Posting Title: EDITOR (ENGLISH), P4

Job Code Title: EDITOR, ENGLISH

Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period: 13 May 2016-11 July 2016

Job Opening number: 16-LAN-ECA-59128-R-ADDIS ABABA (L)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

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 periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. ECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Public Information and Knowledge Management Division (PIKMD), Publications Section (PS). The incumbent will report to the Head, PS/PIKMD.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Editor is responsible for the following duties: Edits complex or politically sensitive material, normally without revision, 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; Produces the master copy of a text to be followed by a multilingual team of editors; 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; Serves as focal point for issues relating to information technology; Provides advice to staff and management on the use of information technology; Programmes daily and long-term work of the Section; Trains junior or short-term editors and revises their work; Assists staff of substantive units and delegations with the drafting of documentation and provides advice on matters concerning editorial policy and practice; Acts for head of office or group in his or her absence; Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: 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.

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.

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.

LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow, empowers others to translate vision into results, is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives, establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support, anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions, drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo, shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

Education

A first level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status. Candidates for this position must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for English Editors or English Translators and Prècis-writers.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in editing and/or translation, including three years of experience in editing and/or translation within the United Nations.

Languages

A perfect command of English, which must be the candidate’s main language, and excellent knowledge of at least two other United Nations official languages, as tested by the relevant United Nations Competitive Examination for Editors or Translators and Prècis-writers, are required.

Assessment

Short-listed candidates will be subject to a competency-based interview and other assessment methods as required.