CONSULTANT – TECHNICAL EDITOR (Perugia, Italy) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Perugia

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 26/04/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

The 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.  The report is produced annually on a dedicated theme. 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. To produce a coherent, evidence-based and policy-relevant report, these inputs must be carefully harmonized to ensure consistency in messaging, clarity for the intended audience and integrity of the overall narrative.  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 ASSIGNMENT

The primary objective of this assignment is to provide comprehensive editorial guidance and quality assurance for the UN World Water Development Report 2027. The editor will be instrumental in ensuring the report’s scientific accuracy, coherence, clarity, and adherence to UN editorial standards, making it accessible and impactful for a diverse global audience.

Under 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.
• Coherence and Integration: 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.
• Adherence to UNESCO’s editorial Standards: Ensure strict compliance with UNESCO’s editorial guidelines, terminology, and branding standards.
• Coordination with key staff at the WWAP secretariat: Liaise closely with the Coordinator,  Process Coordinator, chapter lead authors, contributing authors, and the editorial and graphic designer’s team at the WWAP Secretariat to facilitate the editorial process, provide constructive feedback, and manage revisions effectively.
• Fact-Checking Support: Provide support in verifying data, statistics, and references to ensure the credibility and reliability of the report’s content.
• Timeline Management: Contribute to maintaining the editorial production schedule, ensuring the timely delivery of edited drafts.

The assignment is expected to commence in May 2026 and conclude by February 2027, with an estimated 8 working months over this period. Specific timelines will be agreed upon with the selected candidate,  which may include a break during the summer.

The Technical Editor will be expected to deliver the following:

• Edited drafts of all chapters and sections of the UN WWDR 2027.
• A fully edited and quality-assured final manuscript of the UN WWDR 2027, ready for layout and publication.
• Edited versions of related communication products (e.g., Executive Summary, Policy Briefs, Power Point Contents, Media Materials).

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

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.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of scientific and technical concepts related to water and health.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all editorial aspects.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse group of authors and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• 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.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of UN System-Wide Processes: Demonstrated understanding and experience with the editorial and publication processes, terminology, and reporting standards of the United Nations system.
• Assessment of Written Samples: Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio of their previous work, including at least three (3) examples of major technical reports or publications they have significantly edited or guided. A written editing test may also be administered as part of the selection process.

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, download and complete the following:

1. Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information.
2. A cover letter outlining suitability for the position.
3. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
4. A portfolio of at least three (3) relevant written samples of major technical reports or publications that the candidate has significantly edited or guided. These samples should demonstrate the candidate’s editorial capabilities and experience with complex subject matter.
5. A proposed fee for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD.

(consider here using the same paragraph on the need for FULL application)

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. 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.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.