Consultant for Editorial Support

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating in 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at effecting positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Editorial Support is primarily focused on providing editorial assistance for the report titled 'Highlight Report: Regional Mapping of AI Implementation in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)'. The consultant will work under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the direct supervision of the Academic Programme Officer of the Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme. The role involves editing and proofreading a comprehensive report, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring the use of gender-neutral and inclusive language, improving the structure and flow of the text, and ensuring compliance with UNU and UN publication style guidelines. This position is crucial in enhancing the readability and coherence of the report, which aims to provide valuable insights into the role of AI in higher education and its implications for sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities include:

• Editing and proofreading the 'Highlight Report: Regional Mapping of AI Implementation in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)', ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
• Ensuring the use of gender-neutral and inclusive language, as well as appropriate references to people, governments, ministries, and institutions.
• Improving the structure, clarity, and flow of the text to enhance readability, including minor rewriting while preserving the intended meaning of the original text.
• Ensuring that the publication style aligns with UNU and UN guidelines, including compliance with the UN Editorial Manual.
• Performing additional editorial or related tasks as assigned by the supervisors. Key performance indicators include timely and accurate delivery of writing, editing, proofreading, and publication tasks, ensuring adherence to agreed deadlines and minimal errors in final outputs, as well as high quality and clarity of written outputs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree (equivalent or higher) in English, international relations, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of work experience in writing and editing is essential. Candidates should have a relevant background in editing and quality-assuring knowledge products in education and related fields. Experience in writing and editing reports and publications for UN entities or other international organizations is considered an asset. Candidates must possess outstanding English writing skills and have an aptitude for collaborating with writers from diverse backgrounds, effectively working as part of an editorial team. A proven ability to write for public and academic audiences, supported by high-quality published samples, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in English, international relations, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the nuances of language and communication required for effective editing and proofreading of complex reports.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in writing and editing. Candidates should have a strong background in editing and quality-assuring knowledge products, particularly in the fields of education and related areas. Experience in writing and editing reports and publications for UN entities or other international organizations is highly desirable. The ability to produce high-quality written content for both public and academic audiences is essential, as is the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse writers and editorial teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and materials.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is from 1 July 2026 to 31 July 2026, with a total remuneration of JPY 351,900 (maximum). Payment will be made as a lump sum upon the completion of the proofreading of the publication by 25 July 202

• It is important to note that UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position, and consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered 'staff members' as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. Additionally, UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging applications from all candidates, including those from developing countries and women. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU.