Head of Unit

OVERVIEW
**Post Number**: CLD 917
**Grade**: P-3
**Parent Sector**: Division for Conferences, Languages and Documents (CLD)
**Duty Station**: Paris
**Job Family**: Administration
**Type of contract**: Fixed Term
**Duration of contract**: 2 years
**Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 23-MAY-2025
**UNESCO Core Values**: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Graphic Design Unit is located in the Documents Management Section of the Division of Conferences, Languages and Documents, in the Sector for Administration and Management. The Unit is responsible for visual, graphic, digital and multimedia design and desktop publishing (DTP) services for all UNESCO information products. These include, among others, publications, documents, large formats for exhibitions, promotional materials and presentations. The Unit also provides advice to the UNESCO programme sectors and governing bodies on formats and implementation of UNESCO’s branding, including the correct use of the UNESCO logo. The Unit is also responsible for the outsourcing of design and DTP work that cannot be processed in-house. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Documents Management Section.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the Director, Division of Conferences, Languages and Documents and direct supervision of the Chief of the Documents Management Section, the Head of the Pre-Media Unit will be expected to perform the following essential duties:
Lead the strategic planning and development of graphic design work for print and digital information products and provide expert advice to internal and external clients. In close liaison with the other units of the Documents Management Section, analyse the workload and strategize and plan in the context of competing priorities. Analyse client's requests and propose fit-for-purpose formats, realistic timelines for the completion of the required services and cost estimates. Support the implementation of a digital approach.
Coordinate the activities of the Unit, ensure equitable distribution of work and monitor progress against deadlines, assigning and adjusting priorities as necessary. Manage performance of the team, oversee productivity and quality assurance and provide effective feedback, empowering staff and promoting continuous learning and improvement. Foster a spirit of teamwork, creating a culture consistent with that of the Organization.
Oversee the preparation of a diverse range of materials for print and electronic publication, and ensure products comply with UNESCO policies and graphic specifications. Keep track of the Unit's production statistics.
Develop, implement and maintain guidelines and procedures for design and desktop publishing. Remain abreast of the latest innovations in the industry and recommend to the Chief of Section new software and practices, as appropriate.
Make strategic decisions on whether to prepare the work in-house or outsource to external contractors. Manage and expand the external rosters of designers, digital developers and contractors, ensuring the Unit has the necessary resources to address the workload. Appropriately brief external designers and conduct quality assurance of the assignments when completed. Serve as liaison between the client and external contractors during the proofing and validation process.
Additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) Driving and managing change (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Strategic thinking (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Graphic Communication Design, Visual Communication, Art Direction or related field.
Work Experience
A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in in Graphic Design, Graphic Communication Design, Visual Communication, Art Direction, or a related field, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level, ideally within a United Nations programme or agency, or another multilateral organization.
Experience with preparation of digital publications.
Experience in outsourcing desktop publishing work to external contractors.
Skills & Competencies
Strong organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively coordinate them and ensure the follow-up.
Demonstrated client-oriented approach with ability to develop/improve procedures to facilitate clients’ access to services.
Ability to manage multi-cultural teams and introduce /manage change.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effect