UNESCO IITE is seeking an English Editor to critically review, meticulously edit, and expertly enhance two publications.
Terms of Reference for the contract
In the capacity of an English Language Expert Editor, within the framework of the UNESCO IITE and CCNU joint project “EmpowerEd: Enabling Inclusive teaching and learning through ICT and AI-Driven Solutions” the Individual Consultant will conduct professional editing (combination of structural and copyediting).
Publications to be edited are as follows:
1. AI and ICT to Support the Inclusion of Children with Autism, ADHD and Learning Disabilities: A Collection of Best Practices
- total word count – 16 705
- characters with spaces – 125 407
- standard editorial pages – 69,67 (calculated based on 1,800 characters per page, including spaces)
2. Report on the use of AI and ICT to support the inclusion of children with autism, ADHD and learning disabilities (total word count – 25 692).
- total word count – 25 692
- characters with spaces – 193 851
- standard editorial pages – 107,69 (calculated based on 1,800 characters per page, including spaces)
Content Review:
– Conducting a thorough review of the manuscripts to ensure clarity, coherence, and fluency.
– Evaluating and improving the overall structure of both documents, ensuring a logical flow of descriptions and observations, assumptions and arguments, conclusions and recommendations.
Language Editing:
– Editing the text to ensure grammatical accuracy, proper syntax, and an appropriate academic tone, while making the language accessible and engaging for a broad readership, particularly education professionals and stakeholders.
– Simplifying complex sentences and unsuitable language where appropriate without altering the intended meaning.
Consistency:
– Ensuring consistency in terminology, abbreviations, and formatting throughout the document, particularly concerning gender equality, ICT, AI, and GenAI terminology in educational settings.
– Maintaining consistent use of abbreviations, citations, and references.
Alignment with Guidelines:
– Aligning the publication with UNESCO style and requirements for both electronic and printed formats, paying particular attention to bibliography and lists of references, citations, footnotes, and displayed matter (including tables, figures, text boxes).
– Ensuring the manuscript meet the guidelines and requirements of the Style manual for the presentation of English-language texts intended for publication by UNESCO.
Feedback:
– Providing constructive feedback on the overall structure and content.
– Suggesting the reorganization of sections or chapters if deemed necessary for enhanced clarity and fluency.
Ethical Considerations:
– Ensuring the document adheres to ethical standards of academic publishing.
– Choosing the language, order of suggestions, etc. demonstrating awareness of and alignment with the infrastructural and other needs of populations in underserved areas
In accordance with the set objectives, the Individual Consultant will be responsible for the professional editing of the publications according to the following implementation plan:
- Two revisions of the Word document (in accordance with the scope of activities outlined by UNESCO IITE), including integrating IITE’s responses to queries.
- Proofreading the PDF version of the document after it has gone through the layout/design process.
The language editing includes rewriting where required to make the text read idiomatically. Formatting includes presenting footnotes and URLs in a consistent manner, in accordance with UNESCO recommendations (ref. UNESCO Style manual).
Submission deadlines:
– annotated draft version – 28 February 2026
– fully revised and edited manuscript – 20 March 2026
Mandatory Requirements:
- Native English Speaker: The editor must be a native English speaker.
- Educational Background: A degree in English, Education, or a related field.
- Experience: A minimum of 5 (five) years of professional experience in editing academic publications, particularly in the field of education.
- Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail to ensure consistency and accuracy in all aspects of the text.
- Portfolio of Similar Work: Previous work includes editing academic publications related to education, inclusion, and technology. While experience with technology is not mandatory, it is highly desirable.
Recommended Requirements:
- Acquaintance with UNESCO Style: Knowledge of UNESCO’s style and requirements for publications, both electronic and printed.
- Familiarity with ICT Terminology: Familiarity with generally accepted terms and abbreviations related to Education and EdTech.
- Expertise in Inclusive Education: Demonstrated expertise in editing works related to inclusive and special needs education.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with the project team.
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:
- Latest Curriculum Vitae.
- A statement indicating how the candidate’s qualifications and experience make him/her suitable for the assignment.
- An indication of the approach the candidate would adopt to carry out the assignment.
- Proposed detailed budget (in USD).
Submission Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by 29 January 2026.
Contact Information:
Applications should be sent to j.shihmuradova@unesco.org with the subject line “Application_Editor_YourName_Date“.