EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-6 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting The position is located in the secretariat of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) whose mandate is to evaluate the sources of ionizing radiation and its effects on human health and the environment for the United Nations General Assembly, the scientific community and the public. The post is one of two established General Service positions in the UNSCEAR secretariat. It carries the primary responsibility for the preparation of scientific documents for scrutiny at the annual sessions of UNSCEAR, session briefings, subsequent reports to the General Assembly and sales publication comprising substantive and authoritative reports on detailed scientific evidence underpinning the Committee’s findings. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Senior Scientific Officer/Deputy Secretary and overall management by the Secretary of UNSCEAR.

Responsibilities Within assigned authority, the Editorial Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: - Review, format and follow up publication of scientific publications and session documents; timely submission of documents to the Bureau and the Committee, and promptly alert the Secretary of the Committee to issues and problems that need addressing. - Maintain an online system of relevant guidance, regulations, and UN/UNSCEAR procedures with respect to preparation, review and publication of UNSCEAR studies (including format, style, layout and submission of scientific documents to the Committee and the General Assembly). - Provide authors of scientific documents with specific instructions on preparation, review and finalisation of the documents (including correct format, style, layout and submission procedures; screens manuscripts submitted by authors for compliance with submission instructions, standards and regulations). - Prepare instructions to the Committee for the review and submission of comments and feedback on draft scientific reports and consolidates all comments and authors’ feedback. - Format scientific texts (including data tabulations, diagrams and figures) in accordance with established UN/UNSCEAR format, style, layout and submission instructions, standards and regulations; liaise with authors in case of inconsistencies; check spreadsheets containing tables, charts and graphs. - Assume responsibility for organization and accuracy of extensive bibliographic citations of scientific papers in the UNSCEAR Reports. - Register incoming/outgoing manuscripts of the UNSCEAR secretariat; maintain an audit trail of versions and changes of scientific reports; keep all concerned informed of changes in schedules and modifications made by authors/secretariat to texts. - Provide technical assistance to editors; liaise with editors to ensure that all editorial changes are reflected in electronic texts; clarify and finalize changes ensuring that any additional revisions are included in final, camera-ready versions. Assume responsibility for liaison with UN entities so to ensure timely publication of the Committee’s scientific reports and reports to General Assembly. - Ensure typographical accuracy in conformity with UN editorial rules and style, and with UNSCEAR scientific notation, terminology and practice; and perform desktop publishing functions. - Proofread texts against original draft, as appropriate, identifying errors and inconsistencies and resolving them with the Deputy Secretary, the Secretary of the Committee, author and/or editor. - Organize, plan and coordinate the work with respect to the production of camera-ready documents for reproduction and storage of final text; take responsibility for quality of finished document or publication. - Independently respond to queries from translators and text-processing units concerning documents submitted for processing. - Organize and oversee the maintenance of the secretariat’s physical and electronic reference collection of UN documents, publications and other reference materials; take responsibility for UNSCEAR library and ordering and accounting for documents and publications. - Update and maintain the UNSCEAR EndNote library (database). - Assist in organization and servicing of UNSCEAR annual sessions. - Assist in general office management functions. - Carry out other tasks as assigned; and act as backup for the Administrative Assistant. - Carry out other work-related tasks requested by the Deputy Secretary or Secretary of UNSCEAR; cover other General Service staff functions when the staff members are absent, on annual or sick leave.

Competencies - Professionalism: Has knowledge of UN documentation, the documents processing chain and relevant operational and administrative policies and procedures. Has knowledge of UN editorial policies and practices. Has knowledge of the Editorial, Terminology and Reference Service and the roles of related services/sections. Is able to research and organize highly scientific and technical 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 problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Is committed to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. - 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 High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite, i.e. is required, for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application.

The GGST is a proctored entry-level examination at the duty station. Any travel expenses incurred in order to take the examination are the responsibility of the candidate and will not be reimbursed by the Organization.

Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test [in English] at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of experience in the preparation of documentation submitted for processing, in providing reference and technical support, or in desktop publishing is required.

Experience in the use of advanced computer skills and applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.

Experience with United Nations publication of reports is desirable.

Experience and training in desktop publishing and graphics manipulation is desired.

Giving an example, please describe your experience and role in editing publications and reports in English language (incl. tools/software used).

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. Non-local candidates will be considered only when no suitable candidate from the duty station is identified and will be subject to local recruitment. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.