Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant (Arabic)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa, representing the Secretary-General in Kenya. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), UNON provides essential administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, conference, and information services to facilitate the work of UN offices in Kenya and globally. 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 will play a crucial role in the Arabic Translation and Text Processing Unit within the Translation and Editorial Section of the Division of Conference Services at UNON. This position involves a variety of desktop publishing tasks, including formatting documents, creating graphics, and ensuring the accuracy of translated materials. The assistant will work under the supervision of the Team Leader and will be responsible for proofreading, compiling documents, and assisting in the distribution of work among team members. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and automating repetitive tasks, as well as collaborating with colleagues to enhance office management and administrative support functions. The assistant will also be involved in data analysis and the preparation of reports, contributing to effective knowledge management and decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant will be responsible for performing desktop publishing functions, which include incorporating corrections and formatting documents according to established guidelines. The role requires proofreading edited and translated documents, assisting in the distribution of work, and monitoring progress. The assistant will compile final documents, align bi-texts for translation memory production, and train junior staff. Additional responsibilities include data entry, document registration, and collaboration with team members for office management tasks. The assistant will also identify tasks suitable for automation, submit technical inquiries to the helpdesk, and participate in testing macros. The position demands flexibility in working arrangements, including in-person, remote, or hybrid teams, and may require working outside normal hours. The assistant will also assist in visualizing data and updating informational materials such as web pages and brochures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with supplemental training in Editorial and Desktop Publishing or a related field being desirable. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in desktop publishing, including draft typing, copy editing, and proof-reading, 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, along with at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and technological awareness in their work.

Educational Background:
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with additional training in Editorial and Desktop Publishing or related fields will be viewed favorably. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of desktop publishing and editorial practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant working experience in desktop publishing, which includes tasks such as draft typing, copy editing, proof-reading, and typographical layout. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have this requirement reduced by two years. Experience with editorial rules and desktop publishing standards is highly desirable, as is at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field. This level of experience ensures that candidates are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary job opening with an initial duration of six months, subject to the availability of funds. The position is classified under local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be residents of Kenya or within commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must ensure that their profiles and qualifications are accurately represented in their applications, as this information will be used to assess eligibility and suitability for the position.