Jordan Editor (Oversight)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

UNRWA is the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East. It provides assistance and protection to Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). It does so by offering to a population of some 4.7 million registered refugees a range of human development and humanitarian services in primary and vocational education, primary health care, social safety net, community support, camp improvement, and microfinance. UNRWA’s role also encompasses advocacy and actions to address the human rights and protection needs of Palestine refugees.

Consultancy - Editor (Oversight) HQ Amman

BACKGROUND The United Nations Relief and Works Agency seeks to engage a qualified individual who is available immediately to review, revise and edit audit reports. As Editor, you will assist in coordinating and managing the editorial and quality assurance process for internal audit reports, inspections, etc., from planning through editing and processing of final documents.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Perform the editorial processing of draft reports; • Ensure linguistic correctness, clarity and consistency in format and style of all reports; • In consultation with relevant staff, make appropriate editorial changes relating to structure, logical argument, ambiguities, conflicting statements, duplications, etc. • Suggest rewording, adding or deleting areas, if necessary; • Ensure proper quality control of reports in process and provide editorial clearance for all edited reports prior to release; • In performing the editorial process, identify areas of concern and/or problem patterns and propose possible solutions with a view to improving the quality and consistency of audit reports.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE • University degree, preferably in languages, journalism, international relations or social and economic development issues; • At least three years of experience in writing or editing documents/publications related to social and economic development; • Native-speaking ability in English; Excellent drafting skills in English are essential; Experience and/or training in technical writing; • Must be able to express ideas clearly, logically and persuasively-- should love to write; • Must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics; • Ability to work closely with others, especially with people of varied cultural backgrounds, at all levels; • Tact and the ability to guide and encourage others in their work; • Excellent organizational, research and analytical skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE • Previous work in auditing or evaluation is a major advantage; • Substantial knowledge of the United Nations system in general is desirable; knowledge of the mission of UNRWA is an advantage; • Knowledge of Arabic is helpful;

CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT

1. The duration of the consultancy will be for twelve months on a retainer basis (with possibility of extension).

2. UNRWA Headquarters are based in Amman, Jordan. A consultant based in Amman is strongly preferred. However, UNRWA will also consider applications from home-based consultants outside Jordan.

3. Applicants should indicate expected fees and basis thereof.

How to apply:

APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form via unrwa-ahr@unrwa.org clearly indicating the title of this consultancy “Editor (Oversight)” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 12 November 2011 (late applications will not be considered).

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.