Communications and graphic designer Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Communications and Graphic Designer Consultant

Company: World Food Programme (WFP)

Location: Rome HQ, Italy

Job Type: Consultant (Full-time)

Category: Communications & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing communication strategies and visual content for the World Food Programme's Security Division (SEC).

• Responsibilities include reviewing and editing diverse communication materials, ensuring brand consistency, and improving information management practices for security-related content.

• The consultant will design impactful graphic digital content to support presentations, reports, and field office communications.

• A key aspect involves analyzing and improving the intranet presence for security information, fostering knowledge sharing and accessibility of guidelines.

• The position requires a blend of strong communication, graphic design, and information management skills within a global humanitarian context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified as a Consultant position, often implying a project-based engagement with specific deliverables rather than a permanent staff position. The focus on "Security Division" indicates a specialized area within WFP, requiring an understanding of risk management and humanitarian operations communication needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Content Review and Editing: Review, edit, and refine a variety of communication products including reports, manuals, guidelines, presentations, and intranet content to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with WFP's corporate standards and branding.

• Information Management Enhancement: Analyze the current intranet presence for the Security Division, identifying opportunities to improve knowledge sharing, information management, and accessibility of security guidelines, best practices, and lessons learned.

• Graphic Design and Content Creation: Design and produce high-quality graphic digital content for presentations, reports, internal communications, and materials for field offices, ensuring visual appeal and effective message delivery.

• Multimedia Content Development: Utilize video editing tools to create or enhance multimedia content that supports communication objectives, making complex security information more digestible and engaging.

• Brand Consistency Management: Ensure strict adherence to WFP's corporate branding guidelines across all communication materials and correspondence produced by the Security Division.

• User Feedback and Analysis: Monitor and analyze the usage and effectiveness of communication products through feedback collection and analytics, identifying knowledge gaps and recommending improvements for continuous enhancement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with various units within the Security Division and potentially other WFP departments to facilitate systematic capture, sharing, and dissemination of security knowledge and best practices.

• Process Improvement Support: Contribute to the enhancement of information management practices within SEC, supporting the systematic capture and sharing of critical security knowledge and operational insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to content creation and refinement, with a significant focus on improving internal information architecture and accessibility for a critical division (Security). The need for "agile and proactive support" suggests a dynamic work environment where responsiveness is key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Communications, Digital Marketing, Arts, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of international experience in graphic design and communications.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expertise in using the Adobe Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for professional graphic content production.

• Communication Strategy: Demonstrated understanding of communication approaches, tools, and methodologies, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.

• Digital Content Creation: Experience in designing digital assets for various platforms, including presentations and intranet content.

• Information Management: Familiarity with principles of information management and knowledge sharing, preferably within a large organizational context.

• Office 365 Suite: Proficient use of Office 365 tools, including Teams, SharePoint Online, and Planner, for collaboration and content management.

• Video Editing: Experience with video editing tools to produce or enhance multimedia communication materials.

• Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures, fostering a collaborative spirit.

• Time Management & Organization: Strong time management skills with the ability to plan, anticipate needs, manage obstacles, and work effectively under tight deadlines.

• Attention to Detail: A meticulous, detail-oriented approach with a user-centric mindset when developing solutions and content.

• Autonomy & Initiative: Ability to work with a degree of autonomy while also functioning effectively within a team environment; self-motivated.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the UN system or other international humanitarian organizations.

• Knowledge of a second UN language (in addition to English) to enhance communication reach.

• Experience in analyzing user engagement and feedback for communication products.

• Familiarity with web content management systems beyond SharePoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consultant" designation, coupled with the specific experience requirements, suggests the need for a candidate who can quickly onboard and deliver tangible outputs related to communication materials and internal information systems. The emphasis on international experience and UN languages points towards the global nature of WFP's operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Graphic Design Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating a strong range of graphic design skills, including examples of digital content, infographics, presentations, and branding application.

• Communication Material Examples: Evidence of reviewing, editing, and producing various communication products (reports, manuals, guidelines) that showcase clarity, accuracy, and professional formatting.

• Intranet/Information Architecture Examples: If possible, examples or descriptions of contributions to improving internal information management systems, knowledge bases, or intranet content structures.

• User-Centric Design: Examples that illustrate a user-centric approach to content creation, showing how design choices were made to enhance understanding and accessibility for target audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Content Review Workflow: Ability to outline or demonstrate a process for reviewing and editing communications materials, ensuring quality control and adherence to standards.

• Information Architecture Design: Understanding of how to structure and organize information for efficient knowledge sharing and retrieval, particularly for online platforms.

• Brand Implementation Process: Experience in applying corporate branding guidelines consistently across diverse communication materials.

• Feedback Integration: A demonstrated process for collecting, analyzing, and acting upon user feedback to improve communication products and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a consultant role, a strong portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of the candidate's capabilities in graphic design, content refinement, and information management principles. The ability to articulate the process behind their work is as important as the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As a Consultant position with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, Italy, compensation is typically determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the established WFP consultant fee scales. Based on industry benchmarks for similar consultant roles requiring 3-5 years of specialized experience in graphic design and communications within international organizations in Rome, a daily rate or monthly fee would be established.

For a mid-level consultant with 3-5 years of experience in Rome, a competitive daily rate could range from €250 to €400 per day, or a monthly equivalent of approximately €5,000 to €8,000, depending on WFP's specific grading for this consultancy.

Explanation of Estimate:

This estimate is derived from research into consultant rates for international organizations in major European capitals like Rome, considering the specialized skills in graphic design, communications, and knowledge management required for this role. WFP's consultant fee structure is often tiered based on education and experience levels. This range reflects a mid-level professional capable of independent work and delivering high-quality outputs.

Benefits:

• Consultant Contract Terms: While not a permanent staff position, consultant contracts often include provisions for:
  • Travel and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA): If travel is required (though this role is based in Rome HQ), WFP typically provides DSA and covers travel expenses according to UN rates.
  • Health Coverage: Consultants may be eligible for limited health coverage or require them to secure their own insurance, depending on the contract duration and WFP policy.
  • Annual Leave: Consultant contracts may include a pro-rata entitlement to annual leave days.
  • Professional Development: Access to WFP's learning and development resources, including training relevant to the role and potential exposure to WFP's operational challenges.
  • Workplace Environment: Access to WFP's Rome HQ facilities, including IT infrastructure, libraries, and collaborative workspaces.

Working Hours:

• The position is full-time, typically based on a standard 40-hour work week.

• While the role is on-site, WFP may offer some flexibility in working hours, subject to operational needs and supervisor approval, which is common in international organizations. Consultants are expected to meet deadlines and be available for critical tasks as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Consultant compensation is usually provided as a lump sum or daily rate, and benefits are often more limited compared to permanent staff. It's crucial for candidates to clarify the exact terms of payment, insurance, leave, and any other allowances with WFP during the offer stage. The salary estimate is based on typical international consultant rates in Rome and WFP's known compensation structures for consultants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Humanitarian Aid / Food Assistance / United Nations Agency. WFP operates at the forefront of global humanitarian efforts, addressing food insecurity, hunger, and related crises worldwide.

Company Size: WFP is one of the largest humanitarian organizations globally, employing tens of thousands of staff across numerous country offices, regional bureaus, and headquarters. Its scale impacts operational complexity and the need for robust internal systems and communication.

Founded: 1961. WFP has a long-standing history of providing life-saving assistance and building resilience in vulnerable populations, shaping its institutional culture around humanitarian principles and operational excellence.

Team Structure:

• Security Division (SEC): This division is responsible for managing security risks to WFP personnel, assets, and operations, particularly in complex and high-risk environments. The team likely comprises security advisors, analysts, and support staff.

• Reporting Structure: The Communications Consultant will report to the Director of the Security Division, indicating a direct line of influence and responsibility for communication outputs critical to SEC's mission.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various SEC units (e.g., policy, operations, analysis) and potentially with other divisions within WFP (e.g., Communications Department, IT) to ensure cohesive messaging and integrated information management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: WFP emphasizes evidence-based decision-making. Communication strategies and content should be informed by security data, operational needs, and user feedback.

• Agile Support: The Security Division requires adaptable and responsive communication support to address evolving security landscapes and operational demands.

• Knowledge Management Focus: A key methodology is the systematic capture, organization, and dissemination of knowledge to enhance organizational learning, preparedness, and operational effectiveness in security matters.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding WFP's mission and its operational context is crucial. The Security Division's work is inherently sensitive and critical, requiring communication that is clear, accurate, and actionable while maintaining discretion and adhering to strict protocols. The "Nobel Peace Prize Laureate" status highlights WFP's significant global impact and commitment to its mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a specialist consultant level, focusing on specific functional expertise (Communications & Graphic Design) applied within an operational context (Security Division). It is not a traditional management track but offers significant opportunities for skill development and strategic impact within its domain.

Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the Director of the Security Division provides high visibility and direct exposure to senior leadership within SEC. This can be a significant advantage for understanding organizational priorities and contributing at a strategic level.

Operations Impact: The consultant's work directly impacts the Security Division's ability to communicate critical information effectively. This includes enhancing risk awareness among personnel, ensuring compliance with security protocols, and supporting operational continuity in challenging environments. Improved information management and visual communication can lead to better decision-making, reduced risks, and more efficient resource allocation for security operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to deepen expertise in communications and graphic design specifically within the humanitarian sector and for specialized units like security, which has unique communication challenges.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to the broader WFP operational framework and collaborating with diverse teams can broaden understanding of global humanitarian work.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The role provides an excellent opportunity to build a robust portfolio of work that demonstrates impact in a high-stakes environment, which can be valuable for future roles in international organizations or specialized communication consultancies.

• Networking: Building professional relationships with WFP leadership and colleagues across various divisions can open doors for future opportunities within the UN system or related organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a consultant role, the direct reporting line to a Division Director offers a unique growth trajectory in terms of exposure and learning about high-level operational challenges and strategic communication needs. The key growth area is in applying specialized skills within a complex, mission-driven organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This typically means working within a professional office environment designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): Rome HQ, Italy. WFP's headquarters in Rome is a hub for global operations, providing access to resources, facilities, and a diverse international workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, multicultural office setting where interaction with colleagues from various backgrounds and departments is common. The emphasis on collaboration is key for sharing information and developing cohesive communication strategies.

• Tools and Technology: Access to WFP's IT infrastructure, including standard office software (Office 365), potentially specialized design software, and internal communication platforms like SharePoint and Teams.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Security Division team, including the Director, to discuss ongoing projects, receive feedback, and align on communication objectives.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, WFP often accommodates flexible working hours for consultants, provided operational needs and deadlines are met. This allows for better integration of personal commitments with professional responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at WFP HQ in Rome offers an immersive experience within a major international organization. The environment is likely fast-paced, professional, and highly collaborative, with a strong focus on the organization's humanitarian mission.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on submitted CVs and Cover Letters against the qualifications and experience outlined.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will likely be asked to submit a more comprehensive portfolio of their work and may undergo a technical assessment or be asked to present case studies from their portfolio.

This stage evaluates graphic design skills, communication strategy acumen, and understanding of information management principles.

• Interview(s): Candidates will likely participate in one or more interviews, which may include:

  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing collaboration, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability.
  • Technical/Situational Questions: Discussing approaches to specific communication challenges, graphic design decisions, or information architecture.
  • Case Study Presentation: Candidates might be asked to present a specific project from their portfolio, detailing their process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Selection: Based on the overall assessment, including interviews and portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role: graphic design, content editing, and information management/communication strategy.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the objectives, your design process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the quantifiable or qualitative impact of your work. Visuals are key, but context is critical.

• Highlight Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with different types of content (reports, infographics, presentations) and for diverse audiences.

• Brand Adherence: If possible, include examples where you successfully applied specific brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of corporate identity.

• Accessibility Focus: Emphasize any work that specifically aimed to improve clarity, accessibility, or user experience for complex information.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Case Studies: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach improving the Security Division's intranet presence or designing a communication campaign for a specific security alert.

• Understand WFP's Context: Research WFP's mission, values, and the UN Security Management System. Understand the critical nature of security communications in humanitarian aid.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team, the specific challenges of security communications within WFP, and expectations for the consultant's deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare it meticulously, ensuring it directly addresses the requirements for graphic design, content editing, and information management within a professional, high-stakes organizational context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Suite: Essential for graphic content production (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Proficiency is a must.

• Video Editing Tools: Experience with software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar for creating and editing multimedia content.

• Microsoft Office 365:

  • SharePoint Online: For intranet content management, document storage, and team collaboration. Understanding its structure and content organization capabilities is vital.
  • Teams: For internal communication, meetings, and project collaboration.
  • Planner: For task management and project tracking.
  • Word, PowerPoint, Excel: Standard productivity tools for content creation and data handling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing website/intranet usage statistics (e.g., SharePoint analytics, Google Analytics if applicable to WFP's web presence).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how data flows and how communication can support operational processes is beneficial.

Other Potential Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS) beyond SharePoint.

• Graphic design collaboration tools.

• Project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Adobe Suite and Office 365 is explicitly mentioned and critical. The ability to leverage these tools for content creation, information management, and collaboration within WFP's existing technology ecosystem will be key to success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Humanity: A core WFP value emphasizing compassion and a commitment to alleviating human suffering, which should underpin all communication efforts.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals. This role requires strong collaboration with the Security Division and potentially other departments.

• Commitment: Dedication to delivering high-quality work and contributing to WFP's mission, even under challenging circumstances.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all communications and data handling, especially within the sensitive security domain.

• Inclusion: Ensuring communication materials are accessible and respectful to all audiences, reflecting WFP's commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The consultant must be adept at working across different units, understanding their specific needs, and integrating communication efforts seamlessly.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open feedback exchange, constructive criticism, and proactive sharing of information to improve processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that values and promotes the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and expertise to foster collective growth and organizational learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding and embodiment of WFP's core values, particularly as they relate to communicating sensitive information within a humanitarian context. The ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sensitive Subject Matter: Communicating security-related information requires tact, accuracy, and adherence to strict protocols to avoid misinterpretation or unintended consequences.

• Diverse Audiences: Adapting communication styles and content for various internal audiences (from field staff in high-risk areas to HQ leadership) and potentially external stakeholders.

• Information Overload: The need to distill complex security data and procedures into clear, concise, and actionable visual and textual content.

• Rapidly Evolving Needs: The dynamic nature of security threats and operational requirements means communication strategies must be agile and adaptable.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Humanitarian Sector Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the operational challenges and communication needs within the global humanitarian aid sector.

• Security Risk Communication: Developing specialized skills in communicating sensitive and critical information within a high-stakes environment.

• UN System Practices: Understanding the communication protocols, branding guidelines, and operational frameworks of a major UN agency.

• Professional Networking: Building valuable connections within WFP and the broader UN system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but also represent opportunities for professional growth. Demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach redesigning the Security Division's intranet section to improve accessibility and knowledge sharing?" (Focus on your process, user research, content structuring, and design considerations for usability.)

• "Describe a time you had to communicate complex or sensitive information visually. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your ability to distill complex topics into clear, impactful visuals and explain your decision-making process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in applying your design and communication skills to the humanitarian sector, specifically within WFP's Security Division?" (Connect your passion to WFP's mission and the critical role of security communications.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your creative work, especially from stakeholders with different priorities?" (Demonstrate your collaborative spirit and ability to integrate feedback effectively.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project presented, tell a compelling story about the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Clearly explain your thought process, design decisions, and how you addressed specific requirements or constraints.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved engagement, clearer understanding, successful adoption).

• Tailor to WFP: Frame your examples to highlight skills most relevant to WFP's needs – clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and impact in a humanitarian context.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques used in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a strong cultural fit with WFP's humanitarian mission and collaborative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Communications and Graphic Designer Consultant position:

• Submit Application via Workday: Ensure your application is submitted exclusively through the World Food Programme's Workday recruitment system. CVs or applications sent via email or other channels will not be considered.

• Optimize Your Profile/CV: Carefully fill out your Workday profile with accurate and complete information. Tailor your CV to highlight the specific experience in graphic design, communications, information management, and relevant software proficiency as outlined in the job description. Use keywords from the posting.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a concise cover letter that clearly articulates your motivation for this role, your relevant international experience, and how your skills align with WFP's mission and the Security Division's needs.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio showcasing your best work, focusing on graphic design, content editing, and any relevant information management or communication strategy examples. Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your CV or Workday profile) and clearly demonstrates your capabilities.

• Research WFP and the Security Division: Familiarize yourself with WFP's mission, values, and recent work. Understand the role and importance of the Security Division within the organization and the UN Security Management System.

⚠️ 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.