ReliefWeb Editorial Assistant | ReliefWeb

Location:Nairobi, KENYA

Application Deadline:12-Aug-15

Type of Contract:FTA Local

Post Level:GS-5

Languages Required: English

Starting Date:(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 09-Jan-2015

Duration of Initial Contract:one year

Expected Duration of Assignment:one year

Background

The ReliefWeb Editorial Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the ReliefWeb Editor in charge of the Africa/Europe time zone and under the overall guidance on the ReliefWeb Chief Editor in New York.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the ReliefWeb Editorial Assistant will be responsible for the following
duties:

Assist the Editor in charge of the time zone in managing the daily updating of ReliefWeb content during
Nairobi operation hours:

• Ensure the timely delivery of relevant and quality content provided by information partners and sources;


• Ensure timely initiation of coverage for sudden onset crises/disasters;


• Ensure the agreed outputs are delivered within the operating hours allotted to the Nairobi editorial team;


• Ensure the adherence to the established work flow and editorial guidelines by the editorial team members assigned to the time zone;


• Coordinate and provide direct supervision to the work of the editorial contractors and interns when applicable;


• Coordinate content management with the editorial teams in other duty stations and ensure appropriate hand-over on a daily basis;


• Monitor and report any technical problems as per the standard operating procedures.

Assist in continuous enhancements of the ReliefWeb content and services:

• Take part in detailed monitoring and analysis of the situations under the geographical responsibilities of the office;


• Contribute to the discussion on content strategy and enhancement development projects as appropriate;


• Contribute to the promotion of the use of the ReliefWeb platform and further engagement with information partners as appropriate.

Perform any other duties as assigned

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism:

• Knowledge of editorial standards and online information management guidelines;


• Ability to undertake independent research, identify and assess issues and develop accurate retrieval tools for relevant; materials for the needs of a specialized audience (humanitarian response community);


• Ability to apply controlled subject terminology to add metadata to documents published online;


• Ability to follow specialized classification guidelines and to follow specific document selection criteria.

Planning and Organizing:

• Ability to work with minimal amount of supervision, sound organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.

Commitment to continuous learning:

• Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to changes in assignment.

Technological Awareness:

• Solid computer skills, particularly in using relevant information databases, internet services, website editor and “spider” search software, and library sources.

Communication:

• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.

Teamwork:

• Good interpersonal skills; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; ability to follow specific team workflow procedures to ensure timeliness, reliability of service to humanitarian community.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• High school or equivalent diploma;


• University studies or other related continuing studies in international affairs, social sciences, library sciences, or other related studies relevant to humanitarian affairs are desirable.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience within the UN system or with entities operating in the humanitarian, human rights or development sector, including 3 years’ experience in communication, information management, online editing, desktop publishing or journalism.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat;


• For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required;


• Knowledge of second official UN language desirable.