Conference Technician (Consultant)

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a global presence, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering cultural diversity, protecting heritage, and ensuring access to quality education for all.

Job Overview:
The position of Conference Technician at UNESCO is designed to enhance the organization's roster of audiovisual professionals. The selected consultants will be engaged for occasional assignments, providing essential technical support for various events held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. These events may include conferences, meetings, and ceremonies, which can be conducted in person, online, or in a hybrid format. The role requires a high level of adaptability and expertise in managing audiovisual equipment and systems, ensuring that all technical aspects of the events run smoothly. Consultants will be expected to work closely with audiovisual teams, event coordinators, and external service providers to deliver high-quality technical support. The position is crucial for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of UNESCO's events, and candidates with a diverse skill set in audiovisual technology will be prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Conference Technician will be responsible for a comprehensive range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Technical Preparation: - Reviewing technical specifications and session schedules provided by event organizers. - Liaising with technical coordinators to clarify requirements and identify potential issues. - Preparing, installing, configuring, and testing audiovisual equipment such as microphones, projectors, and video capture systems. - Conducting technical tests with speakers and interpreters to ensure readiness.
• Session Operation: - Providing technical operation support during conferences and meetings, ensuring high-quality audio and video signals. - Monitoring and adjusting audio levels, managing presentations, and operating cameras as needed. - Offering technical assistance to participants and diagnosing any technical issues that arise.
• Completion of Assignment: - Properly shutting down systems and storing equipment post-event. - Reporting any incidents or maintenance needs to ensure service continuity. - Participating in debriefings and providing relevant instructions to subsequent teams. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering exceptional service throughout the event lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a vocational training or technical qualification in audiovisual technology, sound, video, electronics, information technology, or a related field. In cases where formal qualifications are lacking, equivalent professional experience demonstrating mastery of the required competencies will be considered. Additional training or certification in areas such as digital audio networking, conference systems, or videoconferencing is highly desirable. Candidates should also exhibit a strong understanding of professional audiovisual equipment and systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes vocational training or a technical qualification in relevant fields such as audiovisual technology, sound engineering, video production, or information technology. Candidates with specialized training in digital audio networking or similar areas will have an advantage. In the absence of formal qualifications, substantial professional experience in the audiovisual sector may be accepted as a substitute.

Experience:
Practical experience is essential for this role, particularly in the technical preparation and operation of conferences and events. Candidates should have a proven track record of using professional audiovisual equipment in various settings, including in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Experience with multilingual conferences and simultaneous interpretation systems is considered an asset, especially in institutional or international environments. The ability to work across multiple technical areas, such as sound, video, and projection, is also crucial.

Languages:
While proficiency in English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages, particularly French, is highly advantageous. Candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages will be better positioned to assist diverse participants and enhance the overall event experience.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a consultant contract at Level 2 - Middle, with a duration of less than one month. The daily fee for services rendered will range from EUR 210 to EUR 315, depending on experience and qualifications. The role is open to external candidates, and the selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals belonging to minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality throughout the hiring process.