Multilingual Editorial Assistant – Roster (Hybrid)

Understanding the Editorial Assistant Roster. This vacancy is not for a single immediate hire but rather for the creation of a roster of qualified Editorial Assistants. Successful applicants who meet the requirements will be placed on this roster and may be contacted when temporary opportunities become available across IMO’s six official language units: French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian. Inclusion on the roster does not constitute an offer of employment, but it positions candidates for rapid engagement when IMO requires editorial support. This approach allows the organization to respond efficiently to fluctuating documentation demands throughout the year.

Contract Terms and Work Arrangement. Editorial Assistants recruited from the roster will be offered temporary contracts of up to one year, issued on a quarterly basis and subject to funding availability, operational needs, and performance. IMO emphasizes transparency in its employment structure—there is no expectation of conversion from a temporary contract to a fixed‑term or permanent position. A notable advantage of this role is the availability of hybrid working arrangements, supporting flexibility while maintaining high professional standards. However, candidates must be immediately available or on short notice, as assignments often respond to urgent conference and documentation timelines.

Important eligibility note: These temporary positions are only open to candidates with the right to work in the United Kingdom. Applicants are strongly advised to verify their right‑to‑work status before applying.

Salary and Benefits. The position offers a competitive net monthly salary of £2,689, which is free of UK income tax. This tax‑free remuneration, with the prestige of working for a UN specialized agency, makes the role financially and professionally attractive for qualified candidates.

Purpose of the Role. The core purpose of the Editorial Assistant Roster is to ensure high‑quality linguistic and editorial support across IMO’s documentation workflow. Editorial Assistants play a critical role in maintaining accuracy, consistency, and compliance with United Nations editorial and production standards. Candidates selected from the roster will be assigned to a specific language unit based on mother‑tongue–level proficiency, working under the guidance of the Supervisor of the relevant Document Processing Unit and the overall management of the Head of Translation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities. Editorial Assistants at IMO are entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities that require precision, speed, and collaboration. These include:

• Proofreading texts to ensure accuracy, quality, and conformity with IMO editorial standards
• Editing, formatting, correcting, and preparing documents, including complex layouts and tables
• Verifying grammar, syntax, references, punctuation, and spelling in line with IMO guidelines
• Liaising with translators, revisers, and editors to resolve discrepancies between source and target texts
• Ensuring all document components—such as annexes, footnotes, figures, and tables of contents—are accurately reflected in final versions
• Aligning bilingual texts to support high‑quality translation memories used in CAT tools like eLUNa
• Converting documents into multiple formats (MS Word, PDF, etc.) and verifying content accuracy
• Managing large volumes of documentation while meeting strict and competing deadlines
• Working night shifts and overtime when required, particularly for English, French, and Spanish units
• Supporting general document processing and routine office‑related tasks as needed

This role is ideal for professionals who thrive in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments and who value precision and consistency.

To succeed as an Editorial Assistant at IMO, candidates must demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to work independently with a high level of initiative
• Adaptability to irregular work cycles, including late hours
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate in a multicultural environment

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• At least four years of relevant professional experience in editorial, linguistic, or document processing roles
• A university degree in a relevant field may substitute for up to two years of required experience
• Secondary education or equivalent to university entrance level is essential

Language and Technical Skills. Language proficiency is central to this role. Candidates must have:

• Mother‑tongue–level command of one official IMO language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian)
• Complete proficiency in English, both written and spoken
• Knowledge of additional UN official languages is a strong asset

Technical adaptability is also key. Candidates should be comfortable learning new tools, particularly computer‑assisted translation (CAT) systems, and working with evolving document management technologies.

Why This Opportunity Matters. Joining the IMO Editorial Assistant Roster offers more than just temporary employment—it provides hands‑on experience within the United Nations system, exposure to international diplomacy and maritime governance, and the chance to contribute directly to global decision‑making processes. For language professionals seeking meaningful, high‑impact work, this role is an excellent stepping stone.