CON 2026 039 | Layout and Graphic Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CON 2026 039 | Layout and Graphic Design Consultant

Company: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Location: Manila, Philippines

Job Type: Contractual

Category: Operations Support / Content Production

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide expert layout and graphic design services to enhance critical government guidelines for publication.

• Ensure the visual communication strategy aligns with IOM and Government branding standards for maximum impact.

• Facilitate the operationalization of the Philippine Enhanced National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and Victim Identification System (VIS) Guidelines through polished documentation.

• Contribute to the protection and support of trafficked persons by creating accessible and professional publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibility is graphic design, the operational context of enhancing legal and procedural guidelines for government agencies places this role within a broader operations support function. The output directly impacts the effectiveness of government operations related to anti-trafficking efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute professional graphic design and layout for the Philippine Guidelines on the Victim Identification System (VIS) and Enhanced National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

• Produce high-quality, polished versions of the Guidelines suitable for both digital and print publication.

• Ensure all design elements adhere to IOM's branding guidelines and any specific government branding requirements for the project.

• Collaborate with the IOM Protection team and Migration Management Unit (MMU) to understand project scope, target audience, and key messaging.

• Manage the design and production process from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring timely completion.

• Prepare design files in formats optimized for various platforms, including web (PDFs, interactive documents) and print (print-ready PDFs).

• Conduct quality assurance checks on all design outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibility is clearly defined as layout and graphic design. However, the context of operationalizing government guidelines implies a need for careful attention to detail, understanding of legal/procedural document requirements, and a focus on clarity and accessibility for duty bearers and stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field. Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in graphic design and layout services.

• At least three (3) years of specific experience in layout support for research outputs, reports, or similar publications. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Layout and Publication Design: Demonstrated expertise in creating professional layouts for both digital and print media, with a strong portfolio showcasing this capability.

• Visual Communication: Ability to translate complex information and procedural guidelines into clear, engaging, and accessible visual content.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to ensure accuracy in typography, color, imagery, and overall design consistency.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines within a project framework.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies.

• Familiarity with branding guidelines and their application across various media.

• Experience with interactive PDF creation and digital publication best practices.

• Basic understanding of migration-related issues or human rights frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of the documents (legal/procedural guidelines), a strong emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and adherence to official branding is implied. The "5-10 years" AI-derived experience level suggests a need for a seasoned professional capable of independent work and potentially mentoring junior designers if the team expands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects related to publication design (reports, guidelines, manuals, brochures).

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe InDesign for complex layout and typography.

• Examples of visual communication strategies that simplify technical or procedural information.

• Inclusion of projects that required adherence to specific branding guidelines (e.g., corporate, governmental).

• Evidence of producing final design files suitable for both digital distribution (e.g., interactive PDFs) and professional print. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from initial client brief and concept development to final file preparation and delivery.

• Ability to articulate how they ensure brand consistency and accuracy throughout the design process.

• Familiarity with version control and file management practices for collaborative design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a consultant role focused on publishing official guidelines, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of the candidate's ability to handle sensitive, official documents and meet stringent quality and branding requirements. The emphasis is on demonstrating a structured design process that ensures accuracy and professional output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The IOM typically offers competitive consultancy rates based on experience, skills, and the complexity of the assignment. For a consultant with 5-10 years of experience in specialized graphic design for international organizations in Manila, Philippines, a daily rate of approximately PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000 (approximately USD 85 to USD 170) is a reasonable estimate. This would translate to a monthly gross income of PHP 100,000 to PHP 200,000 (approximately USD 1,700 to USD 3,400) for a standard 20-day work month.

Benefits:

• Occupational accident and illness insurance, as indicated by IOM's standard benefits for consultants.

• Opportunity to contribute to a critical UN agency's mission in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.

• Professional engagement with government agencies and international development partners.

• Potential for visibility and future project opportunities within IOM and the UN system. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with IOM's operational schedule in Manila. This role is on-site, requiring presence at the IOM office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for consultants are often presented as daily or monthly rates rather than annual salaries. The estimate is based on general market rates for skilled consultants in Manila within the international development sector. Benefits are limited for consultants but include essential insurance and the significant professional experience gained.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Humanitarian Aid & Migration Management

Company Size: IOM is a large international organization with over 15,000 staff globally, operating in over 170 countries. This specific role is within the Philippines Country Office.

Founded: IOM was established in 1951.

Team Structure:

• The consultant will contribute to the Protection team within the Migration Management Unit (MMU) in Manila.

• This unit likely comprises specialists in protection, anti-trafficking, victim support, and migration policies.

• Collaboration will involve direct interaction with Protection Officers, Project Managers, and potentially other subject matter experts. Methodology:

• The role requires a strong focus on producing high-quality, publication-ready materials that support the operationalization of official government guidelines.

• This involves a meticulous process of design, review, and refinement to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with branding standards.

• Data-driven insights are less about personal analytics and more about ensuring the design effectively communicates data and procedures from the NRM and VIS Guidelines.

Company Website: https://www.iom.int/

📝 Enhancement Note: IOM's culture emphasizes a commitment to humanitarian principles, respect, inclusion, and diversity. For this role, understanding the sensitivity of the subject matter (trafficking in persons) and the importance of official government documentation is crucial. The "related organization of the United Nations" status highlights its significant global impact and adherence to UN standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a specialized consultancy role, not a permanent operations position. It sits at an experienced professional level, requiring demonstrated expertise in graphic design and publication layout. It is project-based, focusing on delivering a specific output rather than ongoing operational management.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to a manager within the IOM Protection team or Migration Management Unit in Manila. This manager will provide direction, feedback, and approvals for the design work.

Operations Impact: The consultant's work has a direct impact on the operational effectiveness of the Philippine government's anti-trafficking efforts. By producing clear, accessible, and professional versions of the NRM and VIS Guidelines, the design work facilitates wider dissemination, better understanding among duty bearers, and ultimately, improved support for victims of trafficking. This is a critical component in the operationalization of a national strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in designing official government documents and publications for international organizations.

• Portfolio Expansion: Add significant, high-impact projects related to human rights and public safety to one's professional portfolio.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within IOM, the UN system, and Philippine government agencies involved in anti-trafficking efforts.

• Future Consultancies: Successful completion could lead to further consultancy opportunities with IOM or other international organizations working on similar projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a valuable stepping stone for graphic designers looking to specialize in the humanitarian and public sector, particularly in areas related to human rights and governance. The impact is operational in the sense that it enables the functioning of critical government programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, meaning the consultant will work from the IOM Country Office in Manila. IOM offices typically provide a professional, collaborative, and international work environment.

Office Location(s): Manila, Philippines. Specific office address details would be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The consultant will likely have access to a dedicated workspace within the IOM office, potentially with shared resources.

• Access to necessary office equipment and potentially design software licenses may be provided, though candidates are generally expected to have their own primary design tools.

• The environment fosters collaboration with national and international staff working on migration and protection issues. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is expected to be 40 hours per week, likely Monday to Friday, during regular business hours in Manila (Asia/Manila timezone). Flexibility might be required closer to deadlines, but core hours will be standard.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a UN agency setting implies a structured, professional environment. The emphasis will be on collaborative problem-solving and adherence to organizational protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio against the stated requirements.

• Technical Assessment/Interview: A discussion focusing on design skills, software proficiency, and relevant experience. Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio and discuss specific projects.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): A small design task or a discussion of how they would approach a specific design challenge related to the guidelines may be given to assess problem-solving and design thinking.

• Final Interview: Discussion on fit with the team, understanding of the project context, and confirmation of terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Highlight projects most relevant to publication design, government reports, or similar official documents.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates advanced use of InDesign for layout and typography, and Photoshop/Illustrator for asset creation.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a previous design project led to increased engagement or clearer understanding, mention it. For this role, emphasizing clarity and adherence to guidelines is key.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio in a clean, easy-to-navigate format (PDF or dedicated website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize with IOM: Understand IOM's mission, values, and branding. Research their existing publications.

• Understand NRM/VIS Guidelines: If possible, find publicly available information on similar guidelines to grasp the nature of the content.

• Prepare Design Rationale: Be ready to articulate why you made specific design choices for past projects, focusing on effectiveness, clarity, and audience engagement.

• Technical Readiness: Ensure your design software is up-to-date and you are comfortable discussing its features and your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Interviewers will be looking for proven ability to produce high-quality, professional publications that meet specific requirements. The "operations" aspect here is how the design directly supports the operationalization of government policy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, typography, and page design of publications.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and graphic creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Microsoft Word: For receiving and understanding source text, and potentially for collaboration on text-heavy documents.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: For potential presentation needs or collaborating on slide decks if required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, the consultant must understand how to design for accessibility and engagement, which indirectly relates to how effectively the information is consumed. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design consultancy role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, is non-negotiable for this role. The ability to work with Microsoft Office documents as source material is also a practical requirement for content-heavy publications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Mission: A strong dedication to IOM's mission of promoting humane migration and protecting people on the move, particularly in the context of combating human trafficking.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholding high standards of work quality, ethical conduct, and respect for all individuals, in line with UN principles.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues, understanding diverse perspectives, and contributing positively to team goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Delivering high-quality design work within agreed-upon timelines to support project objectives and operational needs.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with the Protection team to ensure the design accurately reflects the content and intent of the guidelines.

• Open communication, willingness to receive and incorporate feedback, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key.

• Cross-functional collaboration may extend to other units within IOM or government counterparts involved in the NRM/VIS initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at IOM emphasizes humanitarian values and professional collaboration. For a consultant, demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with these values, alongside strong technical skills, is crucial for successful integration and project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Legal/Procedural Text: Effectively visualizing complex legal and procedural information from the NRM and VIS Guidelines into clear, accessible graphics and layouts.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Balancing creative design with potentially rigid branding guidelines from both IOM and the Philippine government.

• Managing Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and project goals.

• Tight Deadlines: Delivering polished, publication-ready documents within potentially demanding project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Niche: Gaining significant experience in designing for the humanitarian and public sector, a niche but rewarding area.

• Understanding Policy Implementation: Observing firsthand how design supports the operationalization of critical government policies and international standards.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Enhancing skills in working with diverse teams and understanding international project contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the specific nature of the content (guidelines) and the organizational context (international agency, government partnership). Growth opportunities focus on specialization and gaining experience in a unique design domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a publication from initial brief to final delivery. How do you ensure accuracy and brand consistency?"

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to simplify complex information for a broad audience. What was your approach?"

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your design work, especially when working with multiple stakeholders?"

• "What is your experience with designing for both digital and print publications? What are the key considerations for each?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with IOM and specifically on this project related to anti-trafficking?"

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to IOM's mission?"

• "Describe a time you worked in a team environment. What was your role and how did you contribute to the team's success?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps project by project, or by skill demonstration (e.g., layout, typography, illustration).

• Narrative: For each project, tell a brief story: the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution/design choices, and the outcome.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques you used, especially for InDesign.

• Relevance: Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to handle official documents, complex information, and branding requirements.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time; keep your presentations focused and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing technical skill, process understanding, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and demonstrate how your skills directly support the project's operational goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations support position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Portfolio Submission: Ensure your CV clearly links to your online portfolio or is accompanied by a PDF version that highlights your relevant publication design experience. This is a critical component of the application.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience in graphic design, layout, publication production, and any work with international organizations or government bodies. Use keywords such as "Adobe InDesign," "layout design," "publication," "report design," and "visual communication."

• Prepare for Portfolio Discussion: Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio in detail during an interview, focusing on your process and rationale for design choices.

• Research IOM: Familiarize yourself with IOM's mission, values, and recent work, particularly in the Philippines and on migration management and protection issues.

⚠️ 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.