Graphic Designs - Retainer Contract

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women's rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women has the mandate to lead and coordinate United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women Afghanistan Country Office is looking for a professional graphic designer firm who will provide the requested services on a retainer basis, in charge of the creating, designing and formatting of  various communication and publication products (see below) as needed, either for print or for the UN Women website, social media and reports (global, regional and country). The retainer contract will not be engaged on full-time basis but only when required by UN Women Afghanistan Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFIC TASKS

The Creative Firm and its artists will work closely with UN Women Afghanistan Country Office to provide designing, illustration and multimedia services for annual report, websites and social media platforms, in various multimedia projects and will be shared with media partners and UN system partners.

Key Duties and responsibilities:

• Design/production of various communications materials and illustrations (vector art files) may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Brochures;
2. Leaflets;
3. Booklets;
4. Print publications;
5. Interactive publications;
6. Posters and event signage;
7. Email blast banners and newsletters;
8. Infographics and factographs;
9. Social media banners, cover photos;
10. Images overlaid with text in different sizes for the web and social media;
11. Promotional/giveaway items.

• For any designing assignment a number of rounds of revisions should be expected. In the case of the print products, the candidate may also be expected to support with the overall printing process;
• All products shall follow UN Women Branding Guidelines and Graphic Standards (see document attached). Brief, brochures and reports will have to be designed using the UN Women corporate templates for publications (to be provided by UN Women Afghanistan Country Office once candidate is selected).

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT AND DUTY STATION

• This assignment will be in the form of long-term retainer contract  and initially for one year period. The creative company / artisit will not be engaged on a full-time basis but only when required by the UN Women Afghanistan Country Office.

CONTRACT SUPERVISION 

The consulting firm and the aritist will work under the direct supervision of Communications Officer, who will be responsible for the quality assurance of the deliverables.

UN WOMEN WILL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT TO THE CONSULTING FIRM:

• Briefing and detailed explanation of the kind of services needed and help in defining the best contents for different purposes;
• Programme information and editorial guidance to the artist/creative company to enable him/her to understand the Deliverables required and generate captions to embed in the photographs.

Competencies

Core values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Required Skills and Experience

THE QUALIFICATIONS EXPECTED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Strong theoretical and practical background in graphic and information design and data visualization (minimum of 5 years of experience in graphic production from start to published/printed product);
• Strong design skills, particularly in data visualization;
• Portfolio which shows strong and dynamic design work in graphic and information design;
• Strong knowledge of use of different design platforms/software (such as Adobe Design Premium, In-Design, Corel Draw, etc.)
• Clear, creative and mature style of design;
• Ability to communicate complex, abstract concepts through design;
• Other skills: Capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time; Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback; Ability to work under pressure; Consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women. Ability to conceptualize, plan and execute innovative ideas, ability to work effectively under deadlines, self-starter, flexible and able to time-manage oneself.
• SAMPLES: For the quotation to be considered, the Creative Company must submit the following samples. Samples can be submitted as attached files, web links or as hard copy;
• 2 examples of design of print materials, including one piece that demonstrates extensive typesetting (with photographs);
• 1 graph displaying statistical data for print; 
• 1 infographic (for print or web).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in designing and publications;
• Ability to interact with both the organization and the general public, good interpersonal skills and organizational proficiency;
• Professional experience in working with International Organistion is an added advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Written and oral proficiency in English, Dari and one other UN language is strongly preferred.   

Application Information:

• Interested firms can apply online or by submitting their proposal to UN Women Office in Kabul Afghanistan in a sealed envelope by indicating the title of the advertisement on the envelop; 
• While submitting the proposal, the firm will also be required to submit the CVs of their professional creative artists;
• Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment, scan your documents into one single file. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and may not be considered for further assessment.

Qualified women owership firms are highly encouraged to apply.

Note:In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.