United Nations University (UNU)

UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in 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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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 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.

5. 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.

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

1) 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;

2) 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.

3) Language Requirements:

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

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (of/in the range of) JPY 3,781,000 – JPY 4,309,000, 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

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

Immediate

How to Apply

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

• Apply via the apply link;
• 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); and
• 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

31 May 2024

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

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They 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.

Scam Warning

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.