About the opportunity
The UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP), based in Perugia, Italy, is seeking a qualified individual specialist to support the production of the 2027 edition of the United Nations World Water Development Report (UN WWDR), themed “Water and Health.” The consultant will be responsible for editorial management, translation oversight, copyediting, and proofreading of the French and Spanish editions. This role involves coordinating with translation services, liaising with graphic designers, ensuring adherence to UNESCO/UN editorial standards, and managing the production timeline to meet ISBN application deadlines. The consultant will also handle related communication materials and website content for the WWAP.
Salary and benefits
- Professional engagement with the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme
- Opportunity to contribute to a high-profile UN publication
- Monthly fee-based compensation (to be proposed by the candidate)
Who can apply?
- University degree in scientific/technical disciplines (e.g., hydrology, environmental sciences), literature, or a relevant field
- Proven track record in editing and proofreading scientific publications, books, or reports on environmental affairs and water resources management
- Proficiency in technical document editing and layout coordination
- Strong knowledge of water and environmental terminology and relevant scientific lexicons
- Good knowledge of terminology related to gender equality
- In-depth knowledge of UN and UNESCO style guides and editorial standards
- Excellent grammatical and stylistic skills in both French and Spanish
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage concurrent workflows
Required documents
- Completed UNESCO Employment History form
- Concise approach and methodology for the assignment
- Work plan
- Financial proposal in EURO indicating a monthly fee
- Updated CV
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-02
How to apply
- Visit the UNESCO Careers website
- Click on the 'Apply Now' button
- Download and complete the Employment History form
- Prepare the required methodology, work plan, financial proposal, and CV
- Submit the full application package through the online portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The contract duration is 11 months
- The duty station is Perugia, but the work location is remote
- The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and panel interviews
- UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment
- Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with a background in both environmental science and professional editorial work are ideal for this role.
- Applicants who have previously worked with UN or UNESCO style guides will have a significant advantage.
- The role is perfect for a detail-oriented linguist who is comfortable managing complex, multi-language production workflows.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires high-level proficiency in both French and Spanish, as the consultant must manage editorial processes for both languages simultaneously.
- The 11-month contract is project-based, so applicants should be prepared for a fixed-term commitment.
- Candidates must be comfortable working remotely while coordinating with a secretariat and external partners.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy is an excellent opportunity for an experienced editor to build a portfolio within the UN system. It offers a chance to contribute to a globally recognized report on water and health, providing significant professional visibility and experience in high-stakes, multilingual publishing environments.
Our take
This position is highly suitable for experienced editorial consultants with a strong grasp of scientific terminology and UN standards. Those who lack experience in technical editing or who are not fully fluent in both French and Spanish may find this role challenging.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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