Public Information Officer / 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 support the continent's development, ECA focuses on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a mission to provide solutions to Africa's challenges by leveraging its unique position as a premier knowledge institution. ECA's strategic directions include advancing knowledge, developing economic policies, implementing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's interests on the global stage. The Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) is a key component of ECA, overseeing various sections including Facilities Management, Finance, Digital IT, Human Resources, Publications, Supply Chain, and Health Care. ECA employs a diverse workforce across multiple countries, contributing to its mission of fostering sustainable development in Africa.

Job Overview:
The Public Information Officer / Publishing Officer role is situated within the Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) at ECA, specifically in the Publications and Conference Management Section (PCMS). The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Chief of PCMS and the direct supervision of the Chief of Production Services Unit (PSU). This position is pivotal in implementing publishing and information programs that support priority issues and major events. The officer will be responsible for drafting publishing strategies, coordinating production efforts, monitoring progress, and analyzing outcomes. The role requires a proactive approach to promoting the dissemination of UN publications across various formats, including print and digital media. The officer will also engage with partners, clients, and media to ensure effective outreach and distribution of materials. The position demands a creative and analytical mindset to produce high-quality publications that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, while also mentoring junior staff and contributing to the overall success of the publishing unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Public Information Officer / Publishing Officer include:

• 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 with clients.
• Overseeing the end-to-end production of publications, including planning, design, layout, and quality assurance.
• Preparing drafts of content for UN publications based on official documentation.
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with authors, editors, and vendors.
• Acting as a focal point for specific publishing issues and providing guidance to junior staff.
• Collecting and analyzing publishing-related data to identify trends and support decision-making.
• Ensuring documentation of requirements and background information for data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong foundation in publishing and design, with proven abilities in producing digital publications that feature interactive content. Candidates should demonstrate creativity in visual and multimedia presentations, along with analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, and provide expert advice is essential. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines is also required. Candidates should possess strong client orientation skills, ensuring that services meet the needs of clients and maintaining productive partnerships.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as publishing, graphic design, visual communication design, digital publishing, or related areas. A first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in publication production, graphic design, or digital publishing is required. Candidates should have experience with professional desktop publishing software, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Experience in producing reports and publications from manuscript to final formats, including layout and quality assurance, is essential. Familiarity with accessible digital publications and experience in large publishing environments or international organizations is desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level I in the same skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation funds, and the appointment is on a fixed-term basis without expectation of renewal. The role is categorized as a National Professional Officer, requiring candidates to be nationals of Ethiopia or residing within commuting distance. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.