Graphic/Layout Designer

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 has a long-standing reputation as a neutral and collaborative partner, working closely with national and international entities to create environments where children can thrive. In Sri Lanka, UNICEF has been active for over 50 years, making significant strides in health, education, and protection standards for children, and continues to address the challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Graphic/Layout Designer at UNICEF Sri Lanka involves engaging professional graphic designers to create high-quality communication materials on short notice. The selected candidates will be placed in a roster for 12 months, providing services for various UNICEF programs. The role requires conceptualizing layouts, designing ideas, and producing drafts for UNICEF publications, ensuring adherence to branding guidelines and quality standards. The designer will collaborate with UNICEF teams to source photography, create infographics, and finalize designs for print and digital platforms. This position is crucial for supporting UNICEF's mission to protect children's rights and enhance their visibility through effective communication materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Graphic/Layout Designer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: conceptualizing and designing layouts for reports, policy briefs, brochures, and other publications; developing social media graphics for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; creating branding materials for UNICEF events; producing drafts and final designs for UNICEF publications; sourcing photography and illustrations; ensuring compliance with UNICEF branding guidelines; coordinating with printing companies; and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines. The designer will also be expected to take constructive feedback and refine designs accordingly, ensuring that all materials meet high-quality standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a design-related field or have four years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience in graphic design for both print and digital platforms is required. Familiarity with UNICEF programs and development issues is an advantage, as is prior collaboration experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies. Strong knowledge of layout design, typography, and color theory is essential, along with the ability to follow brand guidelines and manage multiple projects effectively.

Educational Background:
A university degree in graphic design or a related technical field is required. Alternatively, candidates with four years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in design principles and practices, as well as familiarity with graphic design software and tools.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of progressively responsible work experience in graphic design, with a focus on both print and digital media. Experience in handling print production and familiarity with UNICEF's program areas will be considered an asset. The ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines is crucial for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with additional language skills in Sinhala and Tamil being highly desirable. Candidates should be able to create language adaptations for communication materials as required, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be required to work on a needs basis, responding to requests from various sections within UNICEF. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process, and UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates.