Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the French Desktop Publishing Unit of the Multilingual and Translation Section, which is part of the Languages Service under the Division of Conference Management in the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to facilitating communication and understanding among member states through effective translation and multilingual services. The UN operates in multiple countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, focusing on promoting peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations.

Job Overview:
The Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of documents produced by the United Nations. This position involves a variety of desktop publishing functions, including formatting documents, creating graphics, and ensuring that all materials meet the established guidelines. The assistant will also be responsible for proofreading documents, managing workflow, and assisting in the training of junior staff. The role requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of editorial practices, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The assistant will also engage in data management tasks, contributing to knowledge sharing and decision-making processes within the organization. This position is essential for maintaining the high standards of documentation that the UN is known for, and it requires adaptability to work in various formats and technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Language and Desktop Publishing Assistant include: performing desktop publishing functions such as formatting documents and creating visual aids; proofreading documents to ensure accuracy; assisting in the distribution of work and monitoring progress; compiling final documents; preparing bi-texts for translation memory; training junior staff; managing data input and analysis; registering documents; collaborating with team members for administrative support; responding to staff queries; identifying tasks for automation; submitting technical issues to the helpdesk; acting as a focal point for special projects; and maintaining flexibility to work outside normal hours as needed. The assistant must also stay updated on relevant language technologies and tools, and be willing to learn new software to enhance productivity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of desktop publishing and editorial practices, including typographic standards and proficiency in the relevant languages. Knowledge of United Nations terminology and structure is also essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize tasks efficiently. A commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace is also required.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. While no specific higher education qualifications are mandated, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have their minimum experience requirement reduced, indicating that further education can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least five years of experience in desktop publishing or a related field, which includes skills in draft typing, copy editing, formatting, and proofreading. For those with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to three years. Experience in general office and administrative support is desirable, as is at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area, which would further strengthen a candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Candidates must also have the language of the unit (French) as their main language. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Geneva. Those selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Local recruits are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruits. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of their background. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.