Graphics Assistant

NOTE:

Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.  This is a temporary vacancy.  Appointment against this post is for a limited duration and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise for renewal.

                                                                                                               

VACANCY NOTICE NO.:	GS-12-39
ORGANIZATION:	UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information (DCPI)
DUTY STATION:	Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	Graphics Assistant
GRADE:	G6
IMIS NUMBER:	606569
DURATION:	11 months
CLOSING DATE:	29/10/2012

Background:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.  UNEP's Division of Communications and Public Information (DCPI) communicates UNEP's core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide. This post is located in UNEP/DCPI at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Head, Special Events Unit, and the general guidance of the Director, DCPI, and in collaboration with the other UNEP divisional, regional and out-posted offices, the incumbent will be responsible for the creation of designs and multimedia products for the various communication tasks and campaigns.   Specifically the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Responsibilities:

1. Participates 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. including preparation of all approved designs in electronic format for final review and printing; reviews color and print proofs as required

2. Independently undertakes design assignments, including high priority requests, for a variety of UN-sponsored activities (e.g. major conferences, observances, events and campaigns, etc.); conceptualizes and develops design proposals for review by clients, which may include photographic, illustrative or more abstract graphic solutions as follows:

a)    Specified Service/Deliverables: Creation of designs, graphics, layouts for print, online, and multimedia applications or products; Provision of related print, web and multimedia production services and support to UNEP-DCPI activities as directed by the Division Director.

b)    Assists with the following specific products: World Environment Day logo design process;

World Environment Day web template/branding/promotional material development; Champions of the Earth web revamping templates; Champions of the Earth print/visual communication materials; Champions of the Earth animated promotion materials; UNEP’s Goodwill Ambassadors web revamping templates; SEED Initiative Longitudinal Report (publication); SEED Initiative Annual Report (publication); Development of print, online and multimedia products for DCPI-led campaigns; Development of logos and branding templates and applications for UNEP initiatives as requested by other Divisions; Support design needs for print, online and multimedia products for other DCPI initiatives, such as the Tunza Children and Youth outreach programme; web- related requests from the Internet Unit; and design requests from the Publishing Unit.

3. Provides guidance and support throughout the project production process; coordinates and follows-up with clients and other relevant parties (e.g. copy and proofreaders, production staff, library and cartography staff, etc.) and ensures that project in on schedule.

4. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge of standard graphics production and good graphic art skills with demonstrated ability to independently develop creative designs and produce high-quality graphic material for varied print media projects (e.g. posters, brochures, press kits, book covers, book designs, etc.).  Ability to handle multiple design projects simultaneously; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Planning and Organizing:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision.

Qualifications:

Education: Completion of secondary school is required.   Additional technical training in graphic design and/or desktop publishing an advantage and higher diploma in graphics design and media studies is an asset.

Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in graphic design and/or desktop publishing or related field is required.

Other skills: Excellent computer skills i.e. Microsoft package,  Ability to operate on Mac OSX, Adobe Creative Suite 5, 5.5, or 6 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Fireworks, Flash Builder, Flex, Digital Publishing Suite), Titanium Appcelerator Studio, Mag+ Production Tool, Sencha Architect, SketchBook Pro, Xcode 4.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. 

Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. All applications to be sent to the following address on or before the deadline of 29/10/2012           Applicants should send a completed United Nations P.11 or Personal History Form together with a covering letter of one to two pages summarizing how they meet the requirements of the job to:        e-mail: recruitment@unon.org                                                                       UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the email address above. PLEASE QUOTE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO.: GS-12-39 (Applications without Correct Vacancy Number will not be Considered) The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.