EDITORIAL ASSISTANT (English Proof-reader)

Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five new strategic directions which are: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division is headed by a Director and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support). It is divided into three main sections: Publications and Conference Management; Information and Communications Technology Services; and Knowledge Management Services. This position is in the Editorial and Desktop Publishing Unit (EDPU), Publication and Conference Management Section (PCMS), and the Publication, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD). The Editorial Assistant (English Proof-reader) will work under the general supervision of the Chief of the PCMS and the direct supervision of the Editorial and Desktop Publishing Unit supervisor.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority Editorial Assistant (English Proof-reader) will be responsible for the following duties: • Ensure the global exhaustiveness of documents, reports, or publications by marking off all chapters, titles, tables, headings, footnotes, paragraphs, appendices, table of contents and annexes. Complete cross references within text and footnotes, as well as pagination. • Screen documents and publications submitted for processing in order to ensure compliance with UN editorial and desktop publishing guidelines;. • Assist the supervisor in assigning incoming jobs and tracking the workflow; keep all concerned informed of changes in processing schedules and transmits changes made by author departments/divisions to texts in process. • Ensure that outgoing texts are submitted correctly to the translation services and Printing, Distribution and Desktop Publishing Unit; prepare special processing instructions as necessary. • Provide assistance to language staff, contacting other UN offices and permanent missions as necessary. • Prepare electronic versions of texts to be edited in accordance with established formats and participate in the production of parliamentary and miscellaneous documentation, supplements, and publications, by proofreading and preparing desktop publishing layout of the final product. • Perform proofreading functions and provide technical assistance to editors. Liaises with editors and translators to ensure that all editorial changes are reflected in electronic texts; clarifies and finalizes changes ensuring that any additional revisions are included in final, camera-ready versions. • Ensure typographical accuracy in conformity with UN editorial rules and style; performs proofreading and desktop publishing functions. • Independently respond to queries from author divisions, Documents Planning and Monitoring Unit (DPMU), editors, and translators concerning documents proofreading and desktop publishing. • Ensure that all staff in the Section have basic computer equipment and technical support. • Comply monthly, quarterly and yearly statistics on the output of the Unit; prepare other statistical reports as required by the Chief of Section, DPMU or the Director of the Division. • Perform general office administration functions for the Unit. • Train and guide junior staff in the performance of proofreading and basic administrative functions, as appropriate. • Carry out other tasks requested by the Unit Supervisor; covers other General Service staff functions when the staff members are absent on annual or sick leave. • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of UN documentation, the documents processing chain and relevant operational and administrative policies and procedures; knowledge of UN editorial policies and practices. Knowledge of the Editorial, Terminology and Reference Service and the roles of related services/sections. Ability to research and organize information required, including for the preparation of statistical reports. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Planning and 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Seven years of experience in desktop publishing including draft typing, copy editing, proof-reading and typographical layout or related area and providing technical support to language staff is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Knowledge of UN editorial policies and practices; knowledge of Editorial, Terminology and Reference Service and the roles of related units/sections is desirable. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.