Graphic Design Assistant, G6

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Organizational Setting and Reporting

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure and human, physical and social assets; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges with a focus on peace, security and social inclusion; and advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

This position is in the Publications and Conference Management Section (PCMS) within the Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Chief of Publications Unit (PU) and the direct supervision of the Publishing Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participate in initial meetings with clients to discuss potential design projects, e.g. substantive content, communication objectives, media (including electronically published products) and design options, technical specifications, costs, schedules/deadlines, etc.
• Independently undertake design assignments, including high-priority requests, for a variety of UN-sponsored activities (e.g. major conferences, observances, events and campaigns, etc.); conceptualize and develop design proposals for review by clients, which may include photographic, illustrative or more abstract graphic solutions.
• Design and produce infographics and data visualizations to effectively communicate complex information in a clear, accurate and visually engaging manner.
• Prepare all approved designs in electronic format for final review and printing; review color and print proofs as required.
• Provide guidance and support throughout the project production process; coordinate and follow up with clients and other relevant parties (e.g. copy and proofreaders, production staff, library and cartography staff, etc.) and ensure that the project is on schedule.
• Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Perform other related work as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of standard industry production and printing processes, including desktop publishing, design and layout. Knowledge of internal UN printing practices and operations. Knowledge of photography, page layout and photograph sizing. Good graphic art skills and demonstrated ability to independently develop creative designs and produce high-quality graphic material for varied print media projects. Ability to handle multiple design projects simultaneously. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks outside the box; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A diploma in Graphic Design or a related field from a recognized college is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in publications production, including desktop publishing, graphic design and layout, or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
• Proficiency in professional graphic design and publishing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) is required.
• One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.

Required Languages:

| Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |---|---|---|---|---| | English | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II |

Desirable Languages:

| Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |---|---|---|---|---| | French | UN Level I | UN Level I | UN Level I | UN Level I |

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

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