JOB DESCRIPTION

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistic (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the ASYCUDA Programme.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Graphic Design Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• 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 colour 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.
• Performs 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 (e.g. posters, brochures, press kits, book covers, book designs, etc.). Ability to handle multiple design projects simultaneously. 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.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Specialized training in graphic arts is highly desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Seven years of experience in publications production, including desktop publishing, graphic design and layout, or related area, is required. Experience in developing targeted promotional material/brochures and customized documentary flowcharts would is desirable. Experience in publication production, including desktop publishing, graphic design, layout, or related areas concerning customs and international trade, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish or Arabic or Russian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Desirable Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIArabicUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IRussianUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level ISpanishUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IChinese (Mandarin)UN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The initial duration of this temporary job opening is for three (3) months. The extension of the appointment is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and the continuing need of the service. 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. Vacancies at G1-G4 levels are open to both internal and external candidates, including staff members on temporary appointments. However, priority consideration will be given to existing serving staff members. New external candidates will only be considered when a serving staff member holding a Permanent, Continuing, Fixed-Term or Temporary Appointment at the time of application cannot be identified. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the 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, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.