Consultant (CTC3)

About UN University (UNU) The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu About Office/Institute United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IAS is a UNU institute based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic and environmental dimensions. Through its postgraduate education programmes UNU-IAS develops future international leaders with interdisciplinary understanding and skills needed to advance creative solutions to problems of sustainability. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit http://ias.unu.edu IVE Programme The Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme aims to promote research and practices on innovative and inclusive education and lifelong learning for sustainable development at all ages. It reinforces evidence-based policy advice to translate global goals into local actions through education in a close alignment with UN’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Roadmap and Greening Education Partnership. About the project The project provides support to the newly established UN HESI Action Group, “Futures of Higher Education and AI.” The Action Group, comprising AI experts from higher education institutions across all regions, seeks to advance a shared knowledge base on the role of AI in accelerating progress toward sustainable development. Its work will focus on four core domains: (i) AI in research and development; (ii) AI in teaching and learning; (iii) AI in university management and administration; and (iv) AI ethics, safety, and inclusivity. The project is also designed to enhance synergies with two other UNU-IAS led higher education networks operating at regional, and national levels: a regional Asia-Pacific higher education network promoting sustainability in postgraduate education ( ProSPER.Net ) , and a national higher education platform in Japan advancing the SDGs through education (SDG-UP). The Action Group will generate a suite of knowledge products across these domains, including podcast episodes, webinar sessions, publications, capacity building activities, and dialogues at key United Nations events. All activities will emphasize the nexus between AI, sustainable development, and higher education, with particular attention to human centred approaches to AI, leveraging perspectives from the Global South and pioneering women in AI innovation and building activities and dialogues at key United Nations events. Responsibilities The main assignment is to provide general editorial support for the report, Highlight Report: Regional Mapping of AI Implementation in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the direct supervision of the Academic Programme Officer of Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme the consultant shall: 1.Edit and proofread the report, “Highlight Report: Regional Mapping of AI Implementation in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)” (approx. 70 pages), to include ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency of: Grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax (using Oxford English Dictionary spelling and UN spelling exceptions) Use of abbreviations and consistent capitalization in titles, headings, institutions and publications. Currency symbols, numbers, dates and date ranges, and list formats Project and event titles, foreign words and the use of italics, quotation marks and title case 2. Ensure gender neutral, inclusive language and appropriate, consistent references to people, governments, ministries, and institutions. 3. Improve structure, clarity and flow of text to enhance readability, including minor rewriting while preserving intended meaning of original text. 4. Ensure publication style aligns with the UNU and UN guidelines, including compliance with the UN Editorial Manual https://www.un.org/dgacm/en/content/editorial-manual 5. Perform additional editorial or related tasks as assigned by the supervisors. Key performance indicators Timely and accurate delivery of writing, editing, proofreading, and publication tasks, ensuring adherence to agreed deadlines and minimal errors in final outputs. High quality and clarity of written outputs, demonstrated through enhanced readability, coherence, logical flow, and consistent tone and style across all sections of the report. UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society Competencies Values: Inclusion - Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity. Integrity - Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards. Humility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others. Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. Behaviours: Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN Analyse and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways 1) Education and certification Bachelor’s degree (equivalent or higher) in English, international relations, or a related field. 2) Experience Minimum 5 years of work experience in writing and editing; Relevant background in editing and quality-assuring knowledge products in education and related fields; Experience in writing and editing reports and publications for UN entities or other international organizations is an asset; Possess outstanding English writing skills; Have an aptitude for collaborating with writers from diverse backgrounds, and for working effectively as part of an editorial team; Have a proven ability (supported by high-quality, published samples) to write for public/academic audience Language Requirements Fluency in English is required Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset. Duration 1 July 2026 – 31 July 2026 Remuneration Total amount: JPY 351,900 (maximum) Payment schedule and conditions: A lump sum payment will be made upon the completion of the proofreading of the publication by 25 July 2026. Please note that the above timeline is an estimate and subject to change. You are reminded that UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains your sole responsibility. No consultant will be permitted to provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months within a thirty-six (36) month period. UNU-IAS shall reserve the right to withhold, in full or in part, the final payment if in its opinion the deliverables are not satisfactory. The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. Expected start date 1 July 2026 How to Apply To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you: Apply via the apply link; fill out the UNU P11 Form ( please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations ); provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and answer a few questions that are tailored to the position. You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information. Application Deadline 19 June 2026 (23:59 JST) Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references. Special notice UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position. Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues. Information about UNU rosters 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. 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