English Language Editor and Copywriter

Vacancy Announcement

English Language Editor and Copywriter, P-3

Jerusalem

Deadline for Applications

4 October 2017

Duration

2 years, with the possibility of further extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need.

Vacancy Announcement Number

17-HQ-JR-49

UNRWA encourages applications from qualified women and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for professionals like you.

UNRWA’s strategic objectives

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. In line with this mission, the Agency works towards five strategic outcomes: (a) Palestine refugee rights under international law are protected and promoted; (b) Palestine refugee health is protected and disease burden is reduced; (c) school-age children complete quality, equitable and inclusive basic education; (d) Palestine refugee capabilities are strengthened for increased livelihood opportunities; and (e) Palestine refugees are able to meet their basic human needs of food, shelter and environmental health.

Do you want to make a lasting difference? 

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. In this role, you will provide technical guidance on English-language external communications products and branding to Field Public Information Office staff, communications focal points in programme offices, national committees, representative offices and staff members from other ERCD divisions, as necessary.

The main responsibilities include:

•         Acting as key English-language editor and copywriter in support of UNRWA campaigns and for day-to-day copy, including human interest stories, photo essays and other public-facing content, to ensure compliance with the UNRWA English-language style guide and consistency with the Agency’s communications strategy and advocacy objectives;

•         Researching, writing and editing UNRWA English-language publications and printed materials, including reports, appeals, brochures, fact sheets, maps, calendars, post cards, posters, etc. in collaboration with designers and UNRWA staff;

•         Supervising design, layout and printing of all English-language printed materials, either in-house or with a professional design company, as appropriate;

•         Supporting the Agency’s online presence through the editing of content and development of graphics and multimedia products for the website and social media, in collaboration with the Digital Communications Officer, Advocacy and Social Media Coordinator and other UNRWA staff;

•         In coordination with the Field Public Information Officers and programme communications focal points, writing and editing English-language press releasing for the Donor Relations Division, HQ departments and Executive Office;

•         Providing branding and editing support to UNRWA’s departments and offices, including headquarters, representative offices and national committees, and developing branded templates for external and internal communications, including publications and internal documents, to ensure compliance of English-language publications and printed materials with Agency style guide and branding guidelines;

•         Updating and maintaining online filing system of all electronic formats of UNRWA English publications; supervising distribution of hard copies to fields, other departments and representative offices.

Conditions of service 

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $58,583 net tax free with post adjustment of 55.9% (subject to change without notice). All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

•  Dependency allowances

•  Rental subsidy

•  Education grant for children

•  Home leave travel

•  6 weeks (30 working days) annual leave

•  Pension fund entitlements under the

    UN Joint Staff Pension Fund

•  International health insurance; optional

    life insurance

•  Disability protection

Additional information

Occasionally, incumbent may be asked to travel to various locations in UNRWA fields of operations in the course of duties.

To qualify for this position, you will need:

Education

A university degree from an accredited educational institution in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.

Work

experience

At least six years’ relevant experience in copywriting and editing and implementing communications guidelines, including two years’ experience at international level outside your home country; Experience with international organizations, INGOs, major media outlets or similar organizations in a development context is an asset.

Language(s)

Native written and spoken fluency in English; Satisfactory knowledge of Arabic language is an asset.

You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies:

•         Applying Technical Expertise

•         Planning and Organizing

•         Creating and Innovating

•         Adapting and Responding to Change

For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews:

      https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

How to apply

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.

General information

UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality at all times. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

The retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service in the UN Common System after 1 January 1990 is 62 and 65 after 1 January 2014. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.

The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.

Date of issue: 14 September 2017/ NH