part of the RLS Centre for International Dialogue and Cooperation’s global network of 25 international offices and funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Hanoi office is implementing projects across the Mekong region aimed at strengthening political education and international solidarity. The organisation works with state and non-state partners such as universities, think tanks, research and educational institutions as well as other stakeholders. Since its inception, RLS Hanoi office has been striving for Social Justice and the assertion of social rights. The work also emphasize the urgency of Social-Ecological-Transformations, as the Mekong region is especially vulnerable to the escalating environmental crises. Apart from that, the office works towards strengthening International Dialogue between Germany, Europe and the countries of the Indo-Pacific. In Vietnam and Laos, we also support the exchange and experience sharing on questions related to Socialism in the 21st Century.

RLS SEA regularly publishes political analyses and working papers on pressing social and ecological issues in the Mekong region. In collaboration with its partners, RLS SEA provides diverse perspectives on topics such as social justice, socio-ecological transformation, international dialogue, political analysis, and labor. Additionally, RLS SEA produces various communication materials that require high-quality editing and proofreading to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. To support these efforts, RLS SEA seeks a qualified Editor/Proofreader to review and refine publications and communication materials.

**2. SCOPE OF WORK**

The selected consultant will provide editing and proofreading services, including but not limited to the following tasks:

- Ensure the accuracy and fluency of English across various documents while preserving the author’s writing style.
- Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors while maintaining clarity and coherence.
- Suggest improvements for readability and consistency in language and tone.
- Ensure that the original meaning and intent of the text are not altered during the editing process.
- Eliminate repetition, inconsistencies, and structural ambiguities.
- Liaise with RLS SEA to discuss and finalize necessary changes.

**3. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES**
- High-quality, professionally edited and proofread documents that meet publication standards.
- Edited documents must be submitted using the ‘Track Changes’ function in Microsoft Word, with all corrections, suggestions, and comments clearly visible in the right-hand margin.
- Edited documents must be submitted by the timeframe as requested by RLS SEA.

**4. DURATION OF FRAMEWORK CONTRACT**

RLS SEA intends to enter into a three-year framework agreement with the selected consultant(s). Assignments will be provided on an as-needed basis, with specific deliverables and deadlines agreed upon for each task. RLS SEA reserves the right to terminate the framework contract if the consultant’s performance does not meet expectations.

**5. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT(S)**
- Native-level proficiency in English (spoken and written).
- Advanced academic qualifications, preferably in journalism, communications, political science, or a related field.
- At least five years of experience in editing and proofreading, preferably in academic, policy, or political publications.
- Excellent command of written English with strong attention to detail.

RLS requires the consultant(s) will possess the following qualifications:

- Proven experience in research-based writing and analytical work.
- Familiarity with development, evaluation, and socio-political topics is an advantage.
- Experience working with NGOs, think tanks, or international organizations is preferable.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word (Track Changes) and PDF annotation tools.
- Strong ability to edit quickly, concisely, and accurately while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to communicat