Publications Editor at UNEP HQ in Nairobi, Kenya

• UN Environment Programme Invites Applications for Publications Editor at UNEP HQ in Nairobi, Kenya
• Nairobi: UN Environment Programme, a leading UN organization, is seeking a Publications Editor to be based at UNEP HQ in Nairobi, Kenya.

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The successful candidate will head the publications unit, coordinate publications editing, evaluate the impact of UNEP reports, and much more. Learn about the post and apply via the United Nations Careers

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.   UNEP’s Communication Division communicates UNEP’s core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide.   This post is located in the Communication Division at the Nairobi duty station. Under the general guidance of the Deputy Director and the direct supervision of the Chief of Content, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Content production: Edit publications in adherence with UNEP’s guidelines; appraise editing needs for publications from structural to copy-editing for house style to knowledge management-related activities, like vocabulary lists and taxonomies; ensure narratives are sound and underpinned by peer-reviewed science and citations; streamline editing across teams; write and edit complex material for reports, publications and issue briefs; review launch assets for reports including key messages, copy for social media assets, video scripts, stories and press releases to promote relevant policy or science messages.
2. Coordination of publications editing : Plan and manage the daily work of a team of science editors to ensure smooth and timely coordination of the editing process, accuracy and compliance with the UNEP publications strategy; coordinate with other Divisions to streamline editing and ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities across divisions in the editing process by using guidance notes such as editing briefs; provide advice and updates to UNEP staff on publication editing services, standards, methods and approaches.
3. Team supervision: Supervise the publications unit including managing the team; recruiting and managing science editors, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment;  Managing the publication unit’s financial resources in line with UNEP’s policies, procedures, regulations and rules; and increasing awareness across UNEP about availability of editing services with the ultimate goal to ensure high quality of UNEP publications.
4. Capacity building: Evaluate the results and impact of UNEP publications and report on developments, trends, and attitudes regarding UNEP; build networks; plan and develop outreach activities to create an understanding of the editing process for publications, including capacity building for science editors through guidelines and training.
5. 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.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Proven competence in writing and editing complex, scientific-technical reports and publications. Strong research and analytical skills. Up-to-date knowledge of science and environmental issues and current affairs. Ability to monitor and appraise progress against milestones. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. 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. Establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

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 improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in science editing or related field is required.   A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced university degree.  Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in editing publications, journal articles or other type of content focused on the environment or other science-based topic is required.    Experience managing editors is desirable.    Experience working in an international context is desirable    Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of 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 an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension.  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 move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.  The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.  Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.  Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

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.  On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link.

United Nations Considerations

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.

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