Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Communications and External Relations Section of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The future incumbent reports to the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Graphic Arts Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in initial meetings with clients to discuss potential design projects, e.g. substantive content, communication objectives, media (including electronically published products) and design options, technical specifications, costs, schedules/deadlines, etc. • Independently undertakes design assignments, including high priority requests, for a variety of UN-sponsored activities (e.g. major conferences, observances, events and campaigns, etc.); conceptualizes and develops design proposals for review by clients, which may include photographic, illustrative or more abstract graphic solutions. • Prepares all approved designs in electronic format for final review and printing; reviews color and print proofs as required. • Provides guidance and support throughout the project production process; coordinates and follows-up with clients and other relevant parties (e.g. copy and proofreaders, production staff, library and cartography staff, etc.) and ensures that project in on schedule. • Develops bilingual/multilingual infographics, PowerPoint presentations, online products and interactive media video animation. • Transforms text-based communication materials into visual graphic design materials. • Creates web versions of the products (including hyperlinks in PDF versions of reports and ensure correct formats and file size for the web). • Provides artistic perspective to optimize the process of sharing knowledge. • Performs other related work as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of standard industry production and printing processes, including desktop publishing, design and layout. Interest in applying new technology, such as AI, in graphic design. Ability to transform large volumes of complex numerical data (such as economic data) into accessible information. Knowledge of internal UN printing practices and operations. Knowledge of photography, page layout and photograph sizing. Good graphic art skills and demonstrated ability to independently develop creative designs and produce high-quality graphic material for varied print media projects (e.g. posters, brochures, press kits, book covers, book designs, etc.). Interest in applying new technology, such as AI, in graphic design. Ability to transform large volumes of complex numerical data (such as economic data) into accessible information. Ability to handle multiple design projects simultaneously. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. A diploma or formal training in Multimedia and Web Design is an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification

A diploma or formal training in multimedia and web design is desirable.

Work Experience

Seven years of experience in publications production, including desktop publishing, graphic design and layout, or related area is required. The minimum year of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher is desirable. Experience working in an international organization is desirable. Experience in managing word-press websites is desirable. Experience in building sound communication supports (both print and online) including web-based and digital supports is desirable. Experience with WordPress and Drupal software, Adobe Creative suite, web analytics and monitoring KPI and AI for design is an asset is desirable. Experience in transforming large volume of complex numerical data into accessible information is desirable. Experience implementing branding projects is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Fluency in Spanish is an asset. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Fluency in Spanish is an asset. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Special Notice

The initial duration of this temporary job opening is for three (3) months with possibility of extension, starting in March 2024. The extension of the appointment is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and the continuing need of the service. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Vacancies at G1-G4 levels are open to both internal and external candidates, including staff members on temporary appointments. However, priority consideration will be given to existing serving staff members. New external candidates will only be considered when a serving staff member holding a Permanent, Continuing, Fixed-Term or Temporary Appointment at the time of application cannot be identified. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.