Technical Editor

Contract

This is a P-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 57,661 USD and 78,318 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IAC-IARC-WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary groups of expert scientists to review the pertinent scientific literature and develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.

The objective of the WHO Classification of Tumours (WCT) Programme within the Evidence Synthesis and Classification (ESC) Branch is to provide an evidence-based classification of all cancer types in order to standardize tumour diagnosis and research worldwide. WCT is responsible for the preparation and publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours series (also known as the WHO Blue Books), which is the international standard of histopathological and genetic classification of human neoplasms. This classification underpins individual patient treatment, as well as research into all aspects of cancer causation, prevention, therapy, and education. The WHO Blue Books are available in multiple formats (print and electronic) to meet the needs of users in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The WCT Programme is also responsible for the preparation and publication of the IAC-IARC-WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems series, produced in collaboration with the International Academy of Cytology (IAC).

Within the WHO Classification of Tumours (WCT) Programme, the Technical Editor edits and reviews the content of the WHO Classification of Tumours and IAC-IARC-WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems volumes, including but not limited to ensuring correctness of language, scientific clarity, and conformity with IARC style; checking layout proofs; and developing and maintaining terminology and style sheets, guidelines for authors, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). As assigned, the Technical Editor reviews the work of temporary and contract editors.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Edit the content of the WHO Classification of Tumours (also called the WHO Blue Books) and the IAC-IARC-WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems series, ensuring correctness of language, scientific clarity, and conformity with IARC style and presentation.

2. Check layout proofs prior to publication to ensure accuracy and quality, with particular attention to the layout and compatibility with electronic publication.

3. Proactively participate in the ongoing development and updating of terminology and style sheets, guidelines for authors, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices, ensuring regular revision, updates, and dissemination.

4. Perform other related duties as assigned in the incumbent’s areas of expertise, including replacing and backstopping others as required.

WHO COMPETENCIES

· Technical expertise.

· Teamwork.

· Communication.

· Moving forward in a changing environment.

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: A university degree in English language, publishing, or a biological/biomedical science.

Desirable: Training or recognized professional credentials in scientific/technical editing.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least two years’ experience in editing and reviewing scientific/technical texts in the biomedical field.

Desirable: Experience in reference book/textbook publishing

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert level of English. Working knowledge of French would be an asset.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

· General knowledge of the natural sciences, biochemistry, biology, and medicine complemented by familiarity with their terminology.

· Proven ability to edit and present technical and scientific information in a clear and concise manner.

· Ability to work under pressure with strict deadlines while delivering high-quality results.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with capacity to advise and guide others; a team player.

OTHER SKILLS ( IT SKILLS)

· Computer literacy, with knowledge of software applications related to publishing and editing processes and editorial and layout management tools (most importantly Microsoft Word and the rest of the Office suite, as well as Adobe Acrobat).

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 50,377 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2,229 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.

· If your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

· 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. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

· Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and Manual noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which maybe extended subject to performance evaluation.

· For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int, and for more general information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

· IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

· IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating States https://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int.

· An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics into practice.

· IARC/WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

· IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

· IARC/WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to fully express and develop their talents.

· The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

· Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

· Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with IARC/WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with IARC/WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.