Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa and is responsible for supporting the implementation of various UN programs, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Established to facilitate the UN's operations in Kenya, UNON provides essential administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, conference, and information services to various UN offices and programs. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, ensuring that all staff members contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant position is situated within the translation" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">French Translation and Text Processing Unit of the Translation and Editorial Section at UNON. This role involves producing camera-ready documents by formatting complex texts in desktop publishing layouts, ensuring adherence to editorial guidelines and typographic standards. The assistant will work closely with editors, translators, and revisers to incorporate necessary changes and produce high-quality documentation for both hard copy and electronic dissemination. The position requires participation in team efforts to produce parliamentary and miscellaneous documentation, as well as the alignment of bi-texts to enhance translation memory systems. The assistant will also be responsible for training junior staff, compiling documents for translation, and assisting with data analysis and presentation preparation. The role demands flexibility, including the ability to work shifts and be available for overtime as needed, reflecting the dynamic nature of the UN's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: producing camera-ready documents by formatting complex texts; incorporating changes as marked by editors and translators; performing proofreading functions to ensure accuracy; participating in the production of parliamentary and miscellaneous documentation; aligning bi-texts for translation memory support; compiling documents for translation and revision; assisting and replacing the Assistant Supervisor when necessary; training and guiding junior staff; compiling corrections and editing documents according to required formats; rotating in day and night shifts and weekend on-call duties; assisting with data collection and analysis; preparing data presentations and reports; updating information materials such as web pages and brochures; ensuring documentation of requirements for data analysis; and performing other related work as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with supplementary training in Editorial and Desktop Publishing or a related area being desirable. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in desktop publishing, including draft typing, copy editing, and typographical layout, is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience with editorial rules and desktop publishing standards is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and technological awareness in their work.

Educational Background:
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Additional training in Editorial and Desktop Publishing or a related field is considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant working experience in desktop publishing, which includes skills in draft typing, copy editing, proof-reading, and typographical layout. Candidates who possess a first-level university degree may have this experience requirement reduced by two years. Furthermore, experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who can contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with specific levels of competency outlined according to the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for English, and level IV for French, indicating a high degree of fluency and comprehension in both languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be residents of Kenya or within commuting distance of the UNON office. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions within the UN as needed. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are advised to submit their applications online as soon as possible and to ensure that their profiles are complete and up to date.