Graphic Designer (retainer contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (retainer contract)

Company: UNDP

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: Part-time Contract

Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-11T11:35:07

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute high-quality visual assets for UN Women Ukraine's communication and advocacy campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

• Collaborate with the Communications team to conceptualize and develop engaging content for social media, web, and print, aligning with UN Women's branding and visibility rules.

• Provide expert graphic design consultation and support to both UN Women Ukraine and its implementing partners, fostering a unified visual identity.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and image selection to final file preparation for print and digital distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a retainer contract, indicating a need for on-demand design services rather than a full-time, continuous engagement. The focus is on creating visual materials that support UN Women's mission in gender equality and women's empowerment, requiring a strong understanding of visual storytelling and advocacy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and lay out external visibility products, including branding assets, reports, leaflets, presentations, and social media content (key visuals, GIFs, graphics, infographics).

• Develop innovative and attention-grabbing materials tailored for web, social media, and print, strictly adhering to UN Women branding requirements and partner guidelines.

• Advise the UN Women Communications team and implementing partners on the latest graphic design trends and best practices, reviewing and providing expert recommendations on partner designs.

• Select and procure appropriate images from external photo stocks or UN Women's internal repository, ensuring visual quality and thematic relevance.

• Liaise with printing and production facilities, providing all necessary technical specifications and production-related information to ensure accurate and high-quality output.

• Conduct thorough quality control checks to guarantee the accuracy and excellence of all designed materials before finalization.

• Modify and revise design elements as required, in close consultation with the UN Women Ukraine Communications team or relevant program teams.

• Prepare final, print-ready files and optimized digital assets for online distribution, ensuring compatibility with various platforms and formats.

• Produce, edit, and subtitle video content as needed, contributing to multi-platform communication strategies.

• Undertake ad-hoc graphic design requests and related tasks as instructed by the supervisor, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a broad range of design tasks, from static graphics to animation and potentially video editing. The role requires not only creative execution but also strategic consultation and production management, particularly concerning print and digital distribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Communications, Visual Arts, or a closely related field.

• Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with a minimum of two (2) additional years of specialized professional experience in graphic design and animation. Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressive professional experience in animation, graphic design, and layout work.

• Demonstrated experience in developing communications materials specifically related to gender equality or women's empowerment initiatives is a significant asset. Required Skills:

• Solid creative skills in graphic design, visual, and digital storytelling, with a portfolio showcasing impactful and engaging work.

• Advanced command over a full suite of graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (CC), specifically Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and After Effects.

• Strong understanding of printing processes, production matters, and knowledge of various formats and specifications for print materials.

• Proficiency in selecting and managing stock imagery, with an ability to integrate them seamlessly into designs.

• Excellent ability to research, analyze complex information, and translate it into clear, compelling visual narratives.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design elements and adherence to specifications.

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Proactive problem-solving abilities and capacity to work independently while managing multiple tasks.

• Capacity to plan, prioritize tasks, and consistently deliver high-quality work on time. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or UN agencies.

• Familiarity with video editing software beyond basic animation tools.

• Knowledge of web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital assets.

• Experience in developing branding guidelines or maintaining brand consistency across various platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Adobe After Effects suggests a need for motion graphics capabilities, crucial for modern social media engagement. The emphasis on gender-related materials indicates a need for sensitivity and understanding of the subject matter.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including examples of reports, social media assets, infographics, and branding elements.

• Demonstrate clear examples of visual storytelling that effectively communicate complex information or advocacy messages.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Showcase your ability to adhere to and implement specific branding guidelines (e.g., UN Women's branding rules) in your designs. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you manage design projects from brief to final delivery, including workflow management and client feedback integration.

• Illustrate your approach to quality control and file preparation for various outputs (print, web, social media).

• Detail your methodology for researching and incorporating new design trends and technologies into your work.

• Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders, including how you interpret briefs and incorporate feedback to achieve optimal design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize visual communication for social impact and advocacy. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and how they translate UN Women's mission and program objectives into compelling visual content.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a retainer contract for a part-time role based in Kyiv, Ukraine, a typical hourly rate would range from $25 to $45 USD per hour, depending on experience and specific skill set. This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for freelance graphic designers with advanced software proficiency and experience in international development/advocacy communications in the region.

• For context, a full-time Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Ukraine might earn an average monthly salary between 20,000 and 40,000 UAH (approximately $500 - $1000 USD), but retainer contracts often command higher hourly rates due to flexibility and demand. Benefits:

• Flexible, home-based work arrangement, offering a good work-life balance.

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects focused on gender equality and women's empowerment with a reputable UN agency.

• Exposure to international development communications and diverse programmatic initiatives.

• Potential for ongoing engagement based on performance and organizational needs.

• Professional development through exposure to UN Women's branding guidelines and advocacy strategies. Working Hours:

• This is a part-time retainer contract, meaning work will be assigned on an as-needed basis. The total number of hours will vary depending on project requirements and demand from the UN Women Ukraine Country Office. It is not a full-time commitment, and the consultant is expected to manage their availability and capacity accordingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retainer model implies that compensation is tied to specific deliverables or hours worked, rather than a fixed monthly salary. Candidates should clarify payment terms and invoicing procedures during the offer stage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). This places UN Women within the global development, human rights, and humanitarian action sectors, with a specific focus on gender equality.

Company Size: UN Women is a global organization with a significant international presence, operating across numerous country offices and regional hubs. While the exact size of the Kyiv Country Office is not specified, the global entity employs thousands worldwide.

Founded: UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, merging the work of four previously distinct UN bodies focused on gender equality. This consolidation aimed to enhance the impact of UN efforts in this area.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Communications team within the UN Women Ukraine Country Office.

• The direct supervisor will be the Communications Analyst, with support from the broader Communications team.

• Collaboration will extend to program teams and implementing partners, requiring cross-functional interaction. Methodology:

• Designs will be guided by UN Women's Branding and Visibility Rules, ensuring a consistent and professional global image.

• A data-driven approach is implied, where designs visually represent key achievements, results, and awareness-raising efforts for gender equality.

• Emphasis on creative problem-solving and innovative visual communication to convey messages effectively.

Company Website: https://www.unwomen.org/ (Global) and specific country office pages.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for UN Women means aligning with UN values and a mission-driven approach. The culture emphasizes collaboration, respect for diversity, and a commitment to gender equality. The retainer nature suggests integration into existing team workflows rather than leading a dedicated design unit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized freelance/contractual position rather than a traditional career-track role within UN Women. It offers an opportunity to gain significant experience in visual communications for a major international non-profit organization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Communications Analyst within the UN Women Ukraine Country Office. This structure ensures clear direction and quality assurance for design deliverables.

Operations Impact: The visual assets created by the Graphic Designer directly contribute to the visibility and effectiveness of UN Women's programs and advocacy campaigns. High-quality design can enhance public understanding, engagement, and support for gender equality initiatives, thereby amplifying UN Women's mission and impact in Ukraine.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in visual storytelling for social impact, motion graphics, and design for advocacy campaigns.

• Portfolio Development: Build a robust portfolio with high-profile projects for a leading UN agency, enhancing future career prospects in design for development.

• Network Expansion: Collaborate with communications professionals and program staff within UN Women and partner organizations, expanding professional networks.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the communication strategies and operational needs of international development organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a permanent position, this retainer contract offers substantial professional development and portfolio-building opportunities, especially for designers interested in working with international organizations or on social impact projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a home-based consultancy. The Graphic Designer will work remotely from their own location.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, but the work is performed remotely, allowing flexibility for the consultant.

Workspace Context:

• The consultant is responsible for providing their own workspace, necessary devices, and software.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels (email, video conferencing, file-sharing platforms).

• The environment requires self-discipline, excellent time management, and proactive communication to stay connected with the UN Women team.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible and dictated by the retainer contract and specific project needs. While the consultant must be available to take on tasks as they arise, the exact hours worked per week or month will vary. This requires efficient time management to balance design tasks with other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The home-based nature requires strong self-management skills. Candidates should be comfortable working autonomously and leveraging digital tools for communication and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of CVs, cover letters, and portfolios against the stated qualifications and experience.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical design exercise may be given to assess technical skills, creativity, and ability to follow a brief under time constraints. This will likely focus on creating a social media asset or a small infographic related to UN Women's work.

• Interview: A virtual interview (likely via video conference) with the Communications Analyst and potentially another team member to discuss experience, portfolio, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. Questions will probe understanding of gender equality issues and how design can support advocacy.

• Reference Checks: Verification of previous employment and professional references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in graphic design, animation, layout, and visual storytelling, especially those relevant to social impact, advocacy, or non-profit work.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly outline your design process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution. This demonstrates problem-solving capabilities.

• Highlight UN Women Alignment: Include examples that show an understanding of branding principles, adherence to guidelines, and the ability to create impactful visuals for diverse audiences. If you have prior experience with UN or NGO branding, highlight it.

• Quality over Quantity: Present a polished selection of your best work rather than an exhaustive collection. Ensure all files are high-resolution and load quickly.

• Clear Labeling: Label each project clearly with the client, objective, and your role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge brief, paying attention to objectives, target audience, and technical specifications.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively to ensure you can complete the task within the given deadline.

• Brand Adherence: If the challenge involves UN Women branding, ensure strict adherence to their guidelines.

• Presentation: Be prepared to briefly explain your design choices and rationale if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical. It's the primary tool for demonstrating capability. Candidates should ensure their portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, LinkedIn) and clearly organized.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): Essential proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for graphic design and layout.

• Adobe After Effects: Crucial for creating animations, GIFs, and motion graphics required for social media and digital content.

• Other Design Software: Familiarity with other relevant design or animation tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics on social media or web platforms is advantageous. Familiarity with social media analytics or web analytics tools could be a plus for understanding design performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how visual assets are deployed through communication platforms or marketing automation tools used by UN Women could be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of Adobe CC, particularly After Effects for animation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these specific software packages.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and professional interactions.

• Professionalism: Delivering high-quality work consistently and maintaining a professional demeanor.

• Respect for Diversity: Creating visuals that are inclusive, sensitive, and representative of diverse populations.

• Gender Sensitivity: Designing materials that positively and empoweringly reflect UN Women's values and the principles of gender equality.

• Data-Driven Approach: Using design to effectively visualize and communicate data, achievements, and key messages.

• Efficiency: Producing timely and effective design solutions that meet project objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Inclusive Collaboration: Working effectively with a diverse team, integrating feedback from various stakeholders, including program staff, communications analysts, and potentially implementing partners.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and regular communication with the supervisor and team to ensure alignment and address any design challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing: Being open to sharing design insights and trends, and learning from the team's expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The consultant is expected to embody UN Women's core values and contribute positively to the team's collaborative environment, even as a remote contractor.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong communication with a remote team and diverse stakeholders requires proactive effort and strong digital communication skills.

• Brand Adherence: Consistently balancing creative expression with strict adherence to UN Women's branding guidelines and identity standards across diverse projects.

• Diverse Project Scope: Adapting design style and approach to a wide range of communication needs, from advocacy campaigns to detailed reports, while maintaining visual coherence.

• Tight Turnarounds: Managing workload and delivering high-quality assets under potentially tight deadlines, common in advocacy and communications roles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in motion graphics, animation for social media, and data visualization through practical application.

• Global Brand Experience: Gain invaluable experience working with the branding and communication standards of a major international organization like the UN.

• Advocacy Communication: Learn how design supports gender equality advocacy and contributes to tangible social impact.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhance skills in working with international teams and understanding diverse cultural contexts in design messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to apply design skills to critical social issues, providing both professional growth and a chance to make a meaningful contribution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media campaign visual from brief to final asset. How do you ensure it aligns with the campaign's objectives and brand guidelines?" (Focus on process, brand adherence, and strategic thinking).

• "How would you approach designing a complex report layout to make it engaging and accessible for a broad audience, while adhering to UN Women's branding standards?" (Tests layout skills, audience consideration, and brand compliance).

• "Imagine you receive conflicting feedback from two different stakeholders on a design. How would you navigate this situation to reach a satisfactory outcome?" (Assesses communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with UN Women, specifically on gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives?" (Tests motivation and alignment with the organization's mission).

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and sensitive to diverse cultural contexts and gender issues?" (Probes understanding of diversity, inclusion, and UN values).

• "Given this is a home-based retainer role, how do you plan to manage your time and communication to ensure seamless collaboration with the team?" (Assesses self-management, communication strategies, and understanding of remote work dynamics). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, frame it as a mini-case study. Start with the client/objective, explain your creative process and problem-solving, highlight key design decisions, and conclude with the outcome or impact.

• Visual Emphasis: Let your visuals speak for themselves. Be concise in your explanations, allowing the quality and impact of your work to be the primary focus.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used for specific projects, especially Adobe CC applications.

• Brand Awareness: If discussing past client work, highlight how you managed or adapted to specific branding guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of gender equality issues and how design can be a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness. Demonstrate not just technical skill, but also a thoughtful, mission-aligned approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features work relevant to advocacy, non-profit communications, or social impact projects. Highlight your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects for animation.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your years of experience in graphic design and animation, specific software skills, and any experience with gender-related communications or international organizations. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work aligns with UN Women's mission and values. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UN Women's current campaigns, mission, and recent work in Ukraine. Understand their branding guidelines and communication objectives to demonstrate genuine interest and suitability.

⚠️ 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.