Copy Editor (English), part-time

United Nations University; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

UNU-WIDER, the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research in Helsinki, invites applications for a pool of English-language copy editors to support its mission by copy-editing and formatting development economics studies, including working papers.

Responsibilities include ensuring English language quality, adherence to house style, formatting, coordinating with authors, and meeting deadlines. This is a rolling pool with a closing date of 13 April 2025.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in English, journalism, economics, social sciences, political science, development studies, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Copy-edit the originals for English-language consistency and grammar.
• Format the working papers into the required style.
• Contact the authors directly for copy-edit queries; implement edits.
• Process each paper following provided guidelines and meet deadlines.
• Occasionally handle other publication types, such as reports.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional integrity.

Skills

Copy editing

Formatting

English language

LaTeX

Track changes

Deadline management

Attention to detail

Academic editing

Communication

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience accepted

Tools

Microsoft Word

LaTeX

Job description

UNU-WIDER publishes more than 100 working papers annually, in addition to multiple peer-reviewed academic articles and books. We are looking for a pool of outstanding English-language copy editors who are dedicated and capable of supporting the Institute’s mission to advance transformative knowledge by copy-editing and preparing freely accessible academic studies. Closing date: 13 April 2025, 23:59 UTC+3

Responsibilities

The work involves copy-editing and formatting academic studies (mostly working papers in development economics) for subsequent publication, ensuring quality and consistency of English language. In accordance with UNU-WIDER’s house style, the copy editor is required to:

• Copy-edit the originals for English-language consistency and grammar.
• Format the working papers into the required style (electronic template and house style guidelines will be provided).
• Contact the authors directly for copy-edit queries; thereafter implement the edits and/or changes to the paper as appropriate.
• Process each paper following the provided guidelines, ensuring it is completed by the mutually agreed deadline, and return the processed paper electronically to the WIDER Publications team.
• Occasionally handle other publication types, such as reports.
• Maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information with discretion, and uphold professional integrity.

Key performance indicators

• Timely delivery of copy-editing assignments.
• Quality contribution to UNU-WIDER’s transformative research outputs.
• Maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintained confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards in handling sensitive information and maintaining professional integrity.
• Grammar, Spelling, and Vocabulary: strong command of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Attention to Detail: Keen eye for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency in style and formatting.
• Fact-Checking: Ability to research and verify facts, dates, names, and other information for accuracy.
• Deadline Management: Efficiently work under tight deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Adaptability: Adjust editing approach to suit different projects and audiences.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency with word processing software and editing tools like track changes.
• Collaboration: Effectively collaborate, provide input, and resolve editorial issues during the editing process.
• Demonstrated abilities and track record copy-editing high-quality English-language academic texts.

Required qualifications and experience

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of English, journalism, economics, social sciences, political science, development studies, or other related fields is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelors degree) with two (2) additional years of progressively responsible experience at the national and/or international level may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience

• At least 2 years (Master's degree) or 4 years (first-level university degree) of relevant working experience in copy-editing academic texts is required.
• Demonstrated experience in editing similar types of written content, supported by a CV. Examples of previous work, is desired.
• Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and syntax, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to given style guidelines.
• Proficiency in editing software:
  • Microsoft Word;
  • LaTeX an advantage.
• Ability to work with assigned documents efficiently, meeting turnaround times and adapting to project requirements.
• Strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and adapting to diverse content needs.
• Excellent written communication skills, collaborating effectively with authors and other stakeholders.
• Adherence to copyright laws and ethical standards in editing and handling sensitive information.
• Experience collaborating with UN agencies or other international organizations is beneficial.
• Membership to a professional association for copy editors is desirable but not a requirement.

Languages

• Strong command of English both written and oral.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, MS Office.

Expected start date: As soon as possible.

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

UNU offers three types of contracts: fixed-term staff positions (General Service, National Officer and Professional), Personnel Service Agreement positions (PSA), and consultant positions (CTC). For more information, see the Contract Types page.

Organizational unit

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

Reference number

2025/UNU/WIDER/CTC/Copy Editor