Online Volunteer for Publication Design

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the UN agency dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable urban development. Established by the General Assembly, its mission is to ensure adequate shelter for all. Since its inception in 1996, UN-Habitat Iraq has been actively supporting the Government of Iraq in various capacities to foster sustainable urban development, reduce spatial inequality, and enhance governance. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on creating resilient communities and addressing urban challenges through innovative solutions. UN-Habitat's key priorities include developing affordable housing, improving basic services, and integrating climate adaptation strategies into urban planning. The agency also emphasizes digital transformation to modernize land registries and enhance transparency in urban management. Through these initiatives, UN-Habitat aims to position Iraq as a leader in sustainable urban development, ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer will play a pivotal role in the design and layout of a significant policy publication titled 'Iraq Green and Affordable Housing Legislative and Regulatory Assessment.' This publication aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Iraq's housing-related laws and policies, identifying gaps and opportunities for advancing sustainable housing solutions. The volunteer's primary responsibility will be to transform a technical document into a visually appealing and publication-ready format that enhances readability and supports bilingual presentation in English and Arabic. This role is crucial for ensuring that the findings and recommendations of the report are effectively communicated to stakeholders and decision-makers, thereby influencing housing reforms and promoting sustainable urban development in Iraq. The volunteer will work closely with the UN-Habitat Iraq communication team to ensure that the publication aligns with UN branding standards and meets the expectations of its intended audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Design and format a ~90-page bilingual publication for both digital and print use, ensuring it is visually coherent and reader-friendly.
• Establish and apply a clear visual hierarchy throughout the document, including headings, subheadings, body text, captions, and footnotes.
• Apply consistent typography, spacing, and formatting styles across the entire publication to maintain a professional appearance.
• Integrate structured visual elements such as tables, text boxes, section dividers, and callouts to enhance the document's clarity and accessibility.
• Ensure proper handling of layout alignment for both right-to-left (Arabic) and left-to-right (English) text.
• Adhere to UN-Habitat branding guidelines throughout the design process.
• Revise the design based on feedback from the communication focal point and finalize the publication for dissemination.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong graphic design skills, with proficiency in design software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or similar tools. A keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of layout design principles are essential. The candidate should also have experience in creating bilingual publications, particularly in English and Arabic, and be familiar with UN branding standards. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team are crucial for this role. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development and an understanding of urban issues in Iraq.

Educational Background:
A degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with relevant certifications or coursework in publication design will also be considered. A background in urban planning, social sciences, or environmental studies may be advantageous, particularly for understanding the context of the publication.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in graphic design, particularly in the layout and design of publications. Experience working with international organizations or on projects related to urban development or housing is a plus. Familiarity with the UN system and its standards will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory, as the publication will be bilingual. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but it is not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the duration of the assignment will be determined based on the timeline for the publication's completion. The role is expected to be part-time, with flexible hours to accommodate the volunteer's schedule. The position is open to both national and international applicants, and the volunteer will gain valuable experience working on a high-impact UN publication that contributes to sustainable urban development in Iraq.