Editor Vacancy-Job Ref: WJCAUNEP/1905/2025810

Editor Vacancy-Job Ref: WJCAUNEP/1905/2025810

Montreal (Canada)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development.

A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary and the direct supervision of the Head of the Conference Services Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities
A. Editing: a) Edits (increasingly without requiring revision during the probationary period, if applicable, and then on a self-revising basis by the end of the probationary period; otherwise on a self-revising basis from the start of the appointment) documents, in particular texts of a specialized or technical nature, to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with United Nations standards, policy and practice, while meeting workload standards and deadlines. b) Consults with author departments and carries out research to clarify ambiguities and rectify substantive errors. c) Provides authors or others submitting documentation with information on specific aspects of editorial policy and practice and assists them in the preparation of documentation.

B. Contractual Translation: a) Assigns or oversees the assignment of translation jobs to contractual translators, taking into consideration the complexity and priority of documents and the productivity, precision, skill, experience and availability of translators, and handles related administrative tasks, such as contracts. b) On behalf of the translators, contacts submitting officials for source clarifications and additional documentation, as needed. c) Performs or oversees basic quality control of translations and ensures that the roster of contractual translators meets the needs of the Secretariat.

C. Planning and Supervision: a) Works with the Head of the Unit to develop work strategies. b) Contributes to the definition of individual goals and the yearly performance evaluation of assistants under the guidance of the Head of the Unit.

D. Terminology: a) Carries out linguistic research and prepares terminological records, glossaries, technical vocabularies and related language tools. b) Monitors documentation and other materials and identifies changes, developments, linguistic inconsistencies and variation in different areas of terminology used in the Secretariat. c) Proposes solutions to terminology issues and conducts documentary research and consultations to that end.

E. Technological Developments: a) Keeps abreast of developments in relevant language technologies and tools, including computer-assisted translation, and makes suggestions regarding their use. b) Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. c) Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Proven analytical capacity and in-depth knowledge of editorial policy and practice commonly in use and ability to review and edit documents. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision making and convey resulting information to management. 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. TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively 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.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education
A first-level degree from a university or an institution of equivalent status, preferably in language studies, is required. (Candidates for this position MUST have passed a combined United Nations Competitive Examination for Translators/Precis-writers, Editors, Verbatim Reporters and English Linguists, or a combined United Nations Competitive Examination for English Translators/Precis-writers, Editors and Verbatim Reporters; this requirement will be waived for candidates who passed one of the United Nations competitive examinations held before 2017 for English Translators/Precis-Writers or Editors.) Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in editing or another relevant language field is required. Experience in the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish or another UN language is desirable. Note: Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

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