Consultancy: Graphic Design, Layout and Data Visualization Consultant at UN Women

Scope of Work:
UN Women is seeking to hire a seasoned consultant to provide expertise in graphic design, layout, and gender data visualization for a variety of products. The consultancy thus aims to:

• Provide expertise in repackaging new and existing evidence to help position and market UN Women as a thought leader in creating and disseminating quality knowledge on gender issues in the region;
• Expertly apply creative graphic elements and tools to support effective visual communication and the aesthetic expression of concepts and ideas and to render evidence-based information into user-friendly formats to influence understanding of gender issues and uptake and use of gender data and statistics;
• Apply specialized graphic design, layout, and data visualization expertise from a broad base of development communication experience to meaningfully contribute to recent and ongoing gender data and statistics communication initiatives in the region.
• Support capacity-building in data visualization and gender data product design where needed as part of broader departmental trainings on communicating gender data and statistics

Specifically, the consultancy will serve to provide cutting-edge expertise for a raft of communication and knowledge products on gender statistics from the region. As such, activities envisaged under this consultancy include:

• Assisting in conceptualizing innovative approaches to promote the uptake and use of gender data and statistics from a design and data visualization perspective and as part of overall support to the communication of gender data and statistics, strengthening the Women Count brand, and, by extension, UN Women’s position as an industry thought leader in gender data and statistics;
• Support the conceptualization and development of creative gender data and statistics products including customized templates, event and training materials, social media visuals, fliers and brochures, and related materials to deliver a clean and modern finish while maintaining both an authentic look and feel relatable to the region and integrity with regard to appropriate gender messaging;
• Conceptualize and develop compelling infographics, illustrations and other visuals and graphics for diverse media including online, print, and social media platforms;
• Conceptualize new designs and layouts for partner-led country reports and related products while showcasing partners’ visual identity and appropriately applying UN Women and Women Count visual identity;
• Design and layout of reports and other long-form products while ensuring attention to detail, consistent application of styles, and advising on overall optimal presentation of contents, including graphical elements, while strictly adhering to Women Count templates, visual identity, and overall brand guidelines where applicable;
• Assist in conceptualizing, designing and developing non-typical gender data and statistics visualization products such as audio-visual materials, interactive toolkits, web pages, and high-level events from a graphic design and design technology perspective.
• Contribute to building capacity of stakeholders in gender data visualization and design of related communication products

The Graphic Design, Layout, and Gender Data Visualization Consultant will report directly to the UN Women ESA-RO Statistics Specialist and work closely with the ESA-RO Gender Statistics Communications Specialist with some functional reporting to Programme Specialist Gender Statistics in countries in the region as needed. The ESA-RO Statistics Specialist, Gender Statistics Communications Specialist, and respective Programme Specialists for Gender Statistics in the country offices will provide feedback and technical support as needed.
Duties And Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of innovative and creative visualization and other data and information presentation approaches while working closely with the UN Women ESA-RO Reporting and Communications Specialist;
• Co-conceptualize and develop innovative approaches to promote uptake and use of gender data and statistics using a design and data visualization lens;
• Develop and deliver world-class gender data and statistics products including infographics, partner-led country reports, high-level and other events, long-form products, and non-typical gender data and statistics visualization products;

Deliverables:

• Innovative and creative gender data and statistics products including data sheets, e-posters, and PowerPoint presentations listed above as a result of contributions to the conceptualization of innovative approaches to promote the uptake and use of gender data in the region;
• Compelling infographics concepts and designs, delivered to completion in a variety of formats;
• Creative social media graphics delivered for use of a variety of channels in the region;
• Standalone and other designs and layouts for partner-led country reports and related products;
• Well-designed, laid-out reports and other long-form products for the Women Count stable of set products;
• Well-appointed non-typical gender data and statistics visualization products including audio-visual materials (including animations), interactive toolkits, web pages, and events as a result of contributions to the conceptualization, design, and development of related processes;
• Other graphic design, layout, and data visualization products as needed.

Competencies
Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional competencies:

• Expertise in graphic design, layout, and data visualization including conceptualizing and developing infographics with demonstrated experience in making Gender data accessible to specialized as well as general audiences;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate and secure buy-in for creative approaches to conceptualizing and developing gender data and statistics products;
• Good understanding of new and emerging technologies and digital platforms for both conventional and contemporary information and knowledge products;
• High attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics to give products a modern and appealing look and feel. This includes the ability to identify opportunities for improving the type and presentation of content for diverse data and statistics products for an added layer of innovation and quality assurance;
• Creative flair and originality balanced with the ability to synthesize and accurately execute client briefs in close consultation with multiple internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to multitask under pressure while proactively communicating progress and any emerging constraints and maintaining a high level of responsiveness;
• High level of leadership skills, initiative, and ability to work independently, often within tight timelines, to meet strict deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design, Multi-Media Design, Animation, Fine Arts, or related field;

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience in creative graphic design and visualization at least three of which should be in the field of international development with international or regional NGOs;
• Experience conceptualizing, leading, and executing design and visualization for large, medium, and small-scale projects. Demonstrated expertise in developing long-form layouts and extensive knowledge of visual hierarchies;
• Experience in developing conventional and new media such as infographics, illustrations, interactive toolkits, animations, and end-to-end publishing for diverse information and knowledge products;
• Experience conceptualizing visual and graphics content in the field gender statistics, women’s empowerment, and gender equality is highly desirable;
• Regional experience working with multiple stakeholders including government agencies;
• Regional experience in delivering training/building capacity of stakeholders, including public sector actors and national statistical offices (NSOs)in data visualization and gender data product design;
• Substantial experience working with UN and related agencies is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable.
• Working knowledge of another official UN language will be an asset.