Job Bank

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS) Programme of the Debt and Development Finance Branch of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Division on Globalization and Development Strategies. The DMFAS Programme is a technical cooperation programme that provides technical assistance to developing countries to assist them in strengthening their capacity to manage public debt. Its core product is the DMFAS, a specialized debt management software, which is designed to help countries manage their external and domestic public debt. The Programme is currently developing the next version of its software, DMFAS 7.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the DMFAS Programme and the direct supervision of the Team Leader of the Quality Assurance and User Support unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1) Produces DMFAS user documentation and online help.
• Plans documentation projects in conjunction with software development projects.
• Implements single sourcing to reuse and manage content.
• Writes, edits and updates the contents of user documentation and online help.
• Creates, tests, compiles and delivers online help systems.
• Designs and creates promotional or marketing material relating to the DMFAS software.
• Defines standards for the layout, graphics and presentation of DMFAS user documentation.
• Elaborates documentation strategies and standards.
• Organizes the validation process for the review of the user documentation and online help.
• Reports on the progress of the user documentation and online help, as requested.
• Researches new technology and methodologies in the field of technical communication.

2) Contributes to the production of DMFAS technical documentation.
• Plans the development and maintenance of training modules.
• Creates, updates and delivers training modules.
• Organizes the validation process for the review of the training modules.
• Reports on the progress of the training modules, as requested.

3) Collaborate in the drafting of technical or functional specifications for new features or enhancements in the DMFAS software.
• Participates in meetings to discusses technical and functional specifications.
• Reviews specifications and provide feedback.
• Organizes validation for specifications, when requested.

4) Support the localization of DMFAS software, user documentation and online help in French and Spanish.
• Reviews and validates text elements of the interface according to established rules and procedures.
• Reviews and validates work returned by localization outsourcing company.

5) Other
• Participates in project teams, as required.
• Supports the DMFAS biennial debt management conference.
• Contributes to the development of new or revised training/capacity-building modules, as required.
• Submits monthly reports on activities.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth expertise in technical communication specifically in the design, planning and production of user documentation, technical documentation and training modules. Very good knowledge of best practices in technical communication including usability, interface design, single-sourcing, localization and other production issues. Excellent knowledge of MadCap Flare to design and implement single-sourcing with multiple outputs, . including Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) snippets, variables and conditions.. Proficiency with Adobe FrameMaker, Captivate, Snagit and SmartDraw. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of the DMFAS software is desirable. 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.

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

An advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent degree) in technical communication, computer science, business administration, economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

A qualification in Technical Communication is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in technical communication that includes 1)
producing software-related user documentation, online help and training modules, working with IT staff and subject matter experts 2) interpreting and explaining highly technical information and 3) autonomously managing multiple projects simultaneously is required.

Experience of producing documentation for use by developing countries is desirable.

Experience within an international organisation is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Fluency in either French or Spanish and knowledge of the other is required.