Lead Technical Editor for the Update of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Central Framework

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is a vital part of the United Nations system, established to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for people around the world. UN DESA focuses on a wide range of issues, including economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports member states in their efforts to implement these goals. UN DESA has a diverse workforce of professionals from various backgrounds and operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address global challenges. The organization is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better future for all.

Job Overview:
The Lead Technical Editor for the update of the SEEA Central Framework will be responsible for providing editorial oversight and technical leadership throughout the update process. This role is critical in ensuring that the updated recommendations are coherent, consistent, and aligned with the latest statistical standards and classifications. The consultant will draft guidance notes on selected issues, contribute substantive inputs to the development of additional guidance notes, and participate in meetings with task teams and the UNCEEA Technical Committee. The consultant will also prepare reports summarizing feedback from global consultations and recommend edits for inclusion in the updated SEEA Central Framework. The position requires a deep understanding of environmental-economic accounting and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to various stakeholders. The consultant will work closely with the UNSD team and other stakeholders, participating in regular video conferences to ensure effective collaboration and progress on the update process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: drafting and finalizing technical Guidance Notes on selected issues, ensuring that drafts are reviewed and discussed by relevant task teams and the UNCEEA Technical Committee; reviewing, revising, and redrafting all Guidance Notes prepared by multiple authors, ensuring consistency and readiness for global consultations; participating in meetings of task teams and the UNCEEA Technical Committee, providing technical advice to support discussions; reviewing and summarizing feedback from global consultations, identifying outstanding issues, and developing preliminary recommendations for the updated SEEA Central Framework; drafting summary reports on substantive feedback from global consultations; preparing technical notes and presentations for outreach activities; and coordinating with relevant groups of experts to ensure alignment with macroeconomic statistical standards. The consultant is expected to produce a series of outputs, including technical guidance notes, summary reports, and preliminary recommendations for the updated SEEA Central Framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, political sciences, international studies and development, environmental sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience in relevant domains may be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of twenty-five years of progressively responsible experience within government administration, the UN system, non-governmental organizations, consultancy services, or related organizations. Experience in national accounting, environmental statistics, or environmental-economic accounts is required, along with experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building in these areas. Candidates should also have experience in drafting international-level technical guidance and compiling environmental-economic accounts, which is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as statistics, economics, political sciences, international studies and development, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with sufficient work experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to perform the required tasks effectively.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of twenty-five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields. This includes experience within government administration, the UN system, non-governmental organizations, consultancy services, or related organizations. Candidates should have a strong background in national accounting, environmental statistics, or environmental-economic accounts, as well as experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building in these areas. Additionally, experience in drafting international-level technical guidance is essential, and familiarity with the compilation of environmental-economic accounts is considered a valuable asset.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory for this consultancy position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the update process.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work location. However, participation in regular video conferences with the UNSD team and other stakeholders is required to ensure effective collaboration. The expected duration of the consultancy is seven months, during which the consultant will be expected to produce various outputs, including technical guidance notes, summary reports, and preliminary recommendations. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.