Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Remote
Duration of contract : BACKGROUNDThe United Nations World Water Development Report (UN WWDR) is UNESCO's flagship publication on freshwater, serving as an authoritative source of information and a key reference for informing water-related policies and strategies globally, regionally, and nationally. Produced by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water, the report synthesizes the work of 30 UN agencies and international partners. The UN WWDR 2027 will focus on the critical theme of "Water and Health," exploring the intricate linkages between water resources, sanitation, hygiene, and public health outcomes worldwide.
Founded in 2000 by UNESCO, The UN World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) of UNESCO equips water managers and key decision-makers with the data, knowledge and analytical tools needed to inform policies that improve the management, supply and quality of global freshwater resources. The primary product of the WWAP Secretariat is the UN World Water Development Report (WWDR), the flagship report of UN-Water on global water issues. WWAP produces the UNWWDR in collaboration with several members and partners of UN-Water.
Because these contributions and inputs originate from diverse institutions, they vary in style, depth, technical detail and analytical approach. This process requires the involvement of a specialized editor, responsible for integrating the different contributions into a unified publication that meets the scientific, editorial and communication standards of UNESCO and the UN system.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENTthe primary objective of this assignment is to provide comprehensive editorial guidance and quality assurance for the UN World Water Development Report 2027. SCOPE OF THE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the overall authority of the Coordinator of the United Nations World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) and the direct supervision of the WWAP Process Coordinator, the Technical Editor will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:
Editorial Strategy and Guidance : Develop and implement an editorial strategy for the UN WWDR 2027, ensuring a consistent voice, style, and messaging throughout the report, particularly concerning the "Water and Health" theme. This involves ensuring quality standards for content production and publication (especially at the copyediting and proofreading stage);
Content Review and Enhancement Conduct thorough technical and linguistic editing of all chapters and sections of the report, including the Executive Summary, Facts and Figures, and supplementary materials. This includes developing original, evidence-based content; editing existing material based on contributions submitted by the UN-Water family and project partners; repurposing existing content into new formats; and editing and rewriting partner contributions to streamline the content, identify complementarities, and fill gaps. It also entails researching and following complementary publications in the literature in order to develop content that is relevant, cutting‐edge, and engaging.
Preparation of contents: Draft forewords, preface and any other section (front end matter), communication material (press release, web articles, speeches etc.) for the WWDR and support development of similar contents for other WWAP publications, as per management request.
Ensure seamless integration of contributions from various sections authored by different UN (Lead) agencies, harmonizing diverse writing styles and ensuring thematic coherence across all sections of the report.
Clarity and Accessibility : Edit complex scientific and technical information into clear, concise, and accessible language suitable for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.
Ensure strict compliance with UNESCO's editorial guidelines, terminology, and branding standards.
Fact-Checking Support : Provide support in verifying data, statistics, and references to ensure the credibility and reliability of the report's content.
CONTRACT DURATIONThe assignment is expected to commence in May 2026 and conclude by February 2027, with an estimated 8 working months over this period. A fully edited and quality‐assured final manuscript of the UN WWDR 2027, ready for layout and publication.
Executive Summary, Policy Briefs, Power Point Contents, Media Materials).
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Medical Sciences, Public Health, Water Resources Management, or a related field. A first‐level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical editing, scientific writing, or publishing, with a strong focus on environmental issues, water resources, public health, or sustainable development.
Demonstrated senior‐level experience in guiding and preparing major technical reports or publications for international organizations.
Proven track record of editing complex multi‐author documents, preferably within the UN system or similar international development contexts.
Technical Acumen : Strong understanding of scientific and technical concepts related to water and health.
Software Proficiency : Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with editorial and reference management software/tools.
LANGUAGES
Exceptional English Language Proficiency : Native‐level proficiency in English, with outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Working knowledge of another UN Language is desirable.
Assessment of Written Samples : A written editing test may also be administered as part of the selection process.
A portfolio of at least three (3) relevant written samples of major technical reports or publications that the candidate has significantly edited or guided. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSPlease note that all candidates must complete an on‐line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
The process may include pre‐recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. Short‐listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; Data Privacy Statement).
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
#