Writer/Editor (Retainer- Multiple positions), Multiple positions

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communications Manager – Digital and Content, and working closely with colleagues within UNOPS Communications Group and other units and offices across the organization, the Writer/Editor (Retainer) will provide high-quality writing, editing and proofreading services for a broad range of primarily external communications products. Some writing and editing support for internal communications products may also be required. 

The Writer/editor (Retainer) should possess strong attention to detail and will be tasked with ensuring all written content is free from spelling and grammatical errors, factually accurate, adheres to UNOPS writing style guides and generally meets UNOPS high-quality content standards.   

The Writer/editor (Retainer) should demonstrate a professional, client-oriented approach, and will be responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient provision of services, confidentiality as needed, and the timely delivery of assignments and commitments in accordance with timelines agreed on.

• Write, copy edit and/or proofread a range of externally-facing content about UNOPS work and activities – including news articles, feature stories, newsletters, op-eds, blogs, press releases, publications and reports, brochures and information sheets 

• Provide writing support for social media campaigns covering a diverse range of themes and for a variety of social media channels. 

• Provide writing, editing and/or proofreading support for internal communications products as needed 

• Liaise with colleagues from various offices and units across the organization –  including corporate units based at UNOPS headquarters and project teams in the field – to discuss assignment details and feedback on submitted work  

• Implement changes based on feedback provided by UNOPS teams

• Ensure the timely delivery of writing/editing/proofreading assignments in accordance with agreed on specifications and timelines

• Advanced university (Master’s) degree, preferably in journalism, communications, social sciences, or other relevant areas of expertise is required
• A combination of a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

• Minimum of two years relevant experience in a writing, editing or similar communications-focused role
• Experience writing, proofreading and copy editing externally-facing high-quality, engaging content is required
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with a focus on spelling, grammar, factual accuracy, language consistency and implementing house style guides are required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are highly desirable
• Excellent organization and planning skills are highly desirable

• Fluency in English is required, with excellent English writing skills and copy editing
• Knowledge of French or Spanish would be an asset

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement 
Contract level: IICA-1 / ICS 8
Contract duration: One year (12 months) initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

More information on retainer contracts:

• A retainer ICA does not accord any exclusivity to the Individual Contractor with respect to the Services listed in the job description. UNOPS shall have no limitation on its right to obtain Services of the same kind from any other source at any time.

• A retainer Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor may be required intermittently.

• A retainer ICA will specify a unit price (e.g. amount per day actually worked). For budgetary purposes, a monetary limit will be specified at the time the ICA is awarded and issued.

• UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of Services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA.

• Payment will be made only after completion of work (if any) or reaching agreed milestones.

• UNOPS Individual Contractors must comply with the standards of conduct required of a UN civil servant, when carrying out their official UNOPS responsibilities and also all other times. This includes the standards of conduct set forth in the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin of 9 October 2003 entitled “Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse” (ST/SGB/2003/13) and the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin of 18 June 2002 entitled "Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission" (ST/SGB/2002/9) as they may be amended from time to time.

• UNOPS Individual Contractors must comply with all applicable UNOPS policies and instructions. This includes the obligation to declare any outside activity that could result in an actual or perceived conflict with the interests of the UN; as well as to refrain from using information gained through the UNOPS Individual Contractor Agreement contract for the Individual Contractor’s own purposes or to help a third party (unless the information is already in the public domain), in particular but not only in relation to procurement of works, goods and services.

• UNOPS Individual Contractors must abide by UN safety and security policies, instructions, directives, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

• The standard terms and conditions of the UNOPS ICA as of the present date can be found at https://content.unops.org/HR-Documents/ICA_contract/Annex-A-ENGLISH.pdf

• Given the nature of this position, particular attention should be given to section 11 on Confidentiality.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.