The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org).

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Prepares all approved designs in electronic format for final review and printing; reviews color and print proofs as required.
• 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.
• Conceptualizes and designs the layout for web pages for new or already existing websites using online web design tools to produce the websites requested by clients including publications, video content, animations and any other information related to their meeting, event or project.
• Assists 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.
• Performs other related work as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of standard industry production and printing processes, including desktop publishing, design and layout. 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 (e.g. posters, brochures, press kits, book covers, book designs, etc.). Ability to handle multiple design projects simultaneously. The ability to design web pages for existing or new websites. The ability to perform analysis, modeling 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.
• 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.
• TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

• Completion of high school Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Supplemental training in graphic design industry or related graphics arts study is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in publications production, including desktop publishing, graphic design and layout, or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in web design or related area is desirable.
• Experience in the use of online graphic design tools such as Canva and/or for quick website creation such as Wix or Squarespace is desirable.
• One (1) 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 the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.