Graphic design and communication

Within UNITAR, the Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit (PTPU) contributes to the international community’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the building of lasting peace. Recognizing that peace is a prerequisite for the achievement of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit supports the development of capacities in the areas of peacekeeping, peacebuilding and crisis management. Through innovative and results-oriented approaches, the Programme Unit strengthens knowledge and skills of individuals, groups or institutions.

The individual contractor will support the implementation of the communications and marketing strategy of the programme unit through the development of various audio-visual and multimedia materials as well as supporting the visual aspects of training and other types of events and projects.

The individual contractor shall support the Programme activities through: 

• Design creative and impactful communication and marketing materials (brochures, leaflets, posters, reports) for the Programme unit in both printed and digital versions for various formats and platforms;
• Support the development of the visual layout for training manuals and reports;
• Support with visuals for social media and website;
• Produce other types of multimedia material, including videos, animations, original illustrations, data visualisation (infographics), web-based materials;
• Support the visual and other communication aspects of international events and campaigns conducted by the programme unit, online and offline;
• Provide photography, videography and live coverage support to the events, meetings and activities of the Division;
• Ensure the alignment of all visual material produced in-house and with the help of external consultants with UN and UNITAR branding guidelines and style requirements; contribute to the improvement and development of these standards in accordance with the current trends;
• Advise team members in all aspects related to photography and videography;
• Lead the development of distinctive and consistent style for all the Division’s materials, in line with cutting-edge trends and requirements in terms of inclusion and accessibility;
• Lead the establishment and maintenance of a library of original high-quality visual materials (photos and videos) related to UNITAR’s training and other types of activities;
• Coordinate the work of external contractors and volunteers, when it comes to graphic, video and web design;
• Participate in brainstorming and provide ideas for new outreach activities, materials, projects and events;
• Occasionally support training activities by providing visual design expertise or participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Undertake research on the best marketing practices within the international public sector and innovative promotional tools; keep up with the latest trends in graphic design, motion design, and visual storytelling; continuously explore new formats, techniques, and styles to present content in visually innovative and audience-centric ways; test new design formats such as interactive infographics, motion graphics, or data storytelling tools to enhance user engagement.

• Communication and marketing materials (brochures, leaflets, posters, reports) in both printed and digital versions are designed in a timely and coordinated manner, in accordance with the UN and UNITAR quality standards;
• The visual layout for training manuals and reports is timely and effectively developed;
• Effective support is provided with the improvement, maintenance and updating of the related website pages;
• Effective support is provided with social media outreach;
• A variety of multimedia material, including videos, animations, original illustrations, data visualisation (infographics), web-based materials are produced timely and in high quality;
• Effective visual and communication support is provided to the team during the organisation and conduction of events;
• New outreach activities, materials, projects and events are regularly suggested, and the relevant research is conducted;
• Events, meetings and activities of the UNITAR office in Bonn are effectively supported with photography, videography and live coverage;
• UN and UNITAR branding guidelines and style requirements are respected at all times in all visual material produced by the Division for Peace; the standards are continuously revised and improved;
• UNITAR’s activities are effectively promoted among European audiences and key stakeholder, and beyond;
• All the Division’s materials have a fresh, consistent and distinctive style, in line with cutting-edge trends and requirements in terms of inclusion and accessibility;
• A library of original high-quality visual materials (photos and videos) is established and maintained.

Quality submission of deliverables; activities implemented with a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism of the individual contractor and contributing to an increase in the professional image of the Institute.

Professionalism

• Excellent knowledge in the field of graphic design and communication
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Effective problem-solver and self-learner
• Creativity and innovation

Planning and organizing 

• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, organizational skills, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritise. Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

Communications 

• Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation). Ability to evaluate communication needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Teamwork 

• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to deal effectively with multiple constituencies and to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proven ability to work in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment with a diverse team across different functional areas in different time zones.

Duration of contract: 3 to 6 months (depending on the performance and the availability of funds, the contract may be extended)

Location of contract: Applicants who can work from the UNITAR offices in Geneva, Switzerland or in Bonn, Germany is preferred.  The candidate may work remotely from any location or willing to align their work hours with central European time zone. 

• A bachelor's degree or vocational degree in graphic design or visual arts;
• A portfolio with print design and digital design examples is required (student and conceptual work is acceptable); demonstrated fluency in basic areas of visual design and content creation;
• Proven professional experience of at least 2 years in producing graphics for print and/or digital communications, motion graphics and video experience;
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Acrobat) Canva, and video and audio editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects); experience with Microsoft Office 365 products;
• Knowledge of design principles, typography, colour theory, infographics, and layout techniques. Basic knowledge of animation techniques;
• Understanding of HTML or other web design applications; experience in web design or website development is an asset. Knowledge of WordPress and Visme is an asset;
• Experience working within branding guidelines, or developing these for organizations, is an asset;
• Knowledge of the United Nations and peace-related topics;
• A creative, friendly, motivated, proactive and positive personality is required.

Languages: Excellent level in both oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of any other UN language is an advantage.