Information Technician

Contract

This is a G-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 3 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-3 contracts.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.

The aim of the position is to Support the IHB and IMO teams by managing documents for volumes of the IARC Handbooks and support IMO in different tasks.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

For IHB (50%):

1. Manage documents for volumes of the IARC Handbooks, from the first draft to the final version for publication online and in print, according to their position in the workflow (before the meeting, after the meeting, checking, editing, or publication), using electronic publishing software and tools. Specific tasks include:

• Processing incoming (pre-meeting) drafts, formatting the documents using specialized editing software (eXtyles), and posting the drafts on IOPS;
• Undertaking timely quality assurance and revision of successive drafts of all documents both before and during the meetings;
• Using editing software, formatting the master copy of the resulting Handbook, and distributing to the scientific officers responsible for checking;
• Entering technical corrections made by the scientists;
• Preparing the files for the Scientific Editor using appropriate editing software;
• Preparing documents for production using editing software;
• Processing documents using Typefi programming code;
• Helping to design the cover of the publication using InDesign;
• Screening materials that might require copyright requests;
• Importing word files into InDesign;
• Checking the layouts and correcting the proofs in InDesign per instructions from the Scientific Editor and the Responsible Officer;
• Preparing PDF files for publication online and for printing;
• Exporting files into XML;
• Preparing XML files for publication on NLM Bookshelf;
• Helping to ensure the quality of the final product by applying sound production values.

2. Enable the production of volumes of the IARC Handbooks, according to their position in the workflow (before the meeting, after the meeting, checking, editing, or publication). Specific tasks include:

• Enabling access by meeting participants and the IARC Secretariat to documents by setting up, connecting, and troubleshooting all the relevant workflow management tools (IOPS, Trello, FTP site), including managing user access;
• Communicating with the Working Group about assignments, peer reviews, and deadlines;
• Monitoring progress according to the planned timelines, and updating the tracking board (Trello).

3. Under the guidance of the Scientific Editor, maintain the IARC Handbooks website using specialized application software (Dreamweaver and WordPress). Specific tasks include:

• Updating the websites by regularly posting new and updated information, including meeting announcements and information, lists of classifications, and summaries and evaluations;
• Assisting to design and build new webpages as required.

4. Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Heads, prepare communication materials such as presentations, infographics layout, or social media posts.

5. Perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisors or Programme Head.

   For IMO (40%):

6. 1. Under the guidance and supervision of the IMO Secretary, assist in:

• Coordinating the Bias Impact workshop (October 2022)
• Helping organize travel for participants to Monographs meeting 134 (June 2023) and the Tox workshop (July 2023).
• Helping to reduce the administrative archives for the move (summer-fall 2022).
• Post-meeting correspondence and query responses.

2. Assistance to the IMO documentalist:

• Helping the documentalist to retrieve and organize literature, including Health Assessment Workspace Collaborative “HAWC”.

COVID-19 MEASURES

Due to the evolving situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, and depending on work requirements, this position may be partly occupied remotely, from the home of the candidate selected in the region Lyon, according to the teleworking clause for force majeure currently in force as part of the IARC teleworking policy during this pandemic period.

WHO COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
• Communication
• Producing results.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Graduation from secondary school or equivalent, and subsequent training in the field of specialization with possession of a diploma (DUT, BTS, or equivalent or higher) in field/s relevant to the position (e.g. publishing, information science, foreign languages, linguistics, communication, humanities).

Desirable: -

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• At least two years’ experience (including paid internships) in word processing of documents in the English language.

• Prior experience in the use of specialized desktop publishing packages.

• Experience in secretarial tasks.

Desirable:

• Experience in word processing of large documents, preferably scientific or technical in nature.

• Experience in producing visuals for dissemination.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable.

SKILLS

Essential:

1. Good knowledge and competency in the following IT tools: MS Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), one or more desktop publishing software

   packages (e.g. InDesign, Dreamweaver, Photoshop).

2. Excellent administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.

3. Effective communication skills and ability to work well as part of a multicultural team.
4. High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
5. Ability to work to deadlines.

Desirable: Knowledge of XML-based publishing software (e.g. eXtyles, Oxygen).

OTHER SKILLS (IT SKILLS)

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft 365 package.

REMUNERATION

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 2,590 per month, and is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness and disability.

Other benefits include different types of leave and allowances for dependent family members.

Employment status is that of an international civil servant.

Note: due to the legal status of WHO/IARC as an international organization, its staff do not contribute to and do not generate benefits in French mandatory schemes for health insurance (“assurance maladie”), pension (“assurance vieillesse/retraite or unemployment (“Pôle-Emploi”) throughout their period of employment with the Agency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This post is subject to local recruitment and ideally, will be filled by persons residing within the local commuting area of Lyon.
• We only accept applications submitted via our online recruitment tool (applications for this position should be filled out in English and include a cover letter in English). Application profiles should include the details of all work experiences to date (including paid internships).
• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or presentation may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to IARC/WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• For information on IARC’S operations please visit: www.iarc.who.int
• IARC/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• IARC/WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women are encouraged.