Language Service Editor/Reporter (French/Portuguese), Multiple Duty Stations
Closing Date: Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Tags: Computer Literacy; Developing Countries; ERP; Information Networks; International Relations; Language Services; Middle East; Political Science; Public Information; Public Speaking; Resource Mobilization; South Africa; Translator
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)
HUMANITARIAN NEWS
Closing date: 11 Nov 2008
Location: - Various -
POSITION TITLE: Language Service Editor/Reporter
GRADE: L-3
POST: Expert
DUTY STATION: Dakar/Johannesburg, with frequent travel in region
DURATION: Twelve months
SUPERVISOR: Managing Editor
CONTENT AND METHODOLOGY: Guidance and support from the IRIN Editor-in-Chief
1. BACKGROUND
The Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) is an independent humanitarian news and analysis service covering more than 70 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Further to the UN?s cooperation with developing countries, IRIN aims to provide comprehensive and impartial coverage of humanitarian and related issues. Intended for the benefit of a global readership, an emphasis is made on assisting governments and international aid organizations to implement their humanitarian and development work in disaster affected and/or prone countries.
2. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Based in the IRIN bureau in Dakar, Senegal (French) and Johannesburg, South Africa (Portuguese), and under the supervision of the respective Managing Editor, the Language Service Editor/Reporter supervises the translation and production of all IRIN reports in the respective language. Under guidance from the IRIN Editor-in-Chief and relevant IRIN officers, the Language Service Editor/Reporter will support efforts to strengthen the technical capacity of developing countries to address humanitarian and development challenges.
3. SPECIFIC DUTIES
He/she is responsible specifically for the following duties:
1.Supervise the translation of a broad and balanced selection of IRIN/PlusNews reports;
2.Proofread and edit translated reports, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established IRIN guidelines on style and grammar;
3.Identify, develop and mentor a network of freelance contributors, translators and sub-editors;
4.Research, report and write original news and feature articles; including special reports, analyses and interviews;
5.Upload articles to IRIN website, update and maintain the relevant language sections of the site;
6.Contribute towards resource mobilization efforts, acting as an advocate for IRIN?s language services; support efforts to market IRIN to audiences in the region and online;
7.Provide support to readers and clients, responding to feedback and queries;
8.Undertake travel for reporting, information gathering, liaison, outreach, resource mobilization in consultation with concerned IRIN managers;
9.Liaise with partners and organisations, UN agencies, the media, NGO networks, government authorities and other relevant entities to improve the flow of humanitarian information;
10.Assist in the preparation of narrative and financial reports as required and take part in the development of work plans, cost plans, policies, advocacy initiatives and products;
11.Any other duties as my be assigned by the Managing Editor.
4. UN COMPETENCIES
The United Nations organizational/core and managerial competencies include: (Core) Accountability; Client Orientation; Communication; Commitment to Continuous Learning; Creativity; Planning and Organizing; Teamwork; and Technological Awareness; (Managerial) Building Trust; Empowering Others; Managing Performance; Leadership; Judgment/Decision-making; and Vision.
Key Competencies are:
Professionalism - Advanced knowledge of and practical experience in the field of advocacy, communications and public information and ability to address a range of issues related to UN information requirements; understanding of the UN system, organization and interrelationships; shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; remains calm in stressful situations.
Communication - Excellent communication (written, spoken, public speaking and presentational) skills, including ability to produce a variety of written communications products and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style; strong research and analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources; experience in developing communications products for global audiences, including in online or electronic media; theoretical understanding of and practical experience in the discipline of internal communications; ability to copy edit; ability to present sensitive issues/positions
Planning and organizing - Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
Teamwork - Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Technological Awareness ? Fully proficient computer skills and knowledge of relevant software and related applications; experience with web publishing using a variety of different tools and platforms.
5. QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferable in a relevant field such as journalism, political science, sociology, law, international relations. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
- At least five years experience in either the humanitarian or journalism field, or a combination of both. Specific experience in HIV/AIDS and advantage;
- Fluency in the language of the service (French ?Dakar- or Portuguese -Johannesburg) is essential as well as good written and spoken English. A working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage;
- Computer literacy, proficiency in the use of the internet as a research and publication tool, awareness of current multi-media and news-gathering technology.
How to apply
The Terms of Reference are for the position of Language Service Editor/Report (one position in Dakar and one position in Johannesburg) at the L-3 level (200 Series of Staff Rules). The positions are for an initial period of one year. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Kindly submit an application together with a completed P-11 or PHP. Submission of a P11 or PHP is a requirement - http://www.irinnews.org/jobs.aspx
Kindly submit application to: Mark Bidder email: bidder@un.org and Mark Dalton email: daltonm@un.org and cc: Cristina Gomez e-mail: gomez3@un.org
Reference Code: RW_7KXA42-32
Source: Reliefweb