Illustrator for Kawkabuna Series

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities worldwide, fostering a culture of inclusion and growth.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop illustrations for the Kawkabuna series, which consists of 32 books targeting children in Grades 4–9 who are significantly behind in reading. The Kawkabuna program integrates foundational literacy with climate action and life skills education. Each illustrator will be responsible for creating engaging, culturally appropriate illustrations that reflect the diversity of children in Jordan and the MENA region. The role involves producing illustrations that support reading comprehension and convey climate-related and social messages, with a focus on inclusivity and emotional engagement. Illustrators will work closely with UNICEF's Education team and are expected to deliver high-quality artwork that aligns with UNICEF's standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected illustrators will be tasked with creating full-color illustrations based on provided manuscripts and character briefs. They will develop character and setting designs that reflect the cultural context of the region, ensuring visual consistency across assigned books. Each illustrator will produce layered digital illustrations suitable for future animation and interactive use, revise artwork based on feedback, and collaborate with the UNICEF Education Manager and the Kawkabuna Content Development team. Each book will typically include an illustrated cover, 8–12 internal illustrations, and front and back matter artwork where applicable. The assignment will span 60 working days, with each illustrator assigned 2 to 4 books.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed Secondary Education and possess at least 3 years of relevant work experience in illustration and design, preferably in children's literature. High proficiency in illustration is essential. Desirable qualifications include relevant experience in development and humanitarian contexts, familiarity with UN agencies or NGOs, and cultural awareness of Jordan or the MENA region. Illustrators should demonstrate the ability to create inclusive content, including representations of children with disabilities, and possess strong communication and time management skills.

Educational Background:
A Secondary Education certificate is required for this position. Additional qualifications in art, design, or related fields may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in illustration and design, with a preference for experience related to children's books. Experience working in development or humanitarian settings, particularly with UN agencies or NGOs, is advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered a plus but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy may be remote or based in Jordan, with a duration of 6–8 weeks for each illustrator. Selected candidates must provide a financial proposal detailing their daily rate and a lump sum for the entire assignment, along with a portfolio showcasing their work. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and is dedicated to safeguarding children's rights. Background checks will be conducted for selected candidates, and compliance with vaccination requirements may be necessary.