Communication Design Associate

Communication Design Associate (PSA4)

• On-site
• • Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
• UNU-EHS / UNU-VIE

Job description

United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), established in 2007 in Bonn, Germany, is one of two UNU Vice-Rectorates and the only one located in Europe. It supports the institutional development of UNU, facilitates collaboration across UNU and the UN, as well as fosters strategic partnerships - particularly with the Global South - and shares knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition, UNU-VIE conducts frontier research reinforcing existing UNU programming and supporting the implementation of key UN priorities. More information about UNU-VIE can be found here: https://unu.edu/vie.

The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EHS offers education opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Vice-Rector in Europe and the direct supervision of the Head of the Communication Department, the appointee shall contribute to the work of the Communication Department as an in-house designer and be in particular responsible for the following areas of work:

1. Management of design processes

• Serve as the lead liaison for visual communication aspects of large-scale research/publication projects (e.g. UNU-EHS flagship publication Interconnected Disaster Risks);

• Help to translate scientific content into engaging, understandable design products, including by serving as a ‘translator’ between scientists and external vendors;

• Identify suitable external agencies and freelance service providers in the areas of branding, design animation;

• Provide technical expertise on design options;

• Provide technical evaluation of vendor proposals and conduct quality-control checks on external design/video/photo work commissioned by the Communication Department of UNU-VIE/UNU-EHS;

• Develop timelines and cost estimates for production processes of design, video and photo products in collaboration with vendors;

• Manage publication processes from inception to completion including vendor selection, timelines, review processes and printing, if applicable;

• Ensure that design work commissioned is innovative and cost competitive.

2. Editorial design

• Develop and maintain production templates for serial and one-off publications;

• Coordinate layout and typeset process of publications ranging from 4 to 150 pages for print and digital. These processes are most often executed by external vendors, but in exceptional cases also by the Communication Design Associate;

• Develop charts, tables and figures based on complex scientific data;

• Conduct image research in suitable databases, identify suitable images for publications, and ensure adherence to copyright regulations;

• Conduct print management and quality control of external printing services as required.

3. Branding & visual identity

• Contribute to the evolution of the brand and visual identity for UNU-VIE/UNU-EHS and its projects;

• Review and approve all branded products to ensure they meet quality, consistency and visual identity guidelines;

• Lead the creative development, design and execution of a variety of designed products in line with the visual identity and overall communication objectives of UNU-VIE/UNU-EHS;

• Design branded merchandise, including sourcing of sustainable materials and overseeing production and quality control;

• Select photos for publications, as well as review photo and video products by UNU-VIE/UNU-EHS in regards to visual identity and copyright;

• Ensure that design approaches are consistent with the UNU core values of inclusion and integrity.

4. Digital design

• Collaborate with the other members of the communication team to develop impactful and engaging visuals for all social media channels (currently Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and the website,

• Create templates for newsletters, press releases, media advisories and other communication products and materials which are distributed electronically;

• Support the Communication Analyst with social media templates, for example in Canva;

• Develop and design innovative visual products, such as infographics to convey key messages in an impactful way.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• High-quality and impactful editorial and digital design work developed on time.

• High-quality, cost-competitive design, photo and video products are commissioned from vendors.

• UNU-VIE/UNU-EHS design, photo and video products are aligned with overall organizational messaging.

• Timely sign-off is provided on all final photo, video and design products.

• Expert guidance on all branding and design matters is provided.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

1) Education and certification

• Completed secondary education;

• Preferably a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in one of the mentioned or related fields: Media Design, Communication Design, Design Management, Graphic or Visual Communication; a secondary education with specialized certification will be considered.

2) Required skills and experience

• Completed secondary education and minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible working experience as a graphic designer (agency, in-house);

• Experience working in an international setting and/or in an organization focused on the environment is preferred;

• Professional knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and proven track record in professional use of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro is required;

• Strong experience in managing design processes, incl. excellent time management, forward planning, and prioritization skills, with the ability to work under time pressure and meet tight deadlines is required;

• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply branding guidelines consistently is required;

• Experience in identifying and managing external vendors in the areas of design, photo and video is required;

• Demonstrated experience in translating complex concepts into visually interesting and understandable content (infographics, animations, etc.) is required;

• Ability to work as part of an integrated, international communication team is required;

• Basic video shooting and editing skills are strongly desired, including experience setting up lights and backdrops;

• Experience working with digital publishing platforms and knowledge of Vertical Response/Mailchimp or similar mass mailing tools, as well as Canva, is desirable;

• Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, creativity, sound judgment, reliability, team player, ability to carry out work independently, and an interest in science and the environment.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required;

• Knowledge of German as language of the duty station is an asset.

** Remuneration**

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

** Duration of contract**

** Starting date**

Immediate

** How to Apply**

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);

• provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

** Application Deadline**

12 February 2025

Submissions must be received by [time, timezone] on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

** Assessment**

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

** Special Notice**

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

** Information about UNU rosters**

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.