Editorial and Publishing Assistant (perfect command of English)

Org. Setting and Reporting

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is composed of 15 judges, elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Court has a twofold role: first, to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States; and, second, to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The Court is the only principal organ of the United Nations not serviced by the Secretariat. The Court has its own administration, the Registry, which provides judicial support to the Court and acts as a permanent administrative organ. The Registry is headed by a Registrar, elected by the Court. The Document Production Unit of the Publishing Division of the Registry is seeking to replenish the roster of suitable candidates to temporarily serve as Editorial and Publishing Assistant in the Publishing Division during public sittings of the Court and/or peak periods. Please note that, in light of the punctual nature of the editorial assignments to be expected, incumbents may be required to work remotely.

Responsibilities

The Editorial and Publishing Assistant is responsible for formatting, editing, proofreading and assembling all types of administrative and judicial documents in English. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, the incumbent will in particular perform the following duties: - Work as part of a team, sometimes under considerable time constraints, to format, edit and assemble complex and sometimes highly confidential Court documents and pleadings in English, in accordance with the Registry’s editorial guidelines, using Microsoft Word and other software packages such as Adobe Acrobat Professional; insert maps and illustrations and format Court decisions to align French and English texts accurately for “en regard” presentation. - Provide editorial services to all departments and divisions of the Court as needed. - Insert changes into Court documents as marked by translators and revisers, ensuring that all corrections, as marked in the draft copy, have been incorporated. - Proofread each document processed, ensuring that the person responsible is informed if obvious errors or discrepancies are found in the text; check footnote references and cross-references within documents; check pagination and generate tables of contents. - Accurately transcribe verbatim records of Court hearings, within a strict timeframe, using Digital Audio Recording; format, proofread and assemble the transcripts of verbatim records and their translations, including verification of ICJ references, footnotes and quotations. - Compile and/or check complex PDF files, archive final documents in the relevant repositories with accurate metadata and share them with the Reproduction Desk and the Archives, Indexing and Distribution Division for electronic distribution and reproduction, as needed. - Train and guide junior, new and temporary colleagues in the processing of both basic and complex documents. - Assist and replace the Editorial Assistant or Head of Unit in proofreading final documents as needed. - Perform other related tasks as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has excellent knowledge of editorial practices in English, including typographic standards. Has excellent English grammar, spelling and punctuation skills. Has the critical ability to work as part of a team in a multicultural environment and to work under pressure, with attention to detail and complete discretion. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Excellent English grammar, spelling and punctuation skills are required. An excellent knowledge of editorial practices in English, including typographic standards, is required. An excellent command of the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat is required. Training in proofreading or a related area is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in English language editorial services, including copy editing, proofreading, publishing, typographical layout or related areas, is required. A first-level or higher university degree may substitute for two years of experience. Relevant experience within a judicial or legal environment is required. Relevant experience within the United Nations or a similar organization is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written test which may be followed by a competency and/or knowledge-based interview.

Special Notice

The Document Production Unit of the Publishing Division of the Registry is seeking to replenish the roster of suitable candidates to temporarily serve as Editorial and Publishing Assistant in the Publishing Division during public sittings of the Court and/or peak periods. Please note that, in light of the punctual nature of the editorial assignments to be expected, incumbents may be required to work remotely. The Court is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a staff member. This post is subject to local recruitment pursuant to United Nations Staff Rule 4.4. All staff in the General Service and related categories are in principle recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the seat of the Court, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment is not eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Candidates living outside the Netherlands or beyond commuting distance of the seat of the Court may apply for the position but will be regarded as local applicants and be subject to the same conditions. The selected candidate may be subject to security clearance, including verification of the information provided and a criminal record check. All candidates should be prepared to submit an electronic copy of their passport and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested. The Registrar reserves the right not to appoint any candidate to the post, or to appoint one at a lower level or on the basis of a modified job description.

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the ICJ Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICJ if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ICJ does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICJ are fraudulent and should be disregarded.