Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) is a key entity within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that focuses on telecommunication standardization. Established to fulfill the objectives of the Union, TSB provides secretariat support to various groups that study technical, operational, and tariff-related questions. The Bureau facilitates the adoption of Recommendations aimed at standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global scale. TSB operates under the guidance of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups, and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. The Bureau is led by an elected Director and is responsible for providing technical, administrative, and logistical support for assemblies and meetings, ensuring that the objectives of telecommunication standardization are met effectively.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to establish a roster of editing assistants who will be responsible for conducting detailed editorial reviews of ITU-T Recommendations and other publications. This position is crucial during the transition of the Editing Unit to a new structure, ensuring that all documents meet the high standards expected by the ITU. The consultant will work closely with the Head of the Editing Unit and will be tasked with copy-editing specialized and technical documents, primarily focusing on ITU-T Recommendations. The role requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of editorial norms to enhance the quality of the texts produced by the Bureau. The consultant will also be expected to engage in collaborative efforts to clarify ambiguities and improve the overall readability of the documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: 1. Performing copy-editing of ITU-T publications, ensuring that the text adheres to established editing norms such as the Author's guide and English style guide. 2. Reviewing the presentation and layout of both textual and graphical materials, providing necessary corrections to align with established presentation standards. 3. Ensuring consistency in language and suggesting improvements for poorly constructed passages to enhance clarity and readability. 4. Verifying the correct application of typographical conventions, including the use of upper and lower case, and addressing any readability issues. 5. Ensuring that typographical characters and symbols used in tables, figures, and formulas are legible and correctly formatted. 6. Engaging in consultations to clarify ambiguities or technical inconsistencies that may arise during the editing process. 7. Delivering copy-edited Recommendations that comply with editorial guidelines and agreed work assignments, contributing to the overall quality of ITU-T publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications literature, journalism, communications, or a related field. Alternatively, education from a reputable college of advanced education with a diploma in one of the aforementioned fields may be accepted. In cases where candidates do not hold a university degree, a combination of complete secondary school education or equivalent technical studies, along with five years of relevant work experience, may be considered acceptable. This flexibility in qualifications allows for a diverse range of applicants to be considered for the role, ensuring that those with practical experience in the field can also contribute effectively to the editing process.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a university degree in relevant fields such as electrical engineering, telecommunications literature, journalism, or communications. Candidates with diplomas from reputable colleges in these areas may also be considered. In cases where a university degree is not held, a combination of secondary education and significant work experience in a related field can be accepted. This educational flexibility is designed to attract candidates with both formal education and practical experience, ensuring a well-rounded pool of applicants.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience in editing or drafting technical telecommunication documents. This experience is essential for understanding the nuances of technical writing and the specific requirements of telecommunication standards. Additionally, experience in copy-editing Recommendations or other technical standards is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the standards and practices of the ITU-T, which will be beneficial in performing the duties of this consultancy effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at an advanced level is mandatory for this position, as the primary language of the documents being edited is English. Knowledge of another official language of the Union, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage. This multilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the ITU, where multiple languages are used.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is structured as a six-month contract, and it is open to external candidates. The remuneration for this position is set at CHF 10 per copy-edited page, with each page containing approximately 330 words. This compensation structure is designed to incentivize high-quality editing work. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice. The evaluation may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews, utilizing communication technologies such as video conferencing and email correspondence. It is important for candidates to provide complete and accurate information during the application process, as only selected candidates will be contacted for further steps, which may include reference checks.