UNDP Jobs

Summary of key functions: Ensures timely issuance of high-quality documentation for three sessions per year of the Executive Board.

• Major policy documents, country programme documents and other official reports for the Executive Board, edited to highest professional United Nations standards.
• Clear, coherent decisions produced at the conclusion of each session of the Executive Board.
• Advice provided to the Director, Executive Board secretariat, on editorial matters.
• Resolution of in-house editorial and terminology matters.

1.   Edits major policy documents, country programme documents and other official reports

• The Senior Editor / Editorial Advisor edits or manages the editing of at least 40 policy documents per year, to United Nations standards, for submission to the Executive Board on behalf of UNDP, UNCDF, UNIFEM, UNOPS and UNV, working with author departments to ensure that policies and messages are conveyed accurately.
• The incumbent edits or manages the editing of approximately 30 regional and country programme documents per year, to United Nations standards, working with authors and the regional bureaux to ensure that the information they contain is conveyed accurately.
• In support of the above, the Senior Editor / Editorial Advisor works with United Nations terminologists to ensure the accurate inclusion of UNDP terms in the six-language terminology database used for reference by the editors and translators of all official United Nations reports.
• The incumbent works closely with UNFPA counterparts – particularly the UNFPA Senior Editor – to ensure coherency and harmonization of joint reports and decisions.

2.  Produces clear, coherent decisions at the conclusion of each session of the Executive Board.

• Each year the Senior Editor / Editorial Advisor drafts approximately 40 decisions, which provide guidance to UNDP for its work in subsequent years.
• In support of the above, the incumbent works closely with facilitators and delegations to capture the necessary elements for their decisions while ensuring adherence to United Nations editorial standards.
• The incumbent works closely with UNFPA counterparts – particularly the UNFPA Senior Editor – to produce a complete set of decisions, including the overview of decisions, at the conclusion of each session of the Executive Board.
• The incumbent replaces the Director of the Executive Board secretariat during absences from the podium during Executive Board sessions and informal consultations.

3.  Provides editorial and terminological guidance and direction

•  The Senior Editor / Editorial Advisor works with author departments and regional bureaux during the preparation of country programme documents and reports to the Executive Board.
• The incumbent provides advice to the Director of the Executive Board secretariat and to bureaux and offices throughout UNDP, upon request, particularly to the Executive Office; the Japan Unit; and the Division for Resources Mobilization.
• In support of the above, the Senior Editor / Editorial Advisor makes available UNDP-specific guidelines on preparing reports and country programme documents for the Executive Board.

Impact of Results

• The key results of the effective editing of documents will be more targeted, better focused reports, and improved understanding of UNDP work among donors, programme countries, and partners.
• The key results of clear decisions arising from sessions will be clarity throughout the organization as to the exact nature of the guidance provided by the Executive Board, and UNDP adherence to such guidance.
• The key results of sound editorial advice and guidance will be higher-quality, more comprehensible UNDP documentation and a resulting improvement in the working relationship between UNDP, its partners, and the Executive Board.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling United Nations values and ethical standards
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

• Shows knowledge of and commitment to UNDP practice areas and the Millennium Development Goals.
• Willingly provides support to others in UNDP who request advice or help.
• Makes valuable contributions (such as documented knowledge and community-building) to UNDP practice areas.
• Demonstrates sufficient technical knowledge to perform effectively in own specialty.

Management and Leadership:

• Interacts effectively with all levels of the organization, including senior management at headquarters and in the regions
• Effectively manages teams and creates an enabling work environment
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Demonstrates ability to remain calm, in control and good-humored under pressure (tight deadlines, difficult situations)
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
• Solicits feedback about the impact of his/her own behavior.
  

Education: 

• Post-University (Master’s) degree in English or in a language-related field.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 10 years’ professional experience mainly in editing;
• Knowledge of document preparation processes in international organizations;
• Prior experience working with the United Nations or another international organization;
• Knowledge of broad development issues an asset.

Language Requirements: 

• Native English speaker with exceptional linguistic ability in English;
• Editing experience mandatory.
• Knowledge of French and Spanish required.