Communications Senior Officer (Graphic Designer) - Retainer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse.

UN Global Pulse UN Global Pulse is the Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our teams are spread across the world, with hubs in Uganda, Indonesia, Finland and the United States. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with digital innovation in the UN family, UN Global Pulse unites specialists from the digital and social sciences in search of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, from conflict to climate change.

We aim to reduce the risks that innovation involves and move towards the opportunities. We restore public trust in technology by making it inclusive, accessible and ethical. Our input brings value to the work of the UN and external partners in protecting the vulnerable and defending human rights.

The goals of the UN Global Pulse Network are: i) Support efforts to advance innovations ii) Contribute to the development of global frameworks, and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

In May 2022, UN Global Pulse launched its new strategy, now serving as the Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab, and reframing its value-add in the context of the UN system. In light of the bold opportunities outlined within the new strategy and recent recruitments undertaken, UN Global Pulse looks to build out the Creative Communications and Design portfolio extensively to better communicate its work and use creative practices to further drive change and support its mission of innovating for our common future.

The Creative Communications and Design portfolio will serve as a “creative studio” to not only support corporate communications but reimagine how creative and science-based communications can be applied to bridge art and organizational change. The portfolio focuses on three strategic pillars across multiple levels of the system UN Global Pulse operates, including the UN Global Pulse Network, the wider UN system and our ecosystem of partners working to use values-based innovation approaches to catalyse collective action.

The three pillars supporting the Creative Communications and Design portfolio are:

• Demonstrate the value, lessons learned, and examples of innovation;
• Build a culture for creative communications and design to drive transformative change;
• Reimagine and experiment with how we communicate and undertake design activities.

As Global Pulse deepens its work on Creative Communications and Design, it is requested that we increase resources to expand the core Creative Communications and Design team to support wider communications needs of Global Pulse Finland activities and the wider UN Global Pulse network.

As UN Global Pulse seeks to build out this portfolio of work over 2024, there is a specific need to support the development of visual and graphic concepts, design, pre-press and printing/production process oversight of elements of visual communications and publications. In light of UN Global Pulse’s new strategy and its shift towards transformation across the UN system, significant support is needed to update and reposition the organization’s reputation and brand externally.

The Communications Senior Officer (Graphic Designer) supports the work of UN Global Pulse under the direct supervision of UN Global Pulse’s Communications Senior Officer and will work in close collaboration with the communications teams across the network. The Communications Senior Officer (Graphic Designer) will be responsible for the following activities:

Creative Communications and Design Portfolio:

• Support the design and development of UN Global Pulse’s portfolio by ensuring that all elements of visual communications and publications are in full compliance with Global Pulse’s visual identity and professional graphic + technical standards;
• Develop infographics and illustrations;
• Develop layouts and graphic design for office documents;
• Develop layouts and graphic design for various banners and signboards;
• Develop layouts and graphic design for publications;
• Edit and or improve photos, charts and other graphic elements;
• Assist in establishing and maintaining of archive of graphic works;
• Create templates for, design and edit PowerPoint presentations;
• Create animations and graphic illustrations which contribute to effectiveness of presentations and other multimedia formats;
• Support the in-house creative process by participating in touchpoints and feedback sessions;
• Act as a collaborator and thought partner for the Creative Communications and Design portfolio through on-going collaboration and advising on the latest developments in the context of graphic design and illustration;
• Help teams across the network identify and interpret insights and opportunities to use graphic design to further the goals and ambitions of their work.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The selected candidate will be working on a retainer basis.

The Communications Senior Officer (Graphic Designer) will meet regularly with the Communications Senior Officer to outline ongoing deliverables and ensure that projects and engagements have realistic deadlines and workflows.

The Communications Senior Officer (Graphic Designer) will report on progress to ensure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. The Communications Senior Officer (Graphic Designer) is expected to exercise flexibility in the consultancy assignment regarding the potential of dynamically changing delivery requirements.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

******FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY**** *****CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY****

a. Education:**

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in graphic design, art, visual storytelling, or other related area is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with 2 years of additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

b. Work experience:

Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in graphic production from design to published/printed product.
• Basic knowledge of standard software packages, including Adobe Creative Suite/Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Desirable:

• Experience in developing graphic and illustrated elements for a variety of organizations, businesses, brands, and systems.
• Experience in public sector innovation, social innovation or humanitarian innovation projects.
• Fundamental understanding of design processes and ability to translate conceptual thinking into operational and structured plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in producing animations for motion design and gifs.

c. Language requirements:

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

d. Additional Requirements:

Candidates who apply for this position shall submit, together with this application, a portfolio in free electronic format (preferably web links) with selected works.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: ICA retainer modality. A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.
2. Contract level: ICS 9
3. Contract duration: 1 year (renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.