Production and Copy Editor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works to empower women and girls, promote gender equality, and support sustainable development through various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Production and Copy Editor position is a critical role within the Media and Communications Branch (MCB) of the Division of External Relations at UNFPA. The incumbent will be responsible for managing and coordinating the production of the organization’s flagship reports, including the State of World Population report and the UNFPA Annual Report. This position requires a blend of editorial skills, project management, and creative thinking. The Production and Copy Editor will engage in writing, curating, and developing content, conducting photo research, and conceptualizing designs for both print and digital editions. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the translation process across five languages, coordinating the hiring of various contributors, and ensuring that all materials adhere to the organization’s brand strategy and visual identity. The incumbent will also support other editorial projects and tasks as needed, making this a dynamic and multifaceted position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Production and Copy Editor include:

• Contributing to all phases of developing the State of World Population report and Annual Report, including engaging with various units during brainstorming and drafting phases.
• Conducting research and supporting the hiring of researchers, authors, and artists, while assessing and securing design and editorial services.
• Drafting text for print and interactive versions of publications as needed.
• Developing a visual approach to reports that creatively illustrates ideas while ensuring diversity and sensitivity.
• Managing print and digital production schedules to meet tight deadlines, coordinating the work of various contributors.
• Collaborating with the web team to design and produce digital versions of reports in multiple languages.
• Ensuring accuracy, rigor, and adherence to UNFPA style and design guidelines.
• Supporting report launches by developing promotional materials and liaising with partners.
• Monitoring and updating the UNFPA Editorial and Style Guide and engaging with stakeholders to recommend best practices. 1
• Serving as the secretariat for the Publishing Group, tracking submissions and providing feedback. 1
• Managing production of promotional materials to support the organization’s brand. 1
• Assisting the Senior Editor with other tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Production and Copy Editor position include:

• A university degree in Communications or a related field; an advanced degree is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in publications or communications, particularly in production editing, copy editing, or digital publishing.
• Exceptional line-editing, proofreading, and fact-checking skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex publication projects and implement edits from multiple reviewers.
• Experience in creating or executing design briefs is desirable, along with a strong sense of graphic design.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multi-step assignments while remaining detail-oriented.
• Ability to collaborate with an international team of creative professionals.
• Basic knowledge of legal issues in publishing, such as copyright and plagiarism. 1
• Experience working with international organizations is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Communications or a similar field. An advanced university degree in a relevant field is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in communications, media, or related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in the field of publications or communications. This experience should include roles in production editing, copy editing, proofreading, or digital publishing. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of managing complex publication projects and effectively collaborating with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to multilingual projects.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time consultancy position with a duration of 11 months, based in New York. The contract is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. Candidates are required to submit a motivational cover letter, CV, and links to work samples by the application deadline of 16 January 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT. The subject line of the application should include 'Production and Copy Editor.' Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.