Business Development Associate/ Graphic Designer Harare 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Business Development Associate / Graphic Designer

Company: EY

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Business Development / Graphic Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: November 2, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This hybrid role requires a proactive Business Development Associate with strong graphic design capabilities to support EY's market leadership strategy and business objectives in Harare.

• The position focuses on creating compelling visual communications and strategically sound campaigns that align with the firm's brand identity and corporate messaging.

• Key responsibilities include developing innovative design concepts for client deliverables, winning business proposals, and ensuring effective visual representation of EY's services.

• Success in this role hinges on interpreting client needs, translating them into impactful designs, and managing the production process with external vendors, all within a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description indicate a dual role, blending business development support with graphic design. This suggests the need for an individual who can not only create visually appealing content but also understand the strategic business context and client needs driving those creative outputs. The emphasis on "market leadership strategy," "winning business proposals," and "client deliverables" points towards a role that is integral to the Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, specifically supporting sales enablement and proposal management functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual designs and innovative visual ideas for client deliverables, proposals, and marketing collateral, ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives.

• Execute creative conceptualization and strategic design for key winning business initiatives, maintaining a strong focus on EY's brand guidelines and corporate identity.

• Create comprehensive and impactful graphic layouts, leveraging strong typography and appropriate color theory to communicate complex ideas effectively.

• Interpret client needs and business objectives, translating them into visually compelling solutions that address specific requirements and enhance communication effectiveness.

• Liaise with clients to present design concepts, gather feedback, and propose cost-effective, innovative visual solutions throughout project lifecycles.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept to final production-ready artwork, including independent coordination with external vendors and suppliers.

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of industry-standard design techniques, software, and best practices to ensure cutting-edge visual output.

• Practice persuasive and diplomatic communication with clients and internal stakeholders to articulate design rationale and secure buy-in for creative strategies.

• Ensure exceptional attention to detail across all design work, from minor typographic adjustments to overall layout integrity.

• Support the delivery of market leadership initiatives through visually engaging content that strengthens EY's brand presence and competitive positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic business support. For a Business Development Associate/Graphic Designer, this means demonstrating not just design proficiency but also an understanding of how design contributes to business development outcomes, such as proposal wins and client engagement. The emphasis on "strategic insight into the business and communication needs of clients" and "strategically sound communication campaigns" underscores the need for a candidate who can think beyond aesthetics to drive business results.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline. Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a preference for candidates with agency experience.

• Demonstrated experience in developing visual concepts and executing them into polished design assets for business-related purposes. Required Skills:

• Superior knowledge and practical application of design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint).

• Strong conceptual and design skills with an ability to generate innovative ideas and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Proficiency in layout design, typography, and color theory, ensuring aesthetically pleasing and brand-compliant outputs.

• Excellent client communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong presentation skills, capable of articulating design rationale and strategic thinking to clients and internal teams.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Demonstrated understanding of the printing process and preparing artwork for production. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in a business development or sales support role, understanding the nuances of proposal creation.

• Familiarity with Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies and how design contributes to sales enablement.

• Experience working with brand guidelines and maintaining corporate identity consistency.

• Knowledge of digital design principles and their application in online marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "1 or 2 years work experience in an agency is an added advantage" suggests that while entry-level candidates are welcome, those with prior exposure to client-facing project management and fast-paced creative environments will be highly regarded. The emphasis on "Sound business, client, team and personal leadership skills" indicates that beyond technical design skills, candidates are expected to possess strong professional attributes and a proactive approach to business development support.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, well-curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a specific emphasis on business-related materials such as proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral.

• Demonstrate conceptual thinking and strategic problem-solving through design, illustrating how visual solutions addressed specific client or business needs.

• Include examples that highlight your ability to adhere to brand guidelines and maintain corporate identity consistency across various applications.

• Showcase proficiency in using design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) to produce polished, professional outputs.

• Provide evidence of your ability to interpret client requirements and translate them into effective visual communication. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design workflow, from brief interpretation and concept development to final production and vendor management.

• Highlight your approach to managing multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines.

• Illustrate your methods for collaborating with internal teams and clients to gather feedback and iterate on designs.

• Showcase your process for preparing design files for print production, including understanding of color modes, resolution, and bleed requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that bridges business development and design, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond purely aesthetic appeal to demonstrate strategic thinking, client understanding, and the ability to support business objectives. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the strategic rationale behind their design choices and how their work contributed to successful outcomes, such as winning bids or enhancing client engagement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a Business Development Associate / Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in Harare, Zimbabwe, the estimated annual salary range is approximately ZWL 2,400,000 - ZWL 4,800,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Harare and typical compensation for roles combining business development support and specialized creative skills within professional services firms. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, workshops, and potential certifications in design and business development.

• Retirement savings plan or pension scheme contributions.

• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to business development success.

• Access to EY's global network and resources, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and learning. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be required to meet client deadlines and project demands, especially during peak business development periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures for Zimbabwe can fluctuate significantly due to economic conditions. The provided range is an estimate based on available market data for similar roles and experience levels in Harare. Candidates are encouraged to research current local salary benchmarks for roles combining creative and business development functions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, Tax)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (EY operates globally with tens of thousands of employees worldwide)

Founded: 1989 (merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young)

Team Structure:

• The role is likely embedded within a Business Development or client-facing team, collaborating closely with service line leaders, client executives, and proposal managers.

• The graphic design function may be a specialized support role within a larger marketing or business development unit, serving multiple teams across the Harare office.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a hallmark of EY's "All in" strategy, meaning frequent interaction with assurance, consulting, tax, and strategy professionals to understand their client needs and develop tailored solutions. Methodology:

• EY emphasizes a data-driven approach to business development and client service, leveraging insights to shape strategies and proposals.

• Design thinking and creative problem-solving are integral to developing innovative solutions for clients and internal initiatives.

• A strong focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing ensures best practices are disseminated across teams and offices.

Company Website: https://careers.ey.com/ey/job/Harare-Business-Development-Associate-Graphic-Designer-Harare-2026/1453395633/

📝 Enhancement Note: EY's culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future. For this role, it means being part of a dynamic environment where creative input is valued for its contribution to business growth and client success. The "All in" strategy suggests a unified approach where different functions work together seamlessly.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career position (0-2 years experience), focusing on foundational business development support and specialized graphic design skills. It's an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional services environment.

Reporting Structure: The Business Development Associate/Graphic Designer will likely report to a Business Development Manager or a Marketing Lead within the Harare office, with functional guidance from senior designers or business development professionals.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue generation by supporting the creation of compelling proposals and marketing materials that influence client decisions. Effective design and strategic communication are crucial for winning new business and strengthening client relationships, thereby contributing to the firm's overall market leadership and financial performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in graphic design for professional services, focusing on proposal graphics, executive presentations, and marketing collateral.

• Business Acumen: Gain a strong understanding of EY's service lines, client industries, and the broader business development lifecycle.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into senior graphic designer roles, proposal management, business development management, or marketing specialist positions within EY.

• Skill Development: Access to EY's extensive learning and development resources to enhance design skills, client communication, and business strategy knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique pathway for individuals with creative talent to enter the professional services industry and contribute to its commercial success. The blend of design and business development provides a solid foundation for a career in GTM support, marketing, or client-facing roles within large professional services firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within EY's Harare location.

Office Location(s): Harare, Zimbabwe.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, encouraging interaction with diverse teams across various service lines.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially specialized equipment for high-quality print production.

• Opportunities to engage with experienced professionals, learn from industry leaders, and participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of business development and client-facing roles often requires flexibility to meet urgent deadlines for proposals or client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at a firm like EY provides a structured environment conducive to learning and collaboration. It allows for direct mentorship and immediate feedback, which is particularly beneficial for early-career professionals in design and business development roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio for relevant skills and experience.

• Technical Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study may be administered to evaluate graphic design proficiency, conceptual thinking, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Behavioral Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with EY's values.

• Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio and discuss their design process, strategic thinking, and how they would approach specific business development challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to meet the dual requirements of business development support and graphic design. Focus on clarity, impact, and strategic thinking.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your conceptual approach, design choices, and the outcome or impact. Highlight how your design solved a business problem or met client objectives.

• Highlight Business Relevance: Include examples of proposals, presentations, or marketing collateral that directly contributed to business development efforts.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding and application of brand guidelines, as this is crucial for a firm like EY.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a key visual for a mock proposal or presentation based on a given brief.

• Practice articulating your design decisions, emphasizing strategic rationale, target audience considerations, and alignment with EY's brand.

• Review EY's recent marketing materials and client success stories to understand their visual language and communication style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative talent and professional acumen. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate how their design skills can directly support EY's business development goals and contribute to client engagement strategies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are essential for layout, vector graphics, and image editing.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for document creation, and critically, PowerPoint for presentations and proposals. Advanced PowerPoint skills are often required for business development roles.

• Design Software: Any other relevant design or prototyping tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., in digital materials) may be beneficial. Familiarity with presentation analytics within PowerPoint could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Basic understanding of how design assets are stored and accessed within a CRM or digital asset management system may be helpful, though not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, is non-negotiable for this role. The ability to create professional, on-brand presentations and proposals is a core function of this position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all client interactions and design work.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional client service.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and creative approaches to solve business challenges and drive growth.

• Empathy: Understanding and responding to the needs of clients and colleagues with genuine care and consideration.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in all aspects of work, from design execution to client communication.

Collaboration Style:

• EY fosters a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support each other's success.

• Expect a dynamic interplay between creative professionals, business development teams, and client-serving professionals, all working towards common objectives.

• Open communication channels and a culture of mutual respect are key to effective teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: EY's values are deeply embedded in its culture and guide how employees interact and conduct business. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly collaboration and a commitment to excellence, which are crucial for success in a client-facing and team-oriented role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Brand Consistency: Meeting the creative demands of diverse projects while strictly adhering to EY's global brand guidelines.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple urgent requests and tight deadlines common in business development and proposal cycles.

• Interpreting Diverse Needs: Translating complex technical or strategic information from various service lines into clear, compelling visual narratives for different client audiences.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software, trends, and digital tools to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Enhancement: Access to advanced training in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, visual storytelling, and presentation design.

• Business Acumen Development: Opportunities to learn about EY's service offerings, client industries, and the principles of business development and sales enablement.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships within EY's extensive global network, opening doors for future career opportunities.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by experienced designers, business development professionals, or leaders within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for growth, allowing individuals to hone both their creative and business skills in a supportive, professional environment. The challenges are inherent to the dynamic nature of professional services and offer significant learning potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses adherence to brand and creative problem-solving)

• "How would you approach designing a key visual for a proposal targeting the technology sector for EY?" (Tests strategic thinking, industry awareness, and design application)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, and the impact of your design?" (Evaluates portfolio presentation, communication, and impact articulation) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about EY and our 'All in' strategy? How do you see this role contributing to it?" (Assesses research and understanding of EY's mission)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with others." (Gauges teamwork and cultural fit)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work while maintaining brand consistency?" (Tests continuous learning and adaptability) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.

• Narrative: For each piece, tell a concise story: the challenge, your solution (design process), and the result. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "This presentation design was credited by the client for its clarity and contributed to winning the bid").

• Visuals: Ensure your digital portfolio is high-resolution and loads quickly. For presentations, use clear, impactful visuals and minimal text.

• EY Context: Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with EY's values and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only a skilled designer but also a strategic thinker with strong communication abilities and a proactive mindset, capable of supporting the firm's business development efforts.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Business Development Associate / Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the EY Careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your graphic design skills, relevant software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office), and any business development or agency experience.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases a diverse range of relevant work (especially proposals and presentations), and clearly articulates your design process and strategic thinking. Be ready to present it.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with EY's services, its "All in" strategy, recent client successes, and its brand guidelines. Understand how this role fits within the broader context of a global professional services firm.

• Practice Articulation: Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, your approach to client communication, and how you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects, particularly in the context of business development support.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.