Web Designer Consultancy

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing global agricultural challenges. Established to enhance the productivity and sustainability of maize and wheat production, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South, focusing on improving the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers. The organization collaborates with various partners to foster innovation in agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to create a more resilient agrifood system. CIMMYT's mission is to ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and improve the quality of life for millions of people by enhancing the quantity, quality, and reliability of cereal production systems. The organization employs a diverse team of experts and operates in multiple countries, working towards sustainable agricultural solutions.

Job Overview:
The Web Designer position at CIMMYT is crucial for enhancing the organization's digital presence and ensuring that its web platforms are user-centered, accessible, and visually appealing. The role involves designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing CIMMYT's website to align with the organization's strategic objectives. The Web Designer will play a key role in strengthening CIMMYT's digital brand, improving user engagement, and amplifying the visibility of its research and development outcomes. This position requires a blend of creativity and technical skills to create engaging web experiences that resonate with diverse audiences and support CIMMYT's mission of fostering agricultural innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Web Designer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Supporting the implementation of CIMMYT's web strategy in alignment with institutional communications objectives and the CIMMYT 2030 Strategy.
• Recommending improvements to website architecture, navigation, and user journeys to enhance user experience.
• Creating visually engaging and user-centered website layouts and page designs, including wireframes, prototypes, and mockups.
• Developing and maintaining webpages using the organization's Content Management System (CMS) and ensuring all content is properly formatted and optimized.
• Collaborating with content creators and graphic designers to design campaign landing pages and optimize multimedia assets for web performance.
• Monitoring website performance through analytics tools, analyzing user behavior, and producing performance reports.
• Implementing on-page SEO best practices and conducting periodic SEO audits to improve website visibility.
• Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and conducting quality assurance reviews before publishing new content.
• Providing web design and publishing support to regional and program teams and advising internal stakeholders on web best practices. 1
• Managing multiple web development activities simultaneously and maintaining documentation of templates and workflows.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Web Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Computer Science, Communications with a Digital Design specialization, Information Technology, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 4-5 years of relevant experience in website design and management, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, content management systems (CMS), front-end web development, and digital communications is required. Essential knowledge includes user-centered design principles, information architecture, responsive design, accessibility standards, SEO best practices, and web analytics. Proficiency in WordPress, Drupal, or similar CMS platforms, as well as Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Web Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Computer Science, or Communications with a specialization in Digital Design. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the principles of design, user experience, and digital media, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as website design and management, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, and content management systems (CMS). Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing web projects and optimizing digital content for user engagement and performance. Experience in international organizations or NGOs is desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the organization and with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing the reach and accessibility of CIMMYT's digital content.

Additional Notes:
This position is a contractor role, which implies that it may not offer the same benefits as a full-time position. The role may involve working on a flexible schedule, and candidates should be prepared to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The seniority level is mid-level, and the organization is open to recruiting both nationally and internationally. Compensation details and specific benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.