Online Volunteer for UX/UI Design

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an esteemed international organization established in 1945, dedicated to fostering international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promoting friendly relations among nations, and advancing social progress, better living standards, and human rights. With a membership of 193 countries, the UN operates through various bodies such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, addressing a wide array of global issues including sustainable development, environmental protection, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism. The UN's mission is to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation among nations, ensuring that the voices of its member states are heard and considered in the pursuit of global harmony and justice.

Job Overview:
The position of Online Volunteer for UX/UI Design is integral to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically focusing on the revamp of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Extranet. This role involves a significant upgrade and migration of the existing platform from Microsoft SharePoint 2019 to Drupal, alongside a comprehensive redesign of the user interface and user experience. The aim is to enhance access to human rights information, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. The Online Volunteer will work independently, providing UX/UI design and analytical support, translating user needs into effective design concepts and prototypes, and collaborating closely with the OHCHR project team, including developers and designers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will be responsible for several key tasks under the overall coordination of the Project Coordinator and in collaboration with the OHCHR development and design team. These tasks include:

• Analysis & Discovery: Conducting a high-level review and analysis of the existing HRC and UPR Extranet sites, focusing on information architecture, content structure, navigation, and user flows. Identifying priority usability issues, particularly in terms of accessibility, clarity, and efficiency of information access. Supporting business focal points in documenting functional and user experience requirements.
• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Developing user-centered design concepts for the revamped Extranet that align with UN branding guidelines and best practices in digital accessibility. Creating wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity UI designs using tools like Figma. Designing reusable layout components and page templates that support Drupal implementation, ensuring designs are scalable, consistent, and maintainable. Collaborating with UN focal points and Drupal developers to ensure technical feasibility of designs.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Preparing clear design documentation, including design rationale, component lists, and handoff notes. Supporting knowledge transfer by documenting design decisions and best practices for future maintenance and enhancements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a strong understanding of UX/UI design principles and practices, particularly in the context of web applications. Proficiency in design tools such as Figma or equivalent is essential. Familiarity with Drupal and its site-building capabilities is highly desirable. The ability to conduct user research and usability testing, as well as experience in creating user-centered design concepts, is crucial. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are necessary to identify usability issues and propose effective solutions. Excellent communication skills are required to collaborate with team members and stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
A background in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have formal education or equivalent experience in UX/UI design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant work. Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices is also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in UX/UI design, ideally with a focus on web applications. Experience working in a collaborative environment, particularly with cross-functional teams, is advantageous. Familiarity with the United Nations or similar international organizations is a plus, as it provides context for the work being undertaken.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the United Nations. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken in regions where the UN operates, is considered an asset and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote position, allowing for a high degree of autonomy in the work. The role is part-time and is designed to accommodate the volunteer's schedule while ensuring that project deadlines are met. The duration of the contract is flexible, depending on the project's needs and the volunteer's availability. Compensation is not provided, as this is a volunteer position, but the experience gained will be invaluable for professional development in the field of UX/UI design.