Proofreader and Editorial Assistant at International Maritime Organization

Purpose of the Post

• Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor, English Word Processing Unit, the incumbent will carry out a variety of duties with regard to proofreading and editing of documents. The incumbent will be required to work night shifts and overtime on a regular basis.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Proofread English texts for precision, quality and conformity with established standards and policies, ensuring that processing and editorial changes have been accurately and successively incorporated and are reflected in the final version. 
• Edit, insert corrections, format, merge, collate and prepare documents, which include complex tables, reports and special layouts, adapting to technological developments notably in the field of CAT tools (eLUNa).
• Verify the grammar, syntax, references quoted, concordance of English text with the original document to ensure an accurate translation, comparing style, punctuation and spelling, following IMO guidelines.
• Consult editors, translators and revisers in the case of any omissions or discrepancies between the original and the translated text and make proposals.
• Check that all components of the original (source) text are correctly reflected in the final edited/translated document (e.g. cover page, table of contents, official country names, pagination, chapters, paragraphs, titles, figures, equations, annexes, footnotes, charts, appendices).
• Align bi-texts to support the production of high-quality translation memories for computer-assisted translation tools (Document Storage, eLUNa) and related workflow improvements.
• Convert texts into different formats using various software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat), and check the converted text for accuracy.
• Train or guide staff, including temporary employees, on work procedures in the processing of basic and more complex documents.
• Deal efficiently with high volumes of documents and work independently in order to meet competing document deadlines.
• Be prepared to work remotely on night shifts and/or overtime on a regular basis.
• Perform any other duties as required for the effective operation of the word processing team, including document processing and routine office arrangements.

Required Competencies

• Excellent proofreading and formatting skills with demonstrated thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of output.
• Proactive and reliable approach with the ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to handle high volumes of work and to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Sense of initiative and capacity to work independently under general guidance. 
• Ability to interact collaboratively and establish working relationships with staff at all levels and to work effectively in a team within a multicultural environment.
• Positive attitude, flexibility and willingness to work late hours, even at short notice.
• Willingness to keep abreast with technology updates.

Professional Experience

• At least four years of relevant professional experience is required. Proficiency or familiarity in using CAT tools would be an asset. Experience in similar work, preferably in an international organization or within the UN system would be an asset. Experience in providing training or guidance on work procedures would be an asset.

Education

• Secondary education or equivalent to university entrance standard. A degree in a relevant subject would be an asset.

Language Skills

• Proficiency in English to mother tongue standard, combined with excellent knowledge of grammar and spelling.