Editing and Layout Consultant - Ombuds Office Annual Report Introduction

Editing and Layout Consultant – Ombuds Office Annual Report

The Ombuds Office for SOS Children's Villages (the "Ombuds Office") is an independent office that confidentially, impartially, and informally listens to anyone who has questions or concerns related to the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person within SOS Children's Villages programmes and services, past or present, and helps them find solutions. The Ombuds Office identifies risks, themes, and gaps that hinder safety and wellbeing and works collaboratively with SOS Children's Villages to strengthen safe environments for children and young people. The Annual Report is a key accountability and communication product for the Ombuds Office. It documents the Office's activities, trends, and learnings over the reporting period and is shared with internal and external stakeholders. To ensure the report is clear, credible, and accessible, the Ombuds Office requires professional editing and layout support to transform draft content into a polished, publication-ready document.

The Ombuds Office operates globally with a decentralized and virtual structure, engaging multiple regions and countries. Its work requires communication that is accessible, inclusive, and sensitive to diverse cultural contexts. The Annual Report must reflect the Office's identity and values, maintain a consistent visual style, and present information – including narrative text, data, and visuals – in a way that is engaging and easy to navigate for a diverse readership.

Objective

To provide professional layout (graphic design) services that transform the draft content of the Ombuds Office Annual Report into a coherent, accurate, visually engaging, and publication-ready document in print and digital formats.

Scope of Work

Layout and Design of the Ombuds Office 2025 Annual Report

• Design of a clean, professional, and accessible layout consistent with SOS Children's Villages and Ombuds Office visual identity.
• Page layout including typesetting of text, headings, pull quotes, and captions.
• Design and integration of data visualizations, infographics, charts, tables, and icons.
• Cover design and section dividers.
• Preparation of both print-ready (PDF/X) and web-optimized (accessible, tagged PDF) versions in 3 languages (English, French and Spanish).

Layout and Design of the Ombuds Office 2025 Annual Report – Child Friendly version

• Design of a clean, professional, and accessible layout consistent with SOS Children's Villages and Ombuds Office visual identity.
• Page layout including typesetting of text, headings, pull quotes, and captions.
• Design and integration of data visualizations, infographics, charts, tables, and icons.
• Cover design and section dividers.
• Preparation of both print-ready (PDF/X) and web-optimized (accessible, tagged PDF) versions in 3 languages (English, French and Spanish).

Expected Outcomes

Outcome 1: A clear, accurate, and professionally edited Annual Report that communicates the Ombuds Office's work effectively to diverse audiences.

Outcome 2: Strengthened visibility, credibility, and legitimacy of the Ombuds Office through a high-quality, well-designed publication.

Deliverables

• Inception note confirming understanding of the assignment, workplan, and proposed design direction.

• Edited manuscript with tracked changes and a clean version, including an editorial query log.

• Draft design concept and layout sample (2–3 sample pages, including cover).

• First full laid-out draft for review (English version of the report).

• Second revised draft incorporating feedback.

• Final print-ready file (PDF/X) and accessible web-optimized PDF Annual Reports in 3 languages (English, French and Spanish).

• Final print-ready file (PDF/X) and accessible web-optimized PDF Child Friendly Annual reports in 3 languages (English, French and Spanish).

• Editable source files (e.g., InDesign/IDML packages, fonts, and linked assets) and a short handover/guidance note.

Timeline

Phase 1: Inception and editorial review: June 1–2, 2026

Phase 2: Design concept: June 3, 2026

Phase 3: First full Annual Report layout draft: June 5, 2026

Phase 4: Revisions and finalization of the 3 language versions of full Annual Report: June 2026

Phase 5: Revisions and finalization of the 3 language versions of Child Friendly Annual Report: TBD

Consultant Profile

Proven experience in publication design, with a strong portfolio of annual reports or similar publications; proficiency in professional design software (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Illustrator); experience producing accessible documents; understanding of safeguarding and ethical communication as well as child friendly communications; and the ability to work remotely and meet deadlines.

Working Principles

Independence, confidentiality, safeguarding, inclusion, accessibility, data protection, and child-friendly communication.

Duration

June–August 2026 (we anticipate than no more than 10 working days would be required for the entire period of this consultancy).

How to Apply

Submit a CV, a portfolio or samples of relevant work, and a financial proposal, including all taxes (VAT included), by 31st of May to the email View email address on click.appcast.io We intend to hire a consultant who would be available to start work during the first week of June, reason why applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that selected consultant will need to be able to invoice. For that purposes, an extract from the chamber of commerce where the company operates and a bank confirmation (letter issued by the bank, or bank letter head, confirming the bank account listed belongs to the company/person) will be asked once the collaboration starts.