Digital Accessibility Specialist
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) manages enterprise and entity-specific applications for the UN Secretariat. This role is within the OICT Enterprise Solution Service, reporting to the Chief of the Enterprise Application Center, Americas. The position supports the OICT digital accessibility program, aiming to enhance the accessibility of products, services, and information for persons with disabilities.
Job Purpose
This role is crucial for supporting OICT and its client entities in achieving their digital accessibility goals. The Digital Accessibility Specialist will assess applications and websites, develop strategic guidance, and implement digital inclusion initiatives to improve overall accessibility compliance. The purpose is to ensure OICT's products and services meet international accessibility standards and best practices, thereby making UN information and platforms more accessible to persons with disabilities, in line with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy. This involves supporting culture change and technical skill development within OICT and the wider Secretariat.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include reviewing and assessing websites and applications against UN web accessibility guidelines and international standards, providing remediation advice, and supporting compliance efforts. The specialist will assist in drafting strategic and operational digital accessibility guidance, checklists, project plans, and learning materials. Additionally, they will help develop digital accessibility training programs to foster culture change and enhance technical skills within OICT and the Secretariat. The role also involves supporting the technical evaluation of digital accessibility tools and services and providing technical assistance to UN entities on digital accessibility matters.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience is required in areas such as WCAG, ARIA, GIGW, EN standards, and ICT accessibility testing and auditing. Previous experience in creating accessible formats, specifically within the United Nations or other international organizations, is essential. Experience conducting web and document accessibility training at an international level and working with assistive technologies like JAWS and NVDA screen readers is also required.
Skills
WCAG, ARIA, GIGW, EN standards, ICT accessibility testing and auditing, creation of accessible formats, web and document accessibility training, assistive technologies (JAWS, NVDA), digital inclusion initiatives, strategic planning, technical evaluation of tools and services.