Managing Editor

Introduction

The position is located in the International Labour Review Section (REVUE) of the ILO Research Department (RESEARCH).

The International Labour Review (ILR) is a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal of international scope in labour and employment studies. Published quarterly since 1921, in English, French and Spanish by decision of the ILO Governing Body and under the responsibility of the ILO Research Department (RESEARCH), it aims to advance academic research and inform policy debate and decision-making in all fields related to the world of work (economics, law, industrial relations, social policy, sociology, development studies, etc.) by publishing and bringing together the original thinking of academics and experts in those fields. The International Labour Review also features concise reports on current developments considered to be of particular interest to those working in these fields and reviews of recent major publications. It is committed to an editorial policy that combines accessibility with rigorous, insightful analysis and the highest scholarly standards.

The position reports to the Director of RESEARCH.

Specific Duties

1. Coordinate the overall production of the ILR in the three languages of the journal on a timely basis, including supervision and monitoring of the work of REVUE (editorial team) and all aspects of collaboration between the Editorial Board, independent reviewers, contractual translators and editors, the in-house proof-reading and type-setting units (the Publications Production Management Unit, PRODOC) and the journal’s publisher (when applicable).
2. Establish the ILR publications schedule, in coordination with Management in the Research Department and the ILO publications plan. Plan and decide on the content of each issue of the ILR in agreement with the Editorial Board, considering the need to maintain a balanced coverage of regions, disciplines and the concerns of a global readership, including with respect to gender-related topics.
3. Keep abreast of labour and social policy developments worldwide, current academic debates in the field, and the ILO’s research and policy agenda, therefore maintaining contacts with professionals in a range of fields, including the independent advisers to the ILR.
4. Conduct a preliminary evaluation of unsolicited manuscripts submitted to the journal in the working languages, reject those that are unsuitable for publication in light of the ILR’s editorial policy, and refer the remainder to selected members of the Editorial Board and/or independent referees according to subject matter.
5. Plan and organize meetings of the Editorial Board (setting the agenda, recommending contents, proposing a programme of work on future issues, etc.).
6. Manage the review process for manuscripts under consideration in agreement with the members of the Editorial Board and/or designated independent advisers.
7. Make editorial suggestions to the authors of accepted papers to ensure that they meet the highest standards of clarity and presentation in accordance with the ILR’s editorial policy and style.
8. When needed, provide contributions to the ILR’s “Notes, debates and communications” section.
9. Contribute to the Editorial Board’s efforts to solicit contributions to the journal, especially for agreed Special Issues.
10. Coordinate and contribute to initiatives to promote the ILR, and encourage submissions from world-class researchers.
11. Keep abreast of trends and developments in scientific publishing (digital and traditional) and, in collaboration with the Department of Communication (DCOMM) and other relevant partners, establish an online and social media strategy for the ILR.
12. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

optional section (only if needed)

Generic Duties

1. Plan, organize, supervise and monitor the work of a unit producing publications or a periodical publication in the official languages of the organization, on a timely basis and within acceptable cost. Determine priorities for the unit.  Plan, schedule and allocate work to staff in order to meet deadlines and required output while maintaining editorial standards.  Supervise the editorial performance of the unit.
2. Establish a publications programme in accordance with the appropriate mandates, and take into account the requirements of originating units and available resources.
3. Establish editorial practices and guidelines for the unit and contribute to the establishment of organization-wide policy in this respect. Keep abreast of labour and social policy developments worldwide. Maintain contact with colleagues undertaking research that might lead to publishable material.
4. Edit or revise highly sensitive texts and approve the editing of exceptionally difficult or complex manuscripts. Write editorials and introductions for each issue of a periodical publication.
5. Contribute to the establishment of recruitment criteria, including examinations and training, and arrange for the training of staff and contractual editors.
6. Recommend action on personnel, budgetary, procedural and other matters relating to the efficient operation of the unit.
7. Manage the editorial aspects of electronic publishing.
8. Provide authoritative advice to high-level management on editorial policy and problems, and represent the office at both formal and informal meetings.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced-level university degree in the liberal arts, law, economics, social sciences or publishing studies or other relevant field, or the equivalent in experience.

Experience

At least ten years of professional experience in writing, translating, revising and/or editing, preferably with specialization in social and labour issues, of which at least five years at the international level in a senior position.

Languages

Excellent command of one official language (English, French or Spanish) of the Organization and a working knowledge of a second official language. A working knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. 

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical

• Broad general knowledge and a highly developed ability for good independent judgment and analysis in respect of employment and social policy and other subject areas of the ILR.
• Extensive knowledge of work practices, methods and processes in the editorial field, and particularly good understanding of academic and scientific writing and publishing. Excellent written communication skills. Ability to manage the editorial aspects of electronic publishing.
• Ability to perform efficiently as a manager, and in particular to prepare and manage the budget and to negotiate resources with other programmes, especially those responsible for translation, production, marketing, distribution and promotion.
• Ability to plan, design and carry out a publications programme independently and to supervise and guide the work of the editorial staff.

Behavioural

• Tact and persuasiveness in dealing with colleagues, authors, independent advisers, collaborators and constituents.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.