Technical Editor for UN World Water Development Report 2027

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) is a program established by UNESCO in 200

• Its mission is to equip water managers and key decision-makers with the necessary data, knowledge, and analytical tools to inform policies that improve the management, supply, and quality of global freshwater resources. The WWAP produces the UN World Water Development Report (WWDR), which serves as an authoritative source of information on freshwater and is produced annually on a dedicated theme. The WWAP collaborates with 30 UN agencies and international partners to synthesize their contributions into a coherent report that informs water-related policies and strategies globally, regionally, and nationally.

Job Overview:
The Technical Editor will play a crucial role in providing comprehensive editorial guidance and quality assurance for the UN World Water Development Report 2027, which will focus on the theme of 'Water and Health.' The editor will be responsible for ensuring the report's scientific accuracy, coherence, clarity, and adherence to UN editorial standards. This position requires a specialized editor who can integrate diverse contributions from various authors into a unified publication that meets the high standards of UNESCO and the UN system. The editor will also be tasked with developing an editorial strategy, conducting thorough technical and linguistic editing, and ensuring the report is accessible and impactful for a diverse global audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Editor will be responsible for developing and implementing an editorial strategy for the UN WWDR 2027, ensuring consistency in voice, style, and messaging throughout the report. Key responsibilities include conducting thorough technical and linguistic editing of all chapters and sections, including the Executive Summary and supplementary materials. The editor will draft forewords, prefaces, and communication materials, ensuring seamless integration of contributions from various authors while maintaining thematic coherence. The editor will also be responsible for fact-checking, verifying data and references, and managing the editorial production schedule to ensure timely delivery of edited drafts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Medical Sciences, Public Health, Water Resources Management, 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 advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical editing, scientific writing, or publishing is required, with a strong focus on environmental issues, water resources, public health, or sustainable development. Candidates should have demonstrated senior-level experience in guiding and preparing major technical reports or publications for international organizations, as well as a proven track record of editing complex multi-author documents, preferably within the UN system or similar international development contexts.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Sciences, Medical Sciences, Public Health, or Water Resources Management. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with additional qualifying experience, demonstrating flexibility in educational requirements based on professional experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical editing, scientific writing, or publishing. This experience should include a strong focus on environmental issues, water resources, public health, or sustainable development. The ideal candidate will have senior-level experience in preparing major technical reports or publications for international organizations and a proven ability to edit complex documents involving multiple authors.

Languages:
Exceptional proficiency in English is mandatory, with native-level writing, editing, and proofreading skills. A working knowledge of another UN language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of materials and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract is expected to last for 11 months, commencing in May 2026 and concluding by February 2027, with an estimated 8 working months over this period. The position is open to external candidates and allows for remote work. Candidates must submit a complete application, including a cover letter, CV, portfolio of relevant work, and a proposed fee for the assignment. The selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process, applying a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encouraging applications from minority and indigenous groups.