Date of issue: 28 June 2011 / ISDR/C/10/2011
Post Title:Individual Contractor (Editor)
Duty station:open
Deadline for applications: 4 July2011
Assignments start date:10 Working Days between 25 July – 31 August 2011
United Nations Core Values:
Integrity ● Professionalism ● Respect for diversity
Background:
The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) was created by the UN in 2000 with the specific mandate to raise awareness about the need to reduce the risk of disaster. The UNISDR aims to promote disaster risk reduction as an integral component of sustainable development, with the goal of reducing human, social, economic and environmental losses due to natural hazards and related technological and environmental disasters. It builds on partnerships within and outside the UN towards the goals of reducing the loss of lives, socio-economic setbacks and the environmental damages caused by natural hazards.
Governments around the world have committed to take action to reduce disaster risk, and have adopted a guideline to reduce vulnerabilities to natural hazards, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015. Its thrusts are: to make disaster risk reduction (DRR) a priority; know the risks and take action; build understanding and awareness; reduce risk; and get prepared and ready to act. The work of UNISDR supports those objectives, by helping obtain commitment from public authorities to implement disaster reduction policies and actions; stimulating partnerships across disciplines and sectors to expand risk reduction networks; advocate, support public education about risk and risk reduction and stimulate the increase of scientific knowledge about risk and disaster impacts.
The implementation of the ISDR is supported by a secretariat lead by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The secretariat main functions are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.
Objectives and targets
Within the above mentioned framework, UNISDR Europe in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is engaged in a study whose final report have to be published for knowledge and information sharing on the issues of Disaster Risk Management in the Europe and Central Asia Region. UNISDR Europe is currently seeking an English Editor for revising, copyediting and proofreading the key document to be published September 2011.
- Specific Functions/Tasks/Duties
English editing of the following document:
“Using Education to Reduce Risk” UNICEF and UNISDR Report in the Area of Disaster Risk Reduction and Education in the CEE/CIS Region
This will require for the updated portion of the report to be edited for flow, clarity and tone and ensuring that the documents is properly presented, formatted and numbered so to be sent to graphic design and publishing, including:
- Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation according in line with the UN publications
- Correct or complete all references
- Check manuscript for consistency, format and style, including tables/charts/figures
- Carries out more extensive editing where required, including rewriting, abridging and restructuring texts for greater readability and better logical sequence
- Final proofreading after lay-out
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
- Substantive review for the above report including consultation with UNISDR/UNICEF relevant departments and carries out research to clarify ambiguities and rectify substantive errors;
- Report to be edited to ensure accuracy, clarity, cohesion and conformity with UNISDR standards, policy and practice and ensuring that the document is properly presented, formatted and numbered so to be sent to graphic design and publishing.
Competencies:
Professionalism–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
Planning and Organizing - Demonstrate effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in an efficient and timely manner.
Technological Awareness - Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
Managerial competencies:
Leadership; vision; empowering others; building trust; managing performance; judgment/decision-making
Qualifications:
Education-Postgraduate degree in English language, humanities, journalism, social science, international relation, economics or equivalent level of working experience
Experience-At least seven years of experience as English editor, previous experience in disaster risk reduction publication editing,
-Previous experience in editing United Nations and World Bank publications in the subject of Disaster Risk Reduction. International experience highly desirable
Language -Fluency in written and spoken English.
Other-Knowledge of the work of the United Nations Secretariat, Funds or Programmes.
Please email the following documents to the ISDR secretariat at :
- Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular assignment.
- Completed personal history profile form (available for download from the UNISDR website)
- It would be appreciated your stating your full name and the ISDR vacancy notice number (ISDR/C/10/2011) as the subject in your e-mail of application.
Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
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