Product Designer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in approximately 170 countries and territories. Established to help eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities, UNDP aligns its efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization focuses on ensuring that improvements in human well-being are achieved within ecological boundaries. UNDP has been active in China for over 40 years, collaborating with various partners to support the country's development. The current Country Programme Document for China (CPD) outlines UNDP's actions and programs from 2021 to 2025, in alignment with the Government of China's 14th Five Year Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China 2021-2025.

Job Overview:
The Product Designer will play a crucial role in supporting UNDP’s Operations Team by innovating sustainable products. This position involves high-quality design for communications products and materials. The designer will be responsible for creating product appearance sketches, conducting 3D modeling, and ensuring that designs meet aesthetic, practical, and environmental standards. The role is home-based and is considered a short-term position, with remuneration based on a daily rate for actual days worked. The designer will also be tasked with enhancing outreach materials for the China Office and other requesting UNDP Offices, ensuring that all designs align with UNDP's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Product Designer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Product Appearance Design: Creating sketches based on design concepts and market demands, conducting 3D modeling and rendering, and selecting materials and colors that are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
• Product Structure Design: Designing the internal structure of products, including component layout and assembly processes, and formulating detailed design specifications.
• Technical Conversion and Manufacturing: Collaborating with suppliers to convert designs into prototypes that meet environmental standards, and participating in trial production to ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Cost Evaluation and Optimization: Conducting cost evaluations and proposing design solutions that enhance cost-effectiveness while maintaining sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Deliverables include design documentation, digital sketches, physical prototypes, design renderings, UI/UX design drafts, and production drawings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 years of relevant working experience with secondary education or 3 years with a bachelor’s degree. A strong theoretical and practical background in product design is essential, including proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Prior design experience for branded items is desirable, and experience working with international organizations, embassies, or large multinational corporations will be an asset. A portfolio showcasing previous design work is required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, or related fields is preferred. This educational background should provide the necessary foundation for the technical and creative aspects of product design.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 6 years in relevant fields if the candidate has secondary education, or 3 years if they hold a bachelor’s degree. This experience should encompass both theoretical knowledge and practical application in product design, particularly in environments that require collaboration with international organizations or large corporations.

Languages:
Fluency in both Chinese and English is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the UNDP and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a short-term, home-based position with remuneration based on a daily rate for actual days worked. Candidates must submit a personal CV or P11, a cover letter, and samples of their design work. A technical design test will be conducted for shortlisted candidates. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.