Assistant Editor, Tokyo

• Organization: UNU - United Nations University
• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Office: UNU-IAS Tokyo
• Follow @UNjobs

United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) | 6F International Organizations Center | Pacifico-Yokohama | 1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-8502, Japan | Tel: +81-45-221-2300, Fax: +81-45-221-2302

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Assistant Editor
POSITION: Personnel Service Agreement
REFERENCE NO.: 2016/UNU/HQ/OC/PSA/ED/51
LOCATION: Tokyo
Timezone: UTC +9
CLOSING DATE: Open until position is filled
United Nations University objectives
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training, and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. It serves as a think tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity building (particularly in developing countries), and serves as a platform for new and creative ideas and dialogue. In addition to the UNU Headquarters, located in Tokyo, UNU has established fifteen institutes and programmes worldwide.
Office of Communications
The UNU Office of Communications (OC) at UNU Centre in Tokyo implements and oversees the University's communications strategy, including web, visual identity, branding, media relations, and content development/delivery in English and Japanese. The OC works in close collaboration with communications focal points across the University's global network of institutes and programmes to best articulate and meet UNU communications goals.
Specifically, the OC

• develops and maintains the University's core web platform, with input from institutes and other stakeholders
• leads development of UNU's brand/identity and provides guidance on its implementation and elaboration
• establishes the editorial tone and style for core communications outputs (such as the University website, Our World web magazine, annual report, and promotional and PR materials), and provides editorial guidance and support
• coordinates local and international media activities with press and media outlets, often in collaboration with focal points and partners
• employs social media channels to further the reach of UNU's output

Responsibilities
The Assistant Editor will wo rk as a member of the UNU Office of Communications team to provide general editorial support for the UNU websites and for other UNU print and digital products.
The Assistant Editor will assist other OC editorial/web team members in the following tasks

• update, edit, and schedule content for the UNU Centre website and Our World magazine
• utilise social media channels to further the reach of UNU's output
• regularly monitor other UNU system websites, and solicit or draft short news items that highlight the University's activities and achievements worldwide
• review UNU research publications to identify topics that could be developed into website articles, and solicit submissions from relevant UNU researchers
• evaluate and edit/proofread submitted articles (this might include, for example, helping the author of an 8,000-word, jargon-filled academic manuscript to transform it into a 1,200 word, 'plain English' article, or advising the author of a 'weak' submission on how to refine, reference, and supplement the content)
• draft, edit, and proofread various materials, and research/write original articles by aggregating and shaping research output from multiple UNU sources into a coherent narrative
• prepare and maintain documentation (including style guides) for the UNU website
• support other OC work (including marketing, dissemination, content syndication, event organisation, and fundraising activities) and perform other OC-related duties as required

Required qualifications and experience

• Hold a bachelor's degree in related fields of study with at least two (2) years of professional writing/editing experience.
• Possess outstanding English writing skills, and have experience in editing science-based topics.
• Have an aptitude for collaborating with writers from diverse backgrounds, and working effectively as part of an editorial team.
• Have exceptional skills with content management and social media tools; proficiency in using WordPress would be an asset.
• Have experience in using and/or a good understanding of social media platforms (especially Twitter and Facebook) and communications methods.
• Have a proven ability (supported by high-quality, published samples) to write for public/academic audiences.
• Be creative, organised, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of producing high-quality work on a short deadline.

Remuneration
Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Duration of contract
This is full-time employment on an initial six (6) months Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.
This is a locally recruited post; no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil service status nor be a 'staff member' as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
Starting date
As soon as possible.