Communications Specialist (Professional English Language Editor) - Retainer

Mid Senior Communications & PR

Overview

Provide professional editing services for LIFT documents.

You have:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Design, Graphic Design, Urban Design, Journalism, Architecture, Visual Arts, Media Studies, Visual Media, Web Design, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience is considered equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in professional English editing skill is required.
• Familiar with UN terminology and prior experience in editing UN-related texts, donor reports, progress reports in humanitarian or development assistance fields.
• Excellent English writing and editing skills.
• Hands-on field experience at project sites and interaction with beneficiaries and donors would be an asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office, Google Suite Applications) is required.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the context of Myanmar is an asset.

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country. In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including international development partners and other UN agencies. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT)

LIFT is embarking on a new strategic period for 2024-2028. The LIFT 2024-2028 Strategy builds on the achievements of LIFT's experience as well as recent adaptations and learning in the face of a changing and dynamic context. The new Strategy outlines an approach to tackle structural drivers of poverty and vulnerability, while also considering immediate interventions to secure and maintain Myanmar's previous development gains. LIFT has proven itself as a key delivery partner across Myanmar’s changing contexts – ranging from post-Nargis recovery, a time of political transition, and relief support during COVID-19. LIFT is managed by the United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS) and has received funding from 16 international donors. The current donors are the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Denmark, and for more details visit www.lift-fund.org.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Fund Director and with support and direct interaction with the Communications Officer, the Communications Specialist will provide the professional editing service for a multitude of LIFT documents ensuring coherence and quality of all documentation.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Proofreading, editing, and re-writing documentation
2. Finalize assigned reports and project documents to a high level of English

Proofreading, editing, and re-writing documentation

• Under the overall guidance of the Fund Director and direct supervision of the Communications Officer, the latter will monitor the progress of the project, including timeliness and quality control according to UNOPS branding and editorial standards and guidelines).
• Edit documents in English to ensure they are succinct, clear, and appropriate for a range of audiences from donors, International and local NGOs, public sector, UN agencies, community-based groups, and when needed, beneficiaries.
• Grammar, tone, style, content and format of the text should be edited and improved as well as structure, flow and consistency in fact-checking such as terminology, capitalization, spelling, abbreviations, repetition, data, acronyms, notes and references as per the UNOPS editorial standards, policy and language standards.
• Rewrite or re-organize content such as captions, footnotes, headings for selected photographs, charts, captions and other graphic elements as necessary for better flow and readability
• Work on tailored edits that fit the requirements of different platforms and audiences.
• Ensure a strong understanding of the subject matter, effectively utilizing all available reference sources, while maintaining a consistent speed and high volume of output.

Finalize the reports and programme documents to a high level of English

• Provide the finished edited files (using Google Suite or other appropriate softwares as approved by UNOPS) of the documents that are ready to be sent for further communications stages such as professional design and formatting for publishing.
• Consult with respective technical and communication teams for review and comments/ feedback throughout the whole editing process and conduct follow-up discussion until finalizing the documents.
• Provide final proofreading of the designed version in preparation for publication and publishing.
• Submit the final version for publication in Google Documents,PDF files, and other file types as required.
• Provide quality control for LIFT documentation (project documents, reports, etc.) as assigned.

Impact of Results/ Monitoring and Progress Controls Communication Specialist (Professional English Language Editor) directly impacts on the overall achievement of project results by improving communications, knowledge, information sharing, and reporting standards.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Master’s degree preferably in Communications, Design, Graphic Design, Urban Design, Journalism, Architecture, Visual Arts, Media Studies, Visual Media, Web Design, or another related or appropriate field is required. - Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience is considered an equivalent.

Experience - A minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in professional English editing skill is required. - Familiar with UN terminology and prior experience in editing UN-related texts, donor reports, progress reports in the field of humanitarian or development assistance in the developing countries is required. - Excellent English writing and editing skills, with the ability to detect and understand nuances in the text is required. - Hands on field experience at the project sites and interaction with the beneficiaries and donors would be an asset. - Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (e.g. MS Office newer versions, Google Suite Applications) is required. - Knowledge of the context of Myanmar is an asset.

Language Requirements - Fluency in English is mandatory. - Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreemnet Contract level: IICA-2 Contract duration: 1 year with with possible extension depending on organizational needs, maximum of 200 working days per 12 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Note: This is a home-based, retainer contract. The successful candidate shall be offered either local ICA or international ICA based on their location (duty station).

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org