Editorial Assistant

Organ: The General Secretariat directs all the administrative and financial aspects of the Union's activities, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication matters for operational and other purposes, the provision of legal advice to the Bureaux of the Union and the departments of the General Secretariat, logistic support to the Union's activities including conferences, the coordination of the work of the Union with other international organizations, the dissemination of information to the Member States and Sector Members, press, corporate and individual users of telecommunications and the general public. The General Secretariat is also responsible for the organization of world telecommunication exhibitions and forums.

Organization Unit: Within the General Secretariat, the Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) advises the Secretary-General on strategic challenges and their implications for the Union in the fast evolving telecommunications/ICT environment; develops forward-looking strategic proposals to the ITU management team with a view to ensuring that the organization meets the objectives assigned by the membership; plans and coordinates the corporative and strategic activities with a view to ensuring their accordance with membership objectives; organizes and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council, and other meetings in the general secretariat in order to achieve a high level of involvement from Member States and Sector Members, develops and maintains sound relations with Member States, Sector Members and other entities, the UN and other international organizations. The Department is also responsible for providing expert advice on communication and promotion strategies and for developing and implementing the Union's corporate communication plan in cooperation with the three Sectors with a view to promoting ITU leadership in the field of telecommunications and ICT.

Duties / Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Editor-in-Chief of the ITU News Magazine, the incumbent carries out the following duties: Provides editorial and secretarial support throughout the preparation and production process of each issue of the Magazine. Develops and keeps a list of authors and potential authors and contributors to ensure a continuous flow of material for publication in the print and online editions of the Magazine. Collects input from all three ITU Sectors and the General Secretariat on the basis of themes listed in the Magazine's Editorial Calendar. Reads manuscripts thoroughly and researches facts to ensure accuracy of information, bringing to the attention of the supervisor any badly constructed passages or references or quotes that are erroneous, missing or inaccurate. Follows up with internal and external authors and contributors to ensure that articles are submitted within prescribed deadlines and that edited articles are cleared on time. To this end, creates and maintains files for each article until its final approval. Proofreads the English Master copy of each issue of the Magazine and corrects any grammatical errors (including spelling and punctuation), using standard proofreading symbols. Ensures that country, company, product as well as people's names are accurate and that the use of abbreviations and acronyms is uniform throughout each issue of the Magazine (both in print and online). Keeps track of all production deadlines and follows up with all Divisions and external Service Providers involved in the production chain to ensure that deadlines are met for each issue of the Magazine in all its six languages. Ensures the correct use of the typographical conventions and, in general, corrects faults which impede readability (both for the print and online editions) or points them out to the supervisor. Searches for artwork to accompany articles and helps organize page layouts. Examines the final online edition of each issue of the Magazine in English and prepares reports of errors and inconsistencies for transmission to the Web Developer for correction prior to online posting. Searches appropriate sources to tap for potential advertisers; develops and maintains a list of advertisers; liaises with them providing information and ensuring that advertising material is received by the Editorial Office within prescribed deadlines. Ensures that advertisers receive copies of each issue of the Magazine as proof of publication of their advertisements; and keeps track of published advertisements and prepares the necessary information for invoicing by the Financial Resources Management Department. Liaises with SPM's Administrator on the status of contracts for editing and writing assignments and keeps a monthly record of the Magazine's expenditure. Writes and keeps minutes of meetings relating to the production of the Magazine in all six languages. Responds to telephone and written enquiries and manages requests for permissions to use photos and/or to reproduce articles from the Magazine. Undertakes administrative duties as required to handle subscriptions in the absence of the Magazine's Subscriptions Assistant; and performs any other duties which may be assigned.

Qualifications required

Education: Complete secondary education with a diploma OR complete equivalent technical or commercial studies with a diploma.

Experience: At least 8 years of experience in editorial work in an international environment. (A maximum of three years of studies in the field of the post and in a recognized school may replace the required experience on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience.)

Languages: English mother tongue and very good knowledge of French. Practical knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage. Proven drafting ability in English and French and to understand technical texts in telecommunications.

Competencies: Strong writing and research skills. Very good experience in the use of standard word-processing, of spreadsheet and presentation software and of databases. Excellent time-management and communication skills, with a good sense of diplomacy, tact and discretion. Ability to work in a team, as well as independently under pressure and with precision.

Remuneration

Annual Salary: (Net of Tax) 81,747.- CHF - 108,697.- CHF without dependants

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for written test. Interviews may be used as a form of screening.

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