Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant (Arabic)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON plays a crucial role in providing administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, conference, and information services to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and other UN offices in Kenya. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges through its various initiatives and programs. UNON operates with a diverse workforce and aims to promote gender equality and inclusivity within its ranks.

Job Overview:
The Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant will work within the Arabic Translation and Text Processing Unit of the Translation and Editorial Section at UNON. This role involves a variety of responsibilities centered around desktop publishing, document formatting, and ensuring the quality of translated materials. The assistant will be expected to lead a team, manage daily activities, and ensure that documents are produced in accordance with established guidelines. The position requires a strong understanding of editorial practices and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, adapting to new technologies and methods as needed. The assistant will also play a key role in training staff and supporting the management team with data presentations and reports, contributing to effective decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading a team in desktop publishing and document archiving; performing desktop publishing and graphic design functions; proofreading documents for accuracy; monitoring work progress and ensuring equitable distribution of tasks; aligning bi-texts for translation memory production; assisting in the adoption of new working methods; training staff in desktop publishing functions; collecting and verifying data for reports; registering documents and maintaining records; providing technical support; conducting final verifications for documents; and performing other related functions as assigned. The assistant will also be expected to work effectively in various team settings, including in-person, remote, or hybrid environments, and to be available for assignments outside normal working hours as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in desktop publishing or a related field. This includes experience in draft typing, copy editing, formatting, proofreading, graphic design, and creating typographical layouts. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Knowledge of general office and administrative support is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas. Proficiency in the relevant technologies and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Supplemental training in Editorial and Desktop Publishing or a related area is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to perform the job effectively. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of publishing and editorial practices, as well as familiarity with the technologies used in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in desktop publishing or a related field. This experience should demonstrate a progressive increase in responsibility and complexity of tasks undertaken. Candidates who possess a first-level university degree may qualify with five years of experience instead. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable, as it will contribute to the candidate's ability to support data-driven decision-making processes within the organization.

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 reading, writing, speaking, and understanding both languages. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness for the role. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is crucial for collaboration within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially offered for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. The appointment is on a local basis, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is designed to ensure fairness and transparency, with a focus on securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.