Desktop Publishing Assistant

Desktop Publishing Assistant

UN Departments

June 16, 2025June 20, 2025New YorkUnited States
UN Departments About
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more. The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Meetings Support Section of the Meetings and Publishing Division of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) of the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote international cooperation and maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various global issues.

Job Overview:
The Desktop Publishing Assistant plays a crucial role in the digitization project, reporting directly to the Project Manager. This position involves scanning documents and performing quality control on digitized files to ensure they meet the United Nations' standards. The assistant will utilize desktop publishing software to apply metadata entry rules and research necessary information to enhance the quality of the documents. The role requires a strong understanding of UN style and typographic standards, as well as the ability to manage files within the publishing system database. The assistant will also be expected to perform additional related tasks as required, contributing to the overall efficiency of the digitization process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Desktop Publishing Assistant will be responsible for scanning documents and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of digitized English language files and their metadata. This includes quality control checks before and after files are ingested into the content management system. The assistant will apply standard metadata entry rules according to DGACM policies, which involves organizing titles, dates, descriptions, subjects, and other relevant information. They will also research and compile information from primary and secondary sources when necessary. Additionally, the assistant will manage the check-in and check-out process of files in the publishing system database and ensure that outgoing documents are submitted correctly in the respective language. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism and a mastery of subject matter, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and desktop publishing software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with editorial and desktop publishing best practices is essential, along with the ability to research and summarize information effectively. The candidate should exhibit good judgment, efficiency in meeting commitments, and a commitment to gender equality in the workplace. Teamwork skills are also crucial, as the assistant will need to collaborate with colleagues and support group decisions. Technological awareness and a willingness to learn new technologies are important attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. However, university-level courses or formal training in desktop publishing, graphic art, design, multimedia, or a related field is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a background that supports the technical demands of the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in organizing and researching documentation for reference or filing purposes is required. Experience with digitizing paper records using professional scanners and related software is also desirable, as is a working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat DC, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform the job effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While proficiency in French is not mandatory, it is considered an asset that could benefit the candidate in this role.

Additional Notes:
This position operates on a When Actually Employed (WAE) basis, with an initial duration of three months and the possibility of extension. The maximum number of days worked in a six-month period should not exceed four and a half months, and the work will be intermittent. Candidates must be available at short notice for assignments and should not expect a fixed-term appointment after the temporary assignment ends. The position is subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Selected candidates will not be eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.
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