Editor - Assistive Technology (Retainer) at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Functional Responsibilities

To deliver high-quality, on-demand expertise, the Editor will:

• Create, edit and revise various forms of ATscale communication products, including but not limited to technical publications, web-articles and social media texts in a consistent and coherent manner across all communication platforms.
• Edit and proofread written documents for clarity, accuracy, consistency and style :
• Incorporate editorial changes electronically, using track changes as needed.
• Prepare lists of changes or manually enter changes, as agreed.
• Ensure correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and consistent use of UN and ATscale house style.
• Verify appropriate word usage and eliminate jargon.
• Check and correct numbers, units of measurement, and presentation of countries and proper names.
• Edit titles, subheadings, table and figure legends for brevity, consistency, and parallel construction.
• Check formatting of chapters, sections, paragraphs, lists, and captions for consistency.
• Verify correct citation sequences and ATscale / UN house style for reference lists and bibliographies.
• Ensure all written work is authentic, and adheres to accessibility guidelines.
• Improve readability and impact:
• Monitor paragraph length and content, eliminating repetition and redundancy.
• Reduce abbreviations and ensure essential abbreviations are spelled out on first mention.
• Minimize excessive use of italics, boldface, and quotation marks.
• Check for and address discriminatory language.
• Prepare or edit the table of contents.
• Advise on and support the drafting of the executive summary.

Prepare for Layout:

• Mark up electronic copies with instructions for the layout specialist.
• Where relevant, ensure that files are print-ready, proofed and are in line with accessibility guidelines.
• Ensure all written work is authentic, original and appropriately cited and/or referenced.
• Strategically advise ATscale on editorial activities including but not limited to organization of online ATscale library and securing International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
• Other editing and writing tasks related to the communications of the secretariat, as required.
• Travel may be required to attend in-person meetings.

Impact of  Results

• The Editor's work will directly contribute to:
• Improved clarity, accuracy, and readability of ATscale documents.
• Enhanced professional image of ATscale and its outputs.
• Increased accessibility of information for a global audience.
• Adherence to UN editorial standards and UNOPS quality assurance processes.
• Note : The role is home-based on a project/need basis.
• Monitoring and Progress Control
• All documents are written and edited according to International, UN and academic standards and meet with accessibility guidelines
• Successfully meeting deadlines
• The technical editor will be paid based on days worked upon submissions of Certificates of Payment (COP).

Education

• An Advanced University Degree (Master`s degree or equivalent) preferably in English, journalism, communications or a related field is required.  
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the related fields with an additional 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu of the Master`s degree.

Experience and Expertise

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in writing, content development and technical editing preferably within the UN system or International Organizations is required 
• Experience in the UN system or international organizations is required.
• Experience using the UN Editorial Manual  is required.
• Familiarity with UN editorial guidelines and terminology is required.
• Excellent knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and style and understanding of the use of International British English is required
• Proficiency in Google docs and track changes functionality is desirable
• Experience with accessibility guidelines is desirable