Consultancy: Web Designer, Division of Communication, New York, USA

DSS seeks to hire a consultant Web Designer to provide innovative and versatile graphic design solutions to complete multiple web products. The consultant will create user journeys, site maps, and design mock-ups that are consistent with the UNICEF brand and/or other branded campaigns. They will collaborate with the editorial and development teams to implement these designs with consideration to accessibility and adaptability, and will also include occasional front-end development (HTML/CSS) work. The consultant will also work to update, modify, and expand upon existing products and designs, and take on other design work as assigned. The consultant will support the Web team where this core function work cannot be completed internally because of limited staff capacity.

Rationale and context of the assignment: The Digital Strategy Section (DSS) within the Division of Communication comprises Web, Social Media and Multimedia teams working together to create compelling public-facing content and to provide digital services within the organization. Through multiple platforms and in multiple languages, DSS draws attention to the many facets of UNICEF’s work, encouraging public support, participation and action, as well as ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

Web stories, blog entries, photo essays, Facebook posts, Twitter campaigns, and videos for distribution via UNICEF.org, YouTube, news media and other outlets and platforms – all are a part of our digital storytelling. By measuring and testing our efforts, we also use data to inform content and engagement choices.

DSS seeks to hire a consultant Web Designer to provide innovative and versatile graphic design solutions to complete multiple web products. The consultant will create user journeys, site maps, and design mock-ups that are consistent with the UNICEF brand and/or other branded campaigns. They will collaborate with the editorial and development teams to implement these designs with consideration to accessibility and adaptability, and will also include occasional front-end development (HTML/CSS) work. The consultant will also work to update, modify, and expand upon existing products and designs, and take on other design work as assigned. The consultant will support the Web team where this core function work cannot be completed internally because of limited staff capacity.

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with supervisor (Communication Specialist [Creative Lead]) and colleagues within DSS to provide graphic design solutions to address editorial and development needs on all global UNICEF websites (English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic).
• Conceptualize and create brand-consistent and innovative web products.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions with ability to receive and provide design critiques.
• Assist editorial team in creation of wireframes, user journeys and site maps.
• Provide strategic guidance and collaboration for selection of assets including photography.
• Creation and collaboration of infographics or data visualizations.
• Coordinate with Project Manager to define and document scope of design projects.
• Prepare files and specifications for delivery and support of implementation.
• Create supporting graphics and templates.
• Assist digital governance team to conduct site audits and implement design standards.
• Monitor evolution of web design standards; research and determine design guidelines and documentation.
• Track day-to day job flow to ensure all jobs are completed on time.
• Assist development team to define and develop styles and functionalities using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery.
• Support web development/tech team using HTML5, CSS.
• Collaborate with other design teams across UNICEF HQ to create design consistency across platforms.
• Design technical specification under tight deadlines, may be required to work weekends.
• Account and advocate for accessibility standards including readability, and adaptive or responsive design.
• Account and advocate for maximum readability, and adaptive or responsive design practices.
• Perform other duties as required

Duty Station: Onsite, NYHQ

Travel: NA

Name of Supervisor of Contract and timeframes for reviewing milestones and performance: Communication Specialist (Creative Lead), Web Team, Digital Strategy Section. Reviews conducted every 6 months and at the end of contract.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results: (e.g. timeliness, value of services rendered in relation to their costs, etc.)
•Standard UNICEF Performance Evaluations conducted every 6 months and at end of contract.
•Timely delivery of deliverables and adherence to timeline and set deadlines.

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/ experience required:
• 5 years design experience. Preference for experience with design for non-profits or advocacy groups.
• Degree in, or related to, Graphic Design, Branding, User Experience, or comparable work experience.
• Proven understanding of overall web design including usability, accessibility and user experience.
• Professional graphic and web design experience with a portfolio demonstrating an ability to work with strong online brands.
• Online portfolio that reflect these requirements.
• Working knowledge of HTML5 and CSS. Working knowledge with enterprise level systems a plus, but not required.
• Expert knowledge of graphic design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver. Working knowledge with emerging software such as Sketch and InVision a plus, but not required.
• Experience working with multilingual issues a plus, i.e.: right to left languages, localization, and accessibility.
• Ability to work on several overlapping products with careful attention to detail.

Payment Terms: Monthly submission of invoices paid in USD.

UNICEF recourse in case of unsatisfactory performance:
Payment will only be made for work satisfactorily completed and accepted by UNICEF.