EXPEDITED RECRUITMENT: CONSULTANT - GRAPHIC DESIGNER (DATA AND RESEARCH)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Consultant - Graphic Designer (Data and Research)

Company: IOM (International Organization for Migration)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Job Type: Contract (Full-time)

Category: Data & Analytics / Art & Design / Research

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This consultant role focuses on transforming complex data and research findings into visually compelling and easily digestible formats for the IOM Kenya Data and Research Department.

• Key responsibilities include the design and production of reports, infographics, factsheets, and maps that adhere to specific organizational branding and formatting guidelines.

• The position requires a strong understanding of data visualization principles and the ability to communicate research outcomes effectively through design.

• This role is crucial for enhancing the dissemination and impact of IOM's research initiatives on migration, human trafficking, and financial technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Due to the specific nature of "EXPEDITED RECRUITMENT" and the focus on "Data and Research," this role likely involves rapid turnaround times and a high degree of accuracy in translating quantitative and qualitative information into visual assets. The emphasis on "IOM House Style" and "DTM formatting" indicates a need for strict adherence to established organizational branding and data management standards within the migration sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually appealing and informative reports, infographics, factsheets, and other communication materials based on research data.

• Ensure all designed materials strictly adhere to the IOM House Style guidelines and Data for Migration (DTM) formatting stipulations.

• Develop clear and accurate maps and cartographic representations of research findings related to migration routes, human trafficking, and border regions.

• Collaborate with the Data and Research Unit to interpret research findings and translate them into effective visual narratives.

• Create dissemination and visibility materials for IOM Kenya's research communications, ensuring brand consistency and professional presentation.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within project deadlines.

• Maintain a high standard of graphic design excellence, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal.

• Support the Data and Research Unit in conceptualizing and executing innovative data visualization strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design skills and a functional understanding of research communication within a humanitarian context. The emphasis on "timely turnaround" suggests that efficiency and rapid execution are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Graphic Design, Information Design, Communications, Data Visualization, International Relations with a design focus) with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, particularly in producing reports, infographics, and data visualizations.

• Proven experience working within a humanitarian, development, or international organization context, or on projects with similar sensitivity and complexity.

• Experience in information management and design, especially within the context of humanitarian emergencies or migration studies, is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Data Visualization: Strong ability to translate complex data sets into clear, concise, and engaging visual representations (infographics, charts, graphs).

• Layout and Typography: Excellent skills in layout development, typography, and visual hierarchy to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher for document creation and data handling.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in design elements, data representation, and adherence to branding guidelines.

• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate design concepts and interpret feedback from researchers and project managers.

Preferred Skills:

• Cartography/GIS Software: Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) or cartographic principles for map creation.

• Data Analysis & Reporting Tools: Knowledge of tools like PowerBI, Tableau, or similar for data analysis and dashboard creation.

• Statistical Software: Basic understanding or familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) or data analysis concepts.

• Publisher: Experience with Microsoft Publisher for document layout.

• Understanding of Migration Issues: Familiarity with the complexities of irregular migration, human trafficking, and remittance flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements strongly emphasize technical design skills within the Adobe suite, coupled with the ability to interpret and visually represent data, particularly in the context of migration research. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is also critical for integration with standard organizational workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on report design, infographics, and data visualization.

• Projects should demonstrate the ability to work with complex information and translate it into clear, impactful visuals.

• Include examples of how branding guidelines (such as IOM House Style) were applied and maintained.

• Showcase projects that involved creating visual assets for research, data reporting, or humanitarian initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization in your design process, demonstrating efficiency and structured execution.

• Case studies illustrating how you have managed design projects from initiation to completion, including stakeholder feedback integration.

• Demonstrations of how you ensure accuracy and consistency in data representation and visual elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as direct evidence of design capabilities and adherence to specific organizational standards. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and how they ensure data accuracy within visual outputs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• As a consultant, benefits may vary but can typically include:

• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience.

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful research on critical migration issues.

• Exposure to a leading UN agency and its global network.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

Working Hours:

• The consultant is expected to work approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard IOM Kenya office hours, to ensure timely project delivery and collaboration. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, especially given the "expedited recruitment" nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on prevailing rates for consultants with similar skill sets in Nairobi's international organization sector. Actual compensation will be determined by IOM based on the candidate's profile and the contract terms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Humanitarian Aid / Migration Services / Data & Research

Company Size: IOM is a large international organization with over 17,000 staff members across more than 400 offices worldwide, indicating a structured and established institutional environment.

Founded: 1951, with a long history of addressing migration challenges globally.

Team Structure:

• The consultant will contribute to the Data and Research Department at IOM Kenya.

• This department likely comprises researchers, data analysts, and information management specialists.

• The consultant will work closely with unit members, reporting to a designated supervisor or project manager within the department.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: Emphasis on using data to inform research, policy, and operational decisions regarding migration.

• Evidence-Based Research: Commitment to rigorous research methodologies to understand migration dynamics.

• Human-Centric Design: Focus on the impact of migration on individuals and communities, reflected in communication materials.

• Organizational Standards: Strict adherence to IOM's established House Style, formatting, and ethical guidelines for all outputs.

Company Website: https://www.iom.int/ (Main IOM website) | https://kenya.iom.int/ (IOM Kenya)

📝 Enhancement Note: IOM's culture is characterized by its commitment to humanitarian principles, evidence-based approaches, and global reach. The Data and Research Unit will likely be highly analytical and focused on producing reliable information to guide policy and interventions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a specialized consultant role, not a permanent position, focusing on a specific skill set (graphic design for data/research). It sits at a mid-to-senior level in terms of required expertise for the task.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to a supervisor or project manager within the IOM Kenya Data and Research Department. This structure ensures clear direction, feedback, and alignment with project objectives.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of IOM Kenya's research dissemination. High-quality visuals increase the understanding and reach of critical findings on migration and trafficking, influencing stakeholders, policy, and public awareness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in data visualization for humanitarian and migration contexts.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with high-profile projects for a leading international organization.

• Network Expansion: Collaborate with international experts in migration research and data management.

• Potential for Future Consultancies: Successful performance could lead to further consultancy opportunities with IOM or other UN agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional career path role, this consultancy offers significant opportunities for skill development and portfolio building within a specialized and impactful field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying work within IOM Kenya's office premises in Nairobi.

Office Location(s): Nairobi, Kenya. This location offers a vibrant hub for international organizations and NGOs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Likely to work within a team of researchers and data specialists, fostering cross-functional collaboration.

• Access to Resources: Access to IOM's office facilities, technology, and potentially internal data resources.

• Professional Setting: A structured work environment focused on achieving organizational objectives within the humanitarian sector.

• Tools & Technology: Will utilize IOM-provided or standard professional design and office software.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will likely be Monday to Friday, during typical office hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), with potential for occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially given the expedited nature of recruitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for direct collaboration and integration within the existing IOM Kenya team, facilitating real-time feedback and project alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design test or a detailed discussion of portfolio pieces to assess technical skills and understanding of data visualization.

• Interview: Likely includes behavioral questions, scenario-based questions related to design challenges, and discussions about IOM's mission and the specific research projects. Questions may focus on how you approach translating complex data into visuals and your experience with organizational branding.

• Reference Checks: Verification of previous employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that directly relate to data visualization, report design, and infographics.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the impact or outcome.

• Showcase Data Interpretation: Clearly demonstrate how you interpreted complex data and represented it visually.

• Adhere to Standards: If possible, include an example that shows how you adapted to or created within specific brand guidelines.

• Ensure Clarity: Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and visually clean.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for a humanitarian organization.

• Understand the key research areas mentioned (irregular migration, human trafficking, remittances, labor pathways) and think about how you would visually represent data from these topics.

• Familiarize yourself with IOM's mission, values, and recent reports to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on the "why" behind your creative choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should invest significant time in curating and presenting it effectively, demonstrating not just artistic skill but also the ability to serve the specific needs of a data-driven research unit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster-based graphics.
  • InDesign: Critical for professional layout and design of reports, brochures, and factsheets.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For text-heavy documents and report compilation.
  • Excel: For data organization, basic charting, and data preparation for visualization.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations, including visual summaries of research.
  • Publisher: Potentially used for simpler document layouts or factsheets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• PowerBI / Tableau (Preferred): Familiarity with these tools is a plus for understanding data structure and for potential collaboration on dashboard design or data interpretation.

• Data Visualization Libraries (e.g., D3.js, Chart.js): While not directly designing in code, understanding the capabilities of these libraries can inform design choices.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this design role, but understanding how data flows into research databases or reporting systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is equally important for seamless integration with standard organizational workflows. Familiarity with data visualization platforms is a strong advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Humanitarian Focus: Commitment to improving the lives of migrants and contributing to orderly migration processes.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all work, especially concerning sensitive data and vulnerable populations.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence and research to inform actions and policies.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams across different units and backgrounds.

• Efficiency and Impact: Striving for timely and effective delivery of projects that have a tangible impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with researchers, data analysts, and project managers to understand their needs and translate them visually.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet research objectives and organizational standards.

• Proactive Communication: Engaging proactively to clarify requirements, provide updates, and manage expectations on design timelines.

• Respect for Diversity: Contributing to an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The consultant is expected to embody IOM's core values and integrate seamlessly into a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Turnaround Times: The "expedited recruitment" and project scope suggest a need to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines.

• Translating Complex Data: Effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate research findings without losing accuracy can be challenging.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Balancing creative design with the rigid requirements of IOM House Style and DTM formatting.

• Working with Sensitive Topics: Designing materials related to migration, human trafficking, and remittances requires sensitivity and ethical consideration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Application: Gaining experience in designing for critical humanitarian and migration research topics.

• Understanding of Migration Data: Developing a deeper appreciation for the nuances and complexities of migration data and its communication.

• Exposure to UN Standards: Learning and applying the rigorous standards of a major UN-related organization.

• Networking: Building connections within the international migration and humanitarian sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to hone skills in a high-stakes, meaningful context, pushing the boundaries of design for social impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex research report and turning it into an infographic or factsheet. What are the key steps you follow?" (Focus on data analysis, concept development, layout, and refinement).

• "How do you ensure accuracy when representing data visually, especially with sensitive topics like human trafficking?" (Emphasize attention to detail, data validation, and ethical representation).

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to adhere to strict branding guidelines while still producing engaging visuals?" (Be ready to discuss a specific example and how you balanced constraints with creativity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with IOM and specifically on migration-related research?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and the subject matter).

• "How do you approach collaboration with subject matter experts (like researchers) who may not have a design background?" (Highlight communication skills, empathy, and iterative feedback processes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Relevance: Select projects that best showcase data visualization, report design, and infographic creation, especially those related to research or humanitarian work.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your creative process, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Data Interpretation: Clearly articulate how you understood and translated data into visual elements.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your software proficiency and design techniques.

• Demonstrate Flexibility: Show that you can adapt your style to different project needs and brand requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to be highly articulate about their design process, their understanding of data, and their ability to integrate with an organization focused on a critical global issue.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link (URL: https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/19452).

• Curate and Polish Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your graphic design skills in data visualization, report design, and infographics, ensuring they are easily accessible and professionally presented.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, data representation, report design, and any relevant experience in humanitarian or international organizations. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Design Discussion: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, explaining your design choices, process, and how you handled data and client feedback.

• Research IOM: Familiarize yourself with IOM's mission, values, and recent work, particularly in Kenya and on migration issues, to demonstrate your interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.