Graphic Arts Assistant Vacancy-Job Ref: EJATUNODC/0407/2025825

Graphic Arts Assistant Vacancy-Job Ref: EJATUNODC/0407/2025825

Vienna (Austria)

Job Description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Research and Knowledge Production Section (RKPS), Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna, Austria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Research and Knowledge Production Section.

Responsibilities
The Graphic Arts Assistant will be responsible for the following specific 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.

• Undertake and coordinate the design, layout and production of research publications in consultation with the responsible staff/sections, including the design, improvement and layout of cover, text, illustrations, figures and maps to ensure the highest quality reproduction; provide colour schemes and guidelines; create word templates with defined styles for “light layout” publications; prepare approved designs in electronic format for final review, printing and publishing on the web; review colour and print proofs as required. Determine the specifications for size, paper, typesetting, layout, illustrations, colours, etc., in consultation with the responsible staff/offices. Plan and ensure recruitment of external contractors upon need.

• Independently undertake and coordinate design assignments, including high priority requests, for a variety of UN-sponsored activities (e.g. conferences, observances, events and campaigns, etc.); conceptualize, develop and execute design proposals for review by clients, which may include photographic, illustrative or more abstract graphic solutions. • Provide specialized guidelines and support to the Branch in the production, update and delivery of information communications products and services, e.g. Word- and Excel templates, technical assistance, etc; create, lay-out and convert images, graphics, visualizations, illustrations and charts for different purposes, such as presentations, press kits, brochures, etc.

• Using relevant computer software, create designs in appropriate format for promotional and other materials, e.g. brochures, presentational materials, posters, announcements, video and audio recording covers, catalogues, etc.; ensure that photos, graphics, etc. are appropriate and conform to UN standards for print materials. Undertake and coordinate the layout and preparation of information materials, including production of electronically published products; in consultation with authors and other relevant staff, establish illustrative requirements to meet communications objectives; prepare submission schedules for various communications products (e.g. publications, periodicals, books, posters, newsletters, pamphlets and other material).

• Serve as the focal point for the external and internal website; undertake and coordinate the design, development, update and maintenance of the Branch’s web pages and Internet applications; identify and prepare new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format; preparing new pages, assisting with visualizations and incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc.; collect statistics on readership.

• Source information/images and assist with visualizations for articles, features and publications; create graphics, and finalize this material prior to preparation of final proofs. • Undertake and coordinate the development and maintenance of a storage and retrieval system for all elements of the print and electronic outputs created by the Branch. • Provide guidance and support throughout the project production process; coordinate editing, desktop publishing, translation and printing of publications in consultation with the relevant Programme Managers; coordinate and follow-up with clients and other relevant parties (e.g. copy and proofreaders, production staff, library and cartography staff, etc.), evaluate quality and ensure that projects are on schedule and delivered on time to agreed specifications.

• Guide, oversee and coordinate the work of other general service staff in the team and external contractors upon need; plan and manage publication, external resources and staff schedules to minimize overtime and ensure timely delivery. • Keep abreast of available technology and new trends and developments in the graphic arts industry; handle administrative coordination in support of special trainings. • 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. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Perform other related work as required.

Competencies
• Professionalism: Has knowledge of standard industry production and printing processes, including desktop publishing, design and layout. Has knowledge of printing practices and operations. Has knowledge of photography, page layout and photograph sizing. Has good graphic art skills and 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.). Is able to handle multiple design projects simultaneously.

Has ability to perform analysis, modelling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• 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, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning & 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.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in publications production, including desktop publishing, graphic design and layout, web development or related area, is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Practical experience in MS applications, Adobe Illustrator, ArcGIS, InDesign or comparable graphic software is required. Experience in desktop publishing, graphic design and layout in multiple United Nations languages is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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