The Graphic designer will work closely with the Knowledge Management and Research Specialist for UN Women East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) to provide design, illustration and multimedia services for diverse knowledge products including publications, studies, briefs, papers, annual report among others, in various multimedia projects and will be shared with various stakeholders, partners and UN system. Working under the guidance of the Knowledge Management and Research Specialist and in close collaboration with the programme focal point, the designer’s primary tasks may include the following, among others:

Scope of Work

• Access to internet connection during the period of the contract to send and receive electronic communications and assignments;
• The standard software used at UN Women is Microsoft Office and PDF;
• Designed documents must be returned to UN Women in web and print versions;
• The consultant is responsible for acquiring the necessary software licenses, UN Women will not pay for software licenses or connectivity fees.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Review of requested knowledge products including accompanying annexes and providing technical inputs where necessary;
• The consultant will design requested knowledge products while ensuring alignment with the UN Women branding and communications guidelines and templates;
• Conceptualize, design, and produce infographics of each of the requested knowledge products in line with UN Women branding guidelines;
• Revise and finalize draft products based on feedback from UN Women;
• The scope of work will include extensive input and direction from UN Women, reviews with UN Women, post production work and final products for dissemination. Reviews with UN Women will be done for every stage of work;
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the conceptualization of digital projects. He/she will brainstorm and provide creative and innovative design direction that is aligned with UN Women guidelines and requirements.

The successful candidate (s) will be required to perform a variety of design and layout related services including the creative work, the template-driven work, or both of them. These will include, but not limited to, the following:

 Creative work

• Develop creative concepts for knowledge products using a range of digital and print materials;
• Create designs for knowledge products, including infographics, animated and interactive elements;
• Develop brand identity materials and templates for new publication types;
• Design and layout reports, and other documents.

Template-driven work

• Lay out new documents using design templates;
• Using the layout of existing documents, layout editions in other languages including English and/or French);
• Replicate corporate design across a range of publications;
• Prepare pre-print and pre-production files for knowledge products.

Deliverables:

• Web ready versions of designed publications;
• Print ready versions of the publications designed;
• Infographics from the designed publications.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

• This is a home-based consultancy. There is  no official travel.

Competencies

Core Values: 

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies: 

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Accountability
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

 Functional Competencies: 

• Demonstrated design skills;
• Good understanding of gender and development issues in Africa;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
• Sensitivity to the message that the author is trying to convey and the ability to judge the level of intrusiveness necessary in relation to institutional templates;
• Knowledge of gender equality and women’s empowerment including a clear and mature style of design, demonstrating an understanding of the communication requirements;
• Thoroughness and accuracy;
• Adaptability and flexibility and the ability to work under pressure and to short deadlines;
• Good IT skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in in Creative Designs, Communications, Journalism, Mass Communication or Marketing, Fine Arts, Social Sciences or similar qualification from a globally recognized school/university 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;
• A project/programme management certification (such as PMP, PRINCE2®, or MSP®®) would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least five years of experience in the field of graphic design with a proven record of pushing the boundaries of design by staying abreast of industry trends and providing creative and innovative solutions;
• Demonstratable experience that is limited to publication designs and templates, document layout, creation of graphs and infographics, charts and PowerPoint slides and branding;
• Strong theoretical and practical experience in graphic design, including the use of design software such as Adobe Design Premium, In-Design, CorelDraw, etc;
• The ability to research and check facts and to question the validity of statements in the text;
• Experience of working for international organizations.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
• Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.