Science Editor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization is dedicated to coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders and partners to raise environmental awareness and enhance its profile worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Science Editor position at UNEP is a critical role within the Communications Division, which is responsible for communicating UNEP's core messages to all stakeholders. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of Content and will be tasked with providing high-quality science editing services for UNEP publications. This includes structural edits and copy-editing for various publications from UNEP divisions and offices, particularly focusing on topics such as climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. The role requires a dynamic self-starter who can effectively manage the editing process to ensure that all publications meet UNEP's high standards for clarity, accuracy, and consistency in scientific content. The position is expected to last for three months and is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while still contributing to UNEP's mission of promoting environmental issues and discourse.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Science Editor include:

• Providing science editing services for UNEP publications as assigned, ensuring that the content is well-structured and meets editorial standards.
• Offering copy-editing services to publications from various UNEP divisions and offices, including the Executive Office and the Office of the Chief Scientist.
• Focusing on critical environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, ensuring that the scientific content is accurate and effectively communicated.
• Collaborating with authors and subject-matter experts to enhance the clarity and consistency of scientific content.
• Maintaining a high level of editorial standards and conventions throughout the editing process.
• Ensuring that all publications align with UNEP's mission and objectives, contributing to the organization's goal of raising environmental awareness.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a master's degree in journalism, communication, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree. Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of extensive experience in scientific editing, technical writing, proofreading, and publishing. A demonstrated track record of editing scientific and technical reports and publications is essential. Candidates should possess an excellent command of technical English, scientific terminology, and editorial standards and conventions. Experience working with authors and subject-matter experts to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of scientific content is also required. Additionally, experience with UNEP, the UN system, or comparable international or scientific organizations is desirable, as is experience editing publications related to the environment, sustainable development, or other scientific fields.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a master's degree in journalism, communication, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the nuances of scientific communication and the editorial process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of extensive experience in scientific editing, technical writing, proofreading, and publishing. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the complexities of editing scientific content and can effectively manage the editorial process to meet UNEP's high standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While English is mandatory, knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it is also a working language of the UN. Proficiency in both languages would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for three months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Furthermore, the UN does not concern itself with information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.