Editorial Review and Proofreading of UN Local2030 Coalition Content
Organizational Context
The Local2030 Coalition serves as the United Nations system-wide platform for localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It unites local and regional governments, UN entities, national governments, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate SDG progress at the local level. The Coalition bridges global goals with local needs by providing tools and frameworks for systematic engagement with diverse development actors, fostering multilevel governance, innovation, and financing for context-specific solutions.
Job Purpose
This 12-week assignment (November 2026 - January 2027) supports the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat in preparing for key milestones leading up to the SDG Summit in September 2027. The Online UN Volunteer will provide essential editorial review and proofreading services for a series of flagship reports, policy briefs, strategy papers, and digital content. The role ensures high language quality, editorial consistency, and adherence to UN standards. The assignment offers a flexible workload, with intensive periods around report launches (10-15 hours/week) and lighter periods between cycles (0-2 hours/week), requiring on-demand support for critical publishing deadlines.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Communications Officer, the Online UN Volunteer will perform editorial and proofreading duties for various publications and official documentation. This includes reviewing reports, articles, and briefs for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and readability, ensuring consistency in tone, structure, and formatting according to UN Editorial Manual and Local2030 brand guidelines. The volunteer will rephrase complex SDG implementation concepts into accessible language for a global audience. Responsibilities also extend to editing website copy, news updates, blogs, and multimedia captions, ensuring standardized terminology and hyperlinking. Deliverables include thoroughly edited documents, consistent formatting, and constructive feedback provided via tracked changes. The role involves orientation, task assignment via email, and regular check-ins for guidance and feedback.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in editing, copyediting, proofreading, or editorial review is required. Familiarity with the UN Editorial Manual, UN style guidelines, and the 2030 Agenda/SDGs is necessary. Experience editing UN publications or similar multilateral report formats is strongly preferred. Proven ability to simplify complex development concepts into clear, engaging language for diverse audiences is essential.
Skills
Key skills include strong editing, proofreading, and writing abilities. Expertise in communication, advocacy, public information, knowledge management, research, and reporting is valuable. The ability to simplify complex technical concepts into clear, engaging language for a global audience is crucial. Adherence to UN editorial standards and brand guidelines is expected. Candidates should possess excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.