Editorial Assistant

The position is located in the secretariat of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) whose mandate is to evaluate the sources of ionizing radiation and its effects on human health and the environment for the United Nations General Assembly, the scientific community and the public. The post is one of two established General Service positions in the UNSCEAR secretariat. It carries the primary responsibility for the preparation of scientific documents for scrutiny at the annual sessions of UNSCEAR, session briefings, subsequent reports to the General Assembly and sales publication comprising substantive and authoritative reports on detailed scientific evidence underpinning the Committee’s findings. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Senior Scientific Officer/Deputy Secretary and overall management by the Secretary of UNSCEAR.

**Responsibilities**:
Within assigned authority, the Editorial Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

- Review, format and follow up publication of scientific publications and session documents; timely submission of documents to the Bureau and the Committee, and promptly alert the Secretary of the Committee to issues and problems that need addressing.
- Maintain an online system of relevant guidance, regulations, and UN/UNSCEAR procedures with respect to preparation, review and publication of UNSCEAR studies (including format, style, layout and submission of scientific documents to the Committee and the General Assembly).
- Provide authors of scientific documents with specific instructions on preparation, review and finalisation of the documents (including correct format, style, layout and submission procedures; screens manuscripts submitted by authors for compliance with submission instructions, standards and regulations).
- Prepare instructions to the Committee for the review and submission of comments and feedback on draft scientific reports and consolidates all comments and authors’ feedback.
- Format scientific texts (including data tabulations, diagrams and figures) in accordance with established UN/UNSCEAR format, style, layout and submission instructions, standards and regulations; liaise with authors in case of inconsistencies; check spreadsheets containing tables, charts and graphs.
- Assume responsibility for organization and accuracy of extensive bibliographic citations of scientific papers in the UNSCEAR Reports.
- Register incoming/outgoing manuscripts of the UNSCEAR secretariat; maintain an audit trail of versions and changes of scientific reports; keep all concerned informed of changes in schedules and modifications made by authors/secretariat to texts.
- Provide technical assistance to editors; liaise with editors to ensure that all editorial changes are reflected in electronic texts; clarify and finalize changes ensuring that any additional revisions are included in final, camera-ready versions. Assume responsibility for liaison with UN entities so to ensure timely publication of the Committee’s scientific reports and reports to General Assembly.
- Ensure typographical accuracy in conformity with UN editorial rules and style, and with UNSCEAR scientific notation, terminology and practice; and perform desktop publishing functions.
- Proofread texts against original draft, as appropriate, identifying errors and inconsistencies and resolving them with the Deputy Secretary, the Secretary of the Committee, author and/or editor.
- Organize, plan and coordinate the work with respect to the production of camera-ready documents for reproduction and storage of final text; take responsibility for quality of finished document or publication.
- Independently respond to queries from translators and text-processing units concerning documents submitted for processing.
- Organize and oversee the maintenance of the secretariat’s physical and electronic reference collection of UN documents, publications and other reference materials; take responsibility for UNSCEAR library and ordering and accounting for documents and publications.
- Update and maintain the UNSCEAR EndNote library (database).
- Assist in organization and servicing of UNSCEAR annual sessions.
- Assist in general office management functions.
- Carry out other tasks as assigned; and act as backup for the Administrative Assistant.
- Carry out other work-related tasks requested by the Deputy Secretary or Secretary of UNSCEAR; cover other General Service staff functions when the staff members are absent, on annual or sick leave.

Competencies
- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
- Teamwork: Works colla