Editorial Assistant (Bilingual with Target English)

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and has its headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. The organization aims to foster inclusive and sustainable development through regional cooperation and integration, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states. ESCWA operates in various countries across the Arab region, focusing on issues such as economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing the development agenda in the region.

Job Overview:
The Editorial Assistant position is crucial for ensuring the quality and clarity of documents produced by the Conference Management Section (CMS) within the Resource Management and Service Development Division (RMSDD) of ESCWA. The incumbent will play a key role in supporting the delivery of polished documents that are linguistically correct and idiomatically natural. This position requires a keen eye for detail and a strong command of the English language, as the assistant will be responsible for proofreading, copy preparation, and editorial review of various content types. The role also involves the use of AI translation tools and computer-assisted technologies, necessitating a critical approach to post-editing machine-assisted outputs to meet the high standards of the United Nations. The Editorial Assistant will ensure that all documents adhere to established grammar, style, and typography guidelines, while also maintaining factual accuracy and consistency across language versions. This position is expected to deliver grammatically correct and well-expressed final versions of texts, contributing to the overall effectiveness of ESCWA's communication efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Editorial Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting meticulous proofreading and editorial reviews of documents in English, ensuring adherence to established standards; maintaining oversight of AI translation tools and ensuring that machine-assisted outputs are refined to meet institutional standards; checking translations of technical terms for accuracy and consistency; providing research assistance using reliable online resources; and delivering grammatically correct and well-expressed final versions of texts. The assistant will also perform other related language functions as needed and requested, ensuring that all outputs reflect the high standards expected by the United Nations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree in translation or a related field from a recognized university or institution. Additionally, a minimum of three years of professional experience in language-related functions such as translation, proofreading, or copy preparation is required. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of linguistic nuances and possess the ability to produce high-quality written content in English and Arabic. The ability to work with AI translation tools and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the original text are also essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree in translation from a university or an institution of equivalent status is required for this position. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered, emphasizing the importance of meeting this educational requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional work experience in language-related functions. This experience should include roles that involve translation, proofreading, or copy preparation, demonstrating the candidate's ability to handle language tasks effectively and efficiently. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of producing high-quality written content and will be familiar with the standards and practices of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, with a strong emphasis on the ability to speak, read, write, and understand both languages at a fluent level. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their language proficiency through relevant assessments or certifications, ensuring they meet the communication needs of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is recruited on a local basis, meaning that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The recruitment process does not involve any fees at any stage, including application, interview, or training. The United Nations emphasizes transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices, ensuring that applicants are not asked for personal financial information. The expected duration of the contract for this position is three months, and it is important for candidates to be aware of the local context and requirements for employment.