English Editor

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and comprises 21 member countries across Western Asia and North Africa. The organization provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies, serves as a platform for congress and coordination, and acts as a hub for expertise and knowledge. ESCWA's activities are coordinated with various divisions and main offices of the United Nations Headquarters, as well as specialized agencies and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by its member states.

Job Overview:
The editor" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">English Editor position is situated within the Knowledge Management Services (KMS) of the Executive Direction and Management (EDM) at ESCWA. The primary responsibility of the English Editor is to ensure that texts of a specialized or technical nature are edited for accuracy, clarity, cohesion, and conformity with United Nations standards. This role involves extensive editing, which may include rewriting, abridging, and restructuring texts to enhance readability and logical flow. The English Editor will collaborate with author departments to clarify ambiguities and rectify substantive errors, ensuring that all facts, figures, references, and quotations are accurate. The position requires the editor to provide guidance to authors regarding editorial policy and assist them in manuscript preparation. Additionally, the English Editor is expected to utilize relevant language technologies and tools effectively and suggest improvements where necessary. This role is critical in maintaining the quality and integrity of documents produced by ESCWA, contributing to the organization's mission of promoting sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The English Editor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Edit texts of a specialized or technical nature to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion, and adherence to United Nations standards.
• Conduct extensive editing, including rewriting, abridging, and restructuring texts for improved readability and logical sequence.
• Consult with author departments and conduct research to clarify ambiguities and rectify substantive errors, including verifying the accuracy of facts, figures, references, and quotations.
• Check the edited version against the original draft, redraft unclear passages, and insert any omitted content.
• Provide authors and others submitting documentation with information on specific aspects of editorial policy and practice, assisting them in manuscript preparation.
• Utilize relevant language technologies and tools effectively, suggesting improvements as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as required, contributing to the overall objectives of the Knowledge Management Services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid understanding of editorial policies, practices, and research techniques. They should demonstrate strong writing and analytical abilities, with a keen sensitivity to nuance. The ability to identify errors and inconsistencies in texts is essential. Candidates should exhibit professionalism, showing pride in their work and achievements, and demonstrate a commitment to meeting deadlines and achieving results. They must be motivated by professional concerns and show persistence in overcoming challenges. Additionally, candidates should take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree from a recognized university or institution of equivalent status is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective editing and understanding of the specialized content that the English Editor will be working with.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in English editing is required. Candidates should have experience across a broad range of subjects relevant to the regional commission, including social, economic, financial, administrative, scientific, and technical areas. A recognized specialization in a particular substantive, technical, or administrative area is also required. Experience in editing within the United Nations system is desirable, as it provides familiarity with the organization's standards and practices.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level IV in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a duration of 364 days. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The appointment and any potential renewal are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. This temporary assignment offers an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same position. Candidates must be aware that the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to those based at the duty station, and staff members who are approaching the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and particularly from underrepresented member states.