Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 222019
Job Network : Information et gestion des conférences
Job Family : Language
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : BEIRUT
Department/Office : Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
Date Posted : Nov 20, 2023
Deadline : Dec 4, 2023

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 20 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 Conference Management Services Section (CMSS), Resource Management and Service Development Division (RMSDD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The English Editor reports directly to the Chief of CMSS.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the English Editor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Edits, in English, complex or politically sensitive material 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 division and carries out research to clarify ambiguities and rectify substantive errors.
• Acts as head of team, organizing its work, determining and enforcing deadlines and providing guidance to its members.
• Assists in drawing up guidelines for editors and in determining desk-top publishing standards and practices.
• Trains junior or short-term editors and revises their work.
• Programmes daily and long-term work in English Editing.
• Assists staff of substantive units and delegations with the drafting of documentation and provides advice on matters concerning editorial policy and practice.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism – Knowledge of standard industry production and printing processes, including desktop publishing, design and layout. Knowledge of internal UN printing practices and operations. 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.

Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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.
Education
A first level university degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required.
Job – Specific Qualification
An advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) is desirable.

Having passed the relevant United Nations Competitive Examination for Editors or the relevant combined United Nations Competitive Examination for Translators/Précis-writers, Editors and Verbatim Reporters or one of the relevant United Nations competitive examinations held before 2017 for Translators/Précis-Writers or Verbatim Reporters is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in editing is required.

A minimum of three years of experience in editing within the United Nations or within an International Organization is desirable.

A minimum of two years of experience in a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United nations (political, social, economic, financial and technical) with a recognized specialization in social and economic area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Arabic is
also a working language of ESCWA.
For this post, perfect command of English, which must be the candidate’s primary language is
required.
Fluency in Arabic is desirable.
Knowledge of French is desirable.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand).