Communication Design Assistant

About Office/Institute

Located in Tokyo, the Office of Communications assists the Rector in the communication about UNU’s work, engagement with key stakeholders, and visibility of UNU’s activities in Japan and globally.

The work of the UNU Office of Communications focuses on communicating the outcomes from UNU research in clear, accessible language, in ensuring these messages reach the right audience and in gradually increase the size of the audience. To achieve this, the UNU Office of Communications employs high quality design, produces engaging content and deploys a wide range of communication assets.

Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Head of Communication, the appointee will be responsible for the following tasks:

Design guidance and technical expertise

• Provide expert guidance on design options, explain technical specifications and a variety of design approach in an easy-to-understand manner with a focus on innovative, sustainable solutions;
• Ensure that design approaches are consistent with overall communication objectives and guidelines;
• Ensure that visual representation in video and photography are in line with the UNU core values of inclusion and integrity;
• Closely collaborate with the Visual Communications Associate, editorial, social media and outreach teams within the Office of Communications as projects require.

Editorial & Print Design

• Develop and maintain production templates for serial and one-off publications;
• Layout and typeset publications ranging from 1 to 150 pages for print and digital;
• Develop charts tables and figures based on complex scientific data;
• Conduct print-management and quality control of external printing services as requested.

Branding & Visual Identity

• Design and ideate templates and ready-to-use products for UNU staff, such as report covers, PowerPoint templates, infographics, and social media content;
• Ensure consistent visual branding across communications products; develop prototypes and example designs to inspire and inform users of the visual identity system;
• Evolve skills and expertise in areas of interest (motion graphics, experimental typography, etc);
• Contribute to the evolution of the brand and visual identity for UNU;
• 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 large variety of designed products in line with the visual identity and overall communication objectives of UNU.

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 and Instagram and the website, (e.g. banners and templates);
• Create templates for newsletters, press releases, media advisories and other electronically distributed communication products;
• Develop and design innovative visual products, such as infographics to convey key messages in an impactful way.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Key Performance Indicators
• High-quality and impactful editorial, print and digital design work developed on time.
• High-quality, cost-competitive design, photo and video products are commissioned from vendors.
• UNU 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 matter is provided.

Qualifications

Education and certification

• 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;

Required skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 2-4 years of professional experience as a graphic designer in an agency or in-house position is required.
• Experience in working with an international setting is considered an asset.
• Professional knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and proven track record in professional use of (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom and Premier);
• Demonstrated ability to professionally interact with and assist colleagues from initial stages of project through project completion;
• Strong experience in project management, incl. excellent time management, forward planning, and prioritization skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply branding guidelines consistently;
• Experience in identifying and managing external vendors in the areas of design, photo and video considered a strong asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Source: https://careers.unu.edu//o/communication-design-assistant-psa