Illustration and Graphic Design Consultant, Adolescent Girls Storybook, Gender and ADAP section, Abuja, (Nigeria) 2 months, Remote Req 593622

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Illustration and Graphic Design Consultant, Adolescent Girls Storybook, Gender and ADAP section

Company: UNICEF

Location: Nigeria

Job Type: Contract (Consultant)

Category: Creative & Design / Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Creative Production: Spearhead concept development, illustration production, book design, and layout for an adolescent girls' storybook.

• Visual Storytelling: Develop culturally relevant visual narratives that reflect African contexts, gender equality principles, and adolescent empowerment themes.

• Multimedia Asset Development: Create engaging multimedia assets for both print and digital platforms, ensuring consistency in visual style and messaging.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with the UNICEF Nigeria Gender and Development Manager and lead writer to translate project objectives into compelling visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Consultant," operates with a strong degree of autonomy and requires proactive management of creative processes and deliverables. The focus on gender equality and adolescent girls within an African context necessitates a deep understanding of cultural nuances and sensitivities, making it a specialized communications operations role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of visual themes and styles for the adolescent girls' storybook, aligning with UNICEF's mission and project objectives.

• Produce high-quality digital illustrations, ensuring they are engaging, age-appropriate, and culturally resonant for the target audience in Nigeria.

• Execute comprehensive book design and layout, including typography selection, page arrangement, and ensuring print-readiness.

• Develop supplementary multimedia assets (e.g., social media graphics, short animations, digital story elements) to enhance the storybook's reach and impact.

• Collaborate closely with the lead writer and Gender and Development Manager to interpret text and ensure visual elements accurately represent the narrative and key messages.

• Conduct thorough reviews and revisions based on feedback from stakeholders, ensuring the final product meets all quality standards and project requirements.

• Ensure all visual outputs adhere to UNICEF's branding guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Research and incorporate authentic African aesthetics and cultural elements into illustrations and design, promoting positive representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize not just artistic execution but also strategic thinking in visual communication to achieve specific development goals. The consultant must demonstrate an ability to translate complex social and gender-related themes into accessible and impactful visual stories.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, Visual Communication, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in illustration, graphic design, or visual storytelling, with a strong emphasis on children's or adolescent materials.

• Demonstrated success in designing and producing published illustrated content, including books, digital media, or campaign materials.

• Proven ability to create illustrations that authentically reflect African contexts, cultures, and aesthetics.

• Experience working with international development agencies, NGOs, or UN organizations is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Procreate.

• Expertise in graphic design and layout software, including Adobe InDesign, for creating print-ready materials.

• Exceptional visual storytelling capabilities, with a strong understanding of narrative structure and audience engagement.

• Demonstrated ability to design culturally grounded visual narratives that resonate with African audiences.

• Strong understanding of gender equality principles and experience in creating inclusive visual content.

• Skill in character design and developing visual elements tailored for youth audiences.

• Ability to produce high-quality print-ready and digital multimedia outputs.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for working effectively with a multidisciplinary team. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on projects related to gender, adolescent empowerment, or social norms transformation.

• Familiarity with producing multilingual designs and adapting visuals for different linguistic contexts.

• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design standards for digital and print materials.

• Experience in creating short animations or motion graphics for digital storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "African contexts, cultures, and aesthetics" and "gender equality and inclusion principles" suggests that candidates with direct experience or a deep understanding of these areas will be strongly preferred. Proficiency in Procreate is a key technical skill noted.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Submission of a comprehensive portfolio featuring a minimum of 5 relevant work samples.

• Samples should clearly demonstrate expertise in illustration, character design, and book layout for children or adolescent audiences.

• Showcase examples that highlight the ability to create culturally relevant visuals reflecting African contexts and aesthetics.

• Include examples of work that addresses themes of gender equality, empowerment, or social development.

• Portfolio pieces should showcase proficiency in both print-ready and digital multimedia outputs. Process Documentation:

• A brief concept note (1-2 pages) is required, outlining:

  • Proposed visual approach and stylistic direction for the storybook.
  • Clear understanding of the target adolescent audience and their visual preferences.
  • Detailed approach to incorporating diversity, inclusion, and gender sensitivity into the visual narrative.

• Evidence of a systematic approach to illustration and design, from initial concept to final delivery, should be evident in portfolio pieces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary mechanism to assess a candidate's artistic capability, cultural sensitivity, and strategic understanding of visual communication for development-oriented content. The concept note demonstrates foresight and strategic thinking beyond mere artistic execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a consultancy role, compensation will be based on a fixed daily rate or a lump sum for the entire contract duration, negotiated based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the proposed technical proposal. While not explicitly stated, typical consultancy rates for experienced graphic designers/illustrators with international organizations in Nigeria can range from $200 - $500 USD per day, depending on seniority and specific expertise. For a 2-month (approx. 40 working days) contract, this could equate to a total fee of $8,000 - $20,000 USD. Benefits:

• Remote Work Flexibility: Opportunity to work remotely from anywhere, with flexibility in daily working hours to accommodate different time zones and personal schedules.

• Professional Development: Exposure to UNICEF's global initiatives and the opportunity to contribute to impactful social development projects.

• Contractual Engagement: A defined contract period of 2 months, offering a focused project experience.

• International Exposure: Work with a renowned global organization on critical issues concerning children's rights and development.

• Creative Freedom: Scope for creative expression within defined project parameters and organizational guidelines.

Working Hours:

• The role is remote, with a contract duration of 2 months. While UNICEF operates on standard business hours, consultants are typically expected to manage their workload to meet project deadlines, often involving approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility is provided to manage personal schedules and time zones, with clear expectations for responsiveness and timely delivery of milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is determined through negotiation. The provided range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar international consultancy roles in the region and with organizations like UNICEF. A detailed financial proposal is required from candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Development / Humanitarian Aid / Public Sector. UNICEF operates at the forefront of global child welfare, working in over 190 countries and territories.

Company Size: UNICEF is a very large global organization, part of the United Nations system, employing tens of thousands of staff and consultants worldwide.

Founded: UNICEF was founded in 1946. Its mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential remains central to its operations.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The consultant will report to the UNICEF Nigeria Gender and Development Manager.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with the lead writer and potentially other members of the UNICEF Nigeria Country Office team involved in gender, adolescent, and child protection programs.

• Project-Based: This role is a consultancy, implying a project-focused team dynamic where specific deliverables and timelines are paramount.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: UNICEF relies on evidence and data to inform its programs and communications. This role will translate programmatic insights into compelling visual narratives.

• Human-Centered Design: The focus on adolescent girls and their stories emphasizes a human-centered approach to content creation.

• Global Standards: Adherence to UNICEF's global branding, ethical guidelines, and child safeguarding policies is mandatory.

Company Website: https://www.unicef.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: UNICEF's culture is mission-driven, emphasizing integrity, commitment, and impact. Consultants are expected to align with these values and contribute to the organization's overarching goals for child well-being and rights. The Nigerian Country Office context will shape day-to-day interactions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a specialized individual contributor role at a senior consultant level, requiring significant demonstrated expertise in illustration and graphic design. It's project-specific rather than a traditional long-term career path within UNICEF's permanent staff structure, though successful completion can lead to future consultancy opportunities.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Gender and Development Manager, indicating a focused oversight on the project's creative output and alignment with programmatic goals.

Operations Impact: The work directly contributes to UNICEF's communication strategy for gender equality and adolescent empowerment in Nigeria. High-quality visuals can significantly enhance engagement, understanding, and advocacy for these critical issues.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in visual storytelling for development communications, particularly within African cultural contexts.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Add a high-profile UNICEF project to the portfolio, demonstrating experience with a major international organization and complex social themes.

• Networking: Build connections with professionals in the international development sector and within UNICEF Nigeria.

• Future Consultancies: Successful completion can lead to recommendations for future design and illustration consultancy opportunities with UNICEF or other UN agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a short-term consultancy, it offers significant opportunities for professional growth and impact. The experience gained in navigating the requirements of a large international organization like UNICEF, coupled with the specialized subject matter, is highly valuable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning no physical office space is provided or required. The "work environment" is the consultant's own chosen workspace.

Office Location(s): Remote; the consultant can be based anywhere, though proximity to the Nigeria time zone (Africa/Lagos) may facilitate collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Self-Managed: Requires a dedicated, professional home office setup with reliable internet connectivity.

• Digital Collaboration: All collaboration and communication will be conducted digitally via email, video conferencing, and potentially project management tools.

• Independent Work: The role demands a high degree of self-discipline, time management, and the ability to work autonomously.

Work Schedule:

• The contract duration is 2 months. While the consultant can manage their own schedule, they must be available for regular communication and feedback sessions with the UNICEF Nigeria team, which will likely align with business hours in Nigeria (West Africa Time, WAT). Deadlines for deliverables are firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-management skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and leveraging digital tools for all aspects of the job, from communication to file sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a TMS profile, CV, cover letter, financial proposal, and a detailed technical proposal including a portfolio and concept note.

• Portfolio & Technical Review: Shortlisted candidates will have their portfolios and technical proposals rigorously reviewed by the hiring team to assess artistic skill, cultural relevance, and strategic approach.

• Interview(s): Potential interviews (likely virtual) will be conducted to discuss the candidate's experience, approach, and suitability for the role. This may involve discussing specific portfolio pieces and the proposed concept note.

• Reference Checks: Standard UNICEF reference checks will be conducted for final candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5+ samples that directly showcase skills relevant to children's book illustration, character design, and culturally sensitive visual storytelling. Prioritize work that demonstrates an understanding of African contexts or similar diverse audiences.

• Highlight Process: If possible, include brief explanations or case studies for select pieces that detail the creative process, problem-solving, and how the final visuals addressed specific communication objectives.

• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate competence across different illustration styles and design applications (print vs. digital).

• Quality Over Quantity: Ensure all submitted pieces are of high resolution and professionally presented.

Challenge Preparation:

• Concept Note Clarity: Prepare to articulate your proposed visual approach, demonstrating a deep understanding of the target audience and a sensitive, inclusive methodology for representing gender and cultural themes.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Be ready to discuss how you ensure authenticity and avoid stereotypes when depicting African cultures and adolescent experiences.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific illustration and design software (Adobe Suite, Procreate) and how you leverage them for efficient and high-quality output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical proposal, especially the concept note and portfolio, is paramount. Candidates should invest significant effort in tailoring these documents to clearly demonstrate their suitability for this specific project and UNICEF's mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Illustration Software: Adobe Illustrator, Procreate.

• Graphic Design & Layout Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign.

• File Sharing & Collaboration: Candidates are expected to have reliable access to cloud storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for sharing large files and collaborating.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency with video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and email is essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics are not the consultant's primary responsibility, understanding how visual content is used in digital campaigns (e.g., social media engagement) might be beneficial for informing design choices. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core responsibilities, but familiarity with content management systems or digital publishing workflows could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate is non-negotiable. Candidates should be comfortable working with digital file formats suitable for both print and web, and managing their digital assets efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability (CRITAS): These core UNICEF values are expected to guide the consultant's work, particularly in how they approach sensitive topics like gender and adolescent development.

• Child Rights Focus: All work must align with UNICEF's mandate to protect and promote the rights of children.

• Equity and Inclusion: A commitment to representing diverse perspectives and ensuring inclusivity in all visual content is crucial.

• Data-Driven and Evidence-Based: While creative, the output should be grounded in an understanding of the project's objectives and the evidence supporting UNICEF's work.

• Efficiency and Quality: Delivering high-quality work within agreed timelines is a key expectation for consultants.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Expected to communicate proactively with the reporting manager and collaborators, providing regular updates and seeking clarification when needed.

• Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to receive and incorporate feedback constructively from diverse stakeholders.

• Respect for Expertise: Valuing the contributions of other team members, including writers and program specialists.

• Adaptability: Being open to adapting visual approaches based on project needs and stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with UNICEF's mission-driven culture and its core values. The ability to collaborate effectively within a remote, international, and multidisciplinary team is essential for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Cultural Nuance: Accurately and respectfully depicting diverse African cultures and adolescent experiences without resorting to stereotypes.

• Balancing Artistic Vision with Mandate: Integrating creative artistic expression with the strict programmatic and branding requirements of a large international organization like UNICEF.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration across different locations and time zones.

• Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality creative work within a fixed 2-month contract period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cross-Cultural Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into gender issues and adolescent challenges in the Nigerian context.

• Development Communications: Enhancing skills in creating impactful visual content for social development initiatives.

• UNICEF Processes: Learning how a major UN agency manages creative projects and communications.

• Portfolio Building: Adding a significant, mission-critical project to the professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to address potential challenges proactively. The growth opportunities highlight the value of this consultancy beyond just the creative output, focusing on professional development and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing culturally sensitive illustrations for a specific audience, using an example from your portfolio."

• "How would you approach balancing your artistic vision with UNICEF's branding guidelines and the specific messaging requirements for adolescent girls' empowerment?"

• "Walk us through your concept note and proposed visual approach for this storybook. What are the key considerations for the target audience in Nigeria?"

• "How do you ensure your illustrations accurately and respectfully represent diverse cultural contexts, particularly within Africa?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with UNICEF, and how do your personal values align with our CRITAS values?"

• "Describe your experience working with international organizations or NGOs. What were the key challenges and successes?"

• "How do you approach feedback and revisions from stakeholders, especially when they might differ from your initial creative ideas?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Present your portfolio not just as a collection of images, but as a narrative of your skills and experiences. For each piece, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the impact of your work.

• Focus on Relevance: Clearly link portfolio pieces to the requirements of this specific UNICEF consultancy, highlighting examples of children's book illustration, character design, and culturally appropriate visuals.

• Highlight the Concept Note: Be ready to present and defend your concept note, demonstrating a clear understanding of the project's goals and your strategic approach.

• Technical Readiness: Ensure your digital presentation is seamless, with high-quality images and easy navigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only artistic talent but also strategic thinking, cultural awareness, and alignment with UNICEF's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss your process and rationale thoroughly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this illustration and graphic design consultancy:

• Submit your application through the UNICEF Careers portal (TMS).

• Optimize your CV and Cover Letter: Tailor them to highlight your experience in children's illustration, graphic design, visual storytelling, and any experience with development agencies or relevant thematic areas (gender, adolescents).

• Develop a Strong Portfolio: Curate a minimum of 5 high-quality work samples that directly address the requirements outlined, emphasizing African contexts and adolescent themes.

• Craft a Compelling Technical Proposal: Clearly outline your proposed visual approach, understanding of the audience, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Prepare a Detailed Financial Proposal: Ensure it aligns with the required format and reflects your professional rates for this 2-month consultancy.

• Research UNICEF's Work: Familiarize yourself with UNICEF's mission, values, and current initiatives, particularly in Nigeria and concerning gender and adolescent empowerment.

⚠️ 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.