Graphic Designer Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Established to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, UNU aims to address pressing global issues that concern the United Nations and its Member States. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a reliable source of impartial research focusing on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating in 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating knowledge that is relevant for policy-making to foster positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, reinforcing its mission to contribute to global solutions. For more information, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The position of Graphic Designer Consultant at UNU-IAS involves designing a new RCE case study publication that highlights youth leadership, engagement, and participation in sustainability projects. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the Head of the Innovation and Education Programme. The primary responsibilities include collaborating with the IVE programme team to understand design expectations, creating a reader-friendly publication that is suitable for both academic and practitioner audiences, and ensuring that the publication adheres to UN guidelines. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering both raw and PDF versions of the publication, ensuring high-quality design and timely delivery. This role is crucial in promoting innovative and inclusive education practices for sustainable development, aligning with the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Roadmap.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and layout an RCE case study publication featuring at least 10 cases from RCEs globally, including forewords and editorials.
• Collaborate with the IVE programme team, particularly the Communication Associate, to understand design expectations and outputs.
• Create a publication that is reader-friendly and suitable for both academia and practitioners, approximately 100 pages in B5 format.
• Develop infographics as necessary, ensuring they are limited to 1-2 per case study.
• Use color schemes that are compatible with black-and-white printing.
• Procure images as needed and ensure copyright clearance for all images used.
• Ensure the publication style aligns with UNU and UN guidelines, including adherence to the UN Editorial Manual and considerations for gender-responsive images.
• Provide both raw/editable files and PDF versions of the publication, including high-resolution print-ready files and low-resolution web-ready files.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in graphic design or a related field.
• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in graphic design, particularly in creating digital and print publications for a broad audience.
• Familiarity with academic publishing standards, especially Harvard Style.
• Proficiency in Adobe applications, including InDesign, Creative Cloud, and Photoshop.
• Experience in designing publications related to sustainable development and UN publications is highly regarded.
• Skills in writing technical documentation, proactive problem-solving, sound judgment, resilience, and an interest in user-friendly web development are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in graphic design or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively design and layout the publication according to the required standards.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in graphic design. This experience should include designing for both digital and print formats, with a focus on publications that target a diverse audience. Familiarity with academic publishing standards and proficiency in relevant software applications are critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience and collaborate effectively within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is from 1 May 2026 to 10 August 2026, with a total remuneration amounting to JPY 600,300 (maximum). Payment will be made upon the successful completion of the design and layout of the publication, along with the submission of the required PDF files and formatted design files by 30 June 202

• It is important to note that the successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be considered a staff member as defined by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. Additionally, UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position, and candidates are reminded that they are responsible for any taxes levied on their remuneration. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and individuals from developing countries.