Org. Setting and Reporting The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA, unescwa.org) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

This position is located within the Knowledge Management Services (KMS), Executive Direction and Management (EDM) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The English Editor reports directly to the Chief of KMS.

Responsibilities Within limits of delegated authority, the English Editor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Edits texts of a specialized or technical nature in order to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with United Nations standards, policy and practice.
• Carries out more extensive editing where required, including rewriting, abridging and restructuring texts for greater readability and better logical sequence.
• Consults with author departments and carries out research to clarify ambiguities and rectify substantive errors, including by verifying the accuracy of facts, figures, references and quotations.
• Checks his/her version against the language of the original draft, redrafts incorrect or unclear passages and inserts any passage that has been omitted.
• Provides authors or others submitting documentation with information on specific aspects of editorial policy and practice and assists them in the preparation of manuscripts.
• Makes effective use of relevant language technologies and tools and suggests improvements.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of editorial policies, practices and research techniques. Solid writing and analytical abilities with sensitivity to nuance. Ability to spot errors and inconsistencies in a text. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

A first level university degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in English editing is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a broad range of subjects dealt with by the regional commission: social, economic, financial, administrative, scientific and technical) with a recognized specialization in a particular substantive, technical or administrative area is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in editing within the United Nations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult