Publishing Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to address the continent's challenges, ECA aligns its mission with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a strategic focus on five key directions: enhancing its role as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies for economic diversification, implementing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA employs a diverse workforce and operates across multiple countries in Africa, contributing to the continent's development through research, policy analysis, and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The Publishing Officer position is situated within the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division, specifically in the Publications and Conference Management Section. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Production Services. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of publishing and information programs that support priority issues and major events. This includes drafting publishing strategies, coordinating production efforts, monitoring progress, and analyzing outcomes. The Publishing Officer will also be responsible for promoting the dissemination of UN publications through various channels, ensuring that materials are accessible and meet UN branding standards. The position requires a proactive approach to engaging with partners and clients to understand their design and production needs, as well as the ability to produce a diverse array of publishing products, including reports, newsletters, and multimedia content. The role also involves data analysis to identify trends and support decision-making processes, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong analytical skills and a creative mindset.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Publishing Officer will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Implementing publishing and information programs to support priority issues and major events, including drafting strategies and monitoring progress.
• Analyzing current developments in publishing and advising management on trends and appropriate actions.
• Promoting the dissemination of UN publications through outreach and distribution plans, engaging with partners, and consulting clients on their needs.
• Producing or overseeing the production of various publishing products, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and UN branding.
• Preparing initial drafts of content for UN publications based on official documentation.
• Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with authors, editors, and other stakeholders.
• Acting as a focal point for specific publishing issues and providing guidance to junior staff.
• Collecting and analyzing publishing-related data to provide insights for planning and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven ability to produce digital publications with interactive content.
• Demonstrated creative approach to visual and multimedia presentation of information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and provide expert advice.
• Commitment to gender equality and the ability to analyze data to support decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in publishing, print and media technology, multimedia design, communication, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in visual communications, including publications and print projects, preferably in international or private organizations. Experience in managing digital production and producing interactive publications is essential. Familiarity with multimedia storytelling and data analytics is desirable, with at least one year of experience in a related area being an advantage.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff to periodically move to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.