Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member countries with policy-oriented research, analysis, and technical assistance to address development priorities and changing needs. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and integration.

Job Overview:
The Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant position is located within the Chinese Language Unit of the Conference and Documentation Services Section at ESCAP. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Chinese Language Unit and will be responsible for a variety of functions related to desktop publishing, graphic design, and document management. The role requires a strong understanding of desktop publishing software and the ability to produce high-quality documents that meet established guidelines. The assistant will also be involved in proofreading, monitoring work progress, and ensuring effective processing of documentation. This position is essential for maintaining the quality and efficiency of the documentation services provided by ESCAP, contributing to the overall mission of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant include performing desktop publishing and graphic design functions, proofreading documents, assisting in the distribution of work, compiling final documents, aligning bi-texts for translation memory production, leading the adoption of modified working methods, training staff, collecting and verifying data for reports, registering documents, conducting final verifications for machine-readable documents, managing office functions, creating and maintaining templates, providing technical support, performing quality evaluations, and assisting in various administrative tasks. The assistant will also be expected to work effectively in different team settings, including in-person, remote, or hybrid teams, and may undertake cross-assignments as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in desktop publishing or a related field is required, with experience in draft typing, copy editing, formatting, proofreading, and graphic design being essential. Experience in general office and administrative support is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience, indicating that higher education can compensate for a lack of extensive work experience in relevant fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in desktop publishing or a related field. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, the required experience is reduced to five years. This experience should include skills in draft typing, copy editing, formatting, proofreading, graphic design, and creating typographical layouts. Experience in general office and administrative support is also desirable, highlighting the need for a well-rounded background in office management and document processing.

Languages:
Candidates must have Chinese as their main language, with fluency in English being required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable, which may enhance the candidate's qualifications and ability to work in a multilingual environment. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, making proficiency in these languages beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The appointment is contingent upon obtaining work authorization at the duty station. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.