UX Product Designer (Redesign of IRIS services) - REMIT Programme

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Product Designer (Redesign of IRIS services) - REMIT Programme Company: Adam Smith International Location: Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Digital Design & Service Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-06T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Level (Approx. 3-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Possible

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for the critical redesign of IRIS services within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as part of the REMIT Programme.
• Translate complex service blueprints and user journeys into intuitive, high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and reusable design patterns that enhance taxpayer engagement and service delivery efficiency.
• Champion a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach, rigorously testing UI/UX solutions with end-users to rapidly iterate and refine designs for optimal usability, accessibility, and alignment with FBR's strategic objectives.
• Ensure all design outputs adhere to 18F Digital Services Standards and government-design best practices, with a strong focus on embedding web accessibility (WCAG) compliance throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring a solid foundation in UX/UI principles and practical experience in translating strategic concepts into functional digital products. The focus on government services and adherence to specific standards (18F Digital Services Standards) indicates a need for designers familiar with public sector digital transformation or the ability to quickly adapt to such environments. The "CONTRACTOR" employment type suggests a project-based engagement with a defined scope.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with service designers, business analysts, and stakeholders to gather comprehensive data and insights on the current state of FBR services and user pain points.
• Develop and meticulously document user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that effectively operationalize service blueprints and user journey maps.
• Conduct and analyze user testing sessions, synthesizing feedback to drive iterative design improvements and validate design hypotheses against user needs and business objectives.
• Partner with front-end developers to ensure seamless implementation of UI designs, providing clear documentation for design patterns, components, and accessibility considerations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a consistent design system and style guide for FBR's digital services, promoting efficiency and brand cohesion across all touchpoints.
• Ensure all digital products are developed with a strong emphasis on accessibility, adhering to WCAG guidelines and documenting any deviations or specific accessibility considerations for developers.
• Prepare detailed documentation outlining process changes, design decisions, and user feedback, contributing to the overall knowledge transfer and capacity building within FBR.
• Contribute to improving FBR's brand perception and building trust with taxpayers through the delivery of user-friendly and effective digital services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design execution and rigorous, data-driven validation. The need to "operationalize blueprints into UI" highlights the importance of bridging strategic service design with tangible digital interfaces. Regular collaboration with service designers and adherence to specific standards are key themes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
• Alternatively, equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong command of UX/UI design principles and methodologies may be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience specifically in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of designing and delivering successful digital products or services.
• Demonstrated experience in translating strategic requirements, service blueprints, and user research findings into tangible wireframes, prototypes, and user interfaces.
• Hands-on experience in conducting user research, usability testing, and employing iterative design processes to refine digital solutions based on feedback.
• Proven experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including service designers, business analysts, developers, and project managers.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Principles: Deep understanding of user-centered design (UCD), information architecture, interaction design, and usability heuristics.
• UI Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in creating high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and visually appealing user interfaces using industry-standard tools.
• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of design and prototyping software such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), and InVision.
• User Research & Testing: Experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing user research and usability testing to inform design decisions.
• Web Accessibility: Strong knowledge of web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) and experience embedding accessibility into design workflows and documentation.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, present findings, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Iterative Design: Proven ability to work in an agile, iterative environment, responding to feedback and adapting designs quickly.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for government services or public sector digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with the 18F Digital Services Standards or similar government digital design guidelines.
• Experience in developing or contributing to design systems, component libraries, and style guides.
• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with developers.
• Experience with data analysis tools or techniques to interpret user behavior and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies beyond standard UX practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that clearly demonstrate their ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces, their iterative design process, and their understanding of accessibility. Familiarity with government digital standards is a significant plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-4 distinct projects that highlight your UX/UI design process from conception to completion.
• Projects should demonstrate your ability to translate complex requirements, service blueprints, or user research into intuitive digital interfaces and seamless user journeys.
• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs, clearly explaining your design decisions and rationale.
• Showcase specific examples of user testing, feedback integration, and iterative design improvements made to a product or service.
• Demonstrate experience in embedding accessibility standards into design deliverables and documenting these considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, user research findings, and accessibility considerations for developer handoff.
• Detail your approach to collaborating with service designers to ensure UI designs accurately reflect and operationalize service blueprints.
• Illustrate your methods for standardizing templates, components, and design patterns to improve efficiency and maintain consistency across digital services.
• Show evidence of preparing documentation for process changes and improvements, contributing to organizational capacity building.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary assessment tool for this role. It needs to clearly articulate the candidate's design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver user-centered solutions, particularly within a structured, standards-driven environment. The ability to document and communicate design decisions effectively is also highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "CONTRACTOR" employment type and the location in Islamabad, Pakistan, a competitive daily or monthly rate would be expected. Based on industry standards for experienced UX/UI designers in international development projects in Pakistan, the estimated range could be PKR 250,000 - PKR 500,000 per month, depending on the specific experience and negotiation.
• This range is an estimate and would be subject to the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the final agreed-upon contract terms.

Benefits:

• As a contractor, benefits typically include a competitive daily/monthly rate.
• Opportunity to work on a high-impact development program (REMIT) contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction in Pakistan.
• Exposure to international development best practices and collaboration with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.
• Professional development opportunities through project work and exposure to government digital service design.

Working Hours:

• The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard professional working hours.
• Flexibility may be offered regarding specific start and end times, subject to team coordination and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market research for UX/UI designers in Pakistan, with adjustments for the specific context of an international development program. Benefits are typically less comprehensive for contractors compared to full-time employees, with the primary compensation being the rate of pay and project experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Development and Technical Assistance. Adam Smith International (ASI) operates in sectors focused on economic growth, governance, and public sector reform in developing countries. Company Size: While exact numbers for the REMIT program team are not specified, ASI as an organization is a global entity with multiple projects and staff. This role is likely within a dedicated program team structure. Founded: Adam Smith International was founded in 1992, bringing a wealth of experience in implementing complex development programs.

Team Structure:

• The UX Product Designer will be part of the REMIT Programme's Service Design Initiative (SDI) team.
• This team likely includes Service Designers, UX Researchers, potentially Business Analysts, and will report to a REMIT Tax Lead and a REMIT Service Design Lead.
• Close collaboration is expected with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) counterparts, including IT departments, business units responsible for tax services, and other implementing partners.

Methodology:

• The core methodology for this role is Human-Centered Design (HCD), emphasizing user research, iterative prototyping, and user testing to create effective digital services.
• Adherence to the 18F Digital Services Standards will guide the design and development process, ensuring a focus on usability, accessibility, performance, and security.
• Agile project management principles are likely employed to facilitate rapid iteration and adaptation.

Company Website: https://www.adamsmithinternational.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely professional, project-driven, and focused on achieving development outcomes. Working within an international development context means exposure to diverse stakeholders and potentially complex bureaucratic environments, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level specialist position focused on the practical application of UX/UI design principles to government service improvement. It sits within the broader operational framework of the REMIT program, aiming to enhance public sector efficiency and taxpayer experience. Reporting Structure: The UX Product Designer reports to both the REMIT Tax Lead and the REMIT Service Design Lead, indicating a dual reporting relationship that requires strong communication and alignment with both strategic and design leadership. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the operational efficiency and effectiveness of FBR's digital services. By improving taxpayer experience and compliance through intuitive design, the UX Product Designer contributes to increased revenue collection, macroeconomic stability, and ultimately, Pakistan's economic objectives supported by the REMIT program.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in government digital service design, accessibility standards, and Human-Centered Design within a public sector context.
• Project Leadership: Potential to lead UX/UI efforts on specific FBR services or modules within the REMIT program.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to broader service design principles, program management, and stakeholder engagement within international development.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with impactful case studies on public sector digital transformation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contractor role, the experience gained in designing for a large public institution like FBR, under a structured program like REMIT, offers significant professional development and portfolio-building opportunities relevant to careers in digital transformation and public service design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. Given the "CONTRACTOR" status and the nature of international development work, a hybrid or remote work arrangement is often possible, though specific on-site presence requirements may vary based on project needs and FCDO guidelines. Office Location(s): The primary location is Islamabad, Pakistan. Adam Smith International may have a local office presence, or work may be conducted remotely with scheduled meetings at government offices (FBR) or project hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve close collaboration with the REMIT program team and FBR officials, requiring effective remote or hybrid communication tools and strategies.
• Access to necessary design software and potentially project management tools will be provided or expected to be managed by the contractor.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with end-users (taxpayers) through research and testing sessions will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While a core schedule may be established for team collaboration, flexibility may be offered, allowing for effective management of design tasks and user testing sessions which may sometimes fall outside traditional hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should clarify the exact work arrangement (fully remote, hybrid, or on-site expectations) with the hiring team during the application process, as "Remote OK" can have varied interpretations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with role requirements. A strong, relevant portfolio is crucial at this stage.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and experience with user testing and accessibility. This may involve a presentation of selected work.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and understanding of government digital standards and HCD principles. Questions may focus on how candidates handle challenges, work with diverse teams, and manage feedback.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior program leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic alignment, and confirm contractual details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to translate complex requirements (like service blueprints) into user-friendly digital interfaces and showcase your iterative design process. Prioritize projects with demonstrable impact or clear problem-solving outcomes.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the results or learnings. Use visuals effectively to guide the reviewer.
• Highlight Key Skills: Specifically call out your experience with user testing, accessibility standards, collaboration with service designers, and proficiency in design tools.
• Address Standards: If possible, include projects that touch upon government digital standards or similar frameworks to demonstrate familiarity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, including how you approach user research, synthesize feedback, and iterate on designs.
• Anticipate questions about how you would approach redesigning specific FBR services based on hypothetical scenarios, focusing on your methodology and key considerations (e.g., taxpayer needs, accessibility, FBR goals).
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining the "why" behind your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to speak extensively and insightfully about their past work, demonstrating not just design skills but also a methodical and user-centric approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop). Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or similar tools for understanding user behavior on digital platforms is beneficial.
• Experience with data visualization tools for reporting user feedback and design performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus of this UX role, an understanding of how CRM systems and workflow automation impact user experience in service delivery can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for UX/UI roles. Candidates should ensure their toolset aligns with modern design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of taxpayers and other users in all design decisions.
• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality design outcomes that are effective, efficient, and visually appealing.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and with external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering designs that contribute to the program's objectives of improving revenue mobilization and economic growth.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing iterative design and learning, adapting to feedback and evolving requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with strategy, research, and development teams.
• Open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to share knowledge and best practices are key.
• Cross-functional collaboration with FBR officials will require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely encourages a proactive and problem-solving mindset. As part of an international development program, a commitment to making a tangible positive impact on public services and the economy is a core cultural element.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Dynamics: Adapting to the unique processes, stakeholder environments, and potential bureaucratic considerations within a government institution like FBR.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Policy Constraints: Ensuring designs are both user-friendly and feasible within existing technical infrastructure, budget, and policy frameworks.
• Driving Adoption of New Design Standards: Effectively communicating and embedding new design principles and accessibility requirements within a large organization.
• Managing Iterative Design in a Project Setting: Balancing the need for rapid iteration with project timelines and deliverables.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Public Sector Digital Transformation: Gaining hands-on experience in transforming public services through digital design.
• Accessibility Expertise: Deepening knowledge and practical application of web accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Service Design Integration: Understanding how UX/UI design fits within a broader service design framework.
• International Development Context: Learning about the principles and practices of international development programs and their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles involving digital transformation in public sectors. Successfully navigating these challenges offers significant opportunities for professional growth and specialized skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• On Service Redesign: "How would you approach redesigning the FBR's tax filing portal to improve user experience and increase taxpayer compliance, considering the goals of the REMIT program?" (Focus on your process: research, user personas, key features, iterative testing).
• On Collaboration: "Describe a time you worked with a service designer or business analyst to translate complex requirements into a user interface. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight communication, compromise, and alignment strategies).
• On Problem-Solving: "Imagine a key user journey for taxpayers is proving difficult to navigate. How would you identify the root cause of the issue and what steps would you take to design a solution?" (Emphasize user research, data analysis, and iterative design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on public sector digital services, specifically for the FBR in Pakistan?" (Show your understanding of the program's impact and your motivation).
• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities?" (Refer to your knowledge of WCAG and practical application).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and best practices, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation: Start with an overview of the project's goals and your role. Then, walk through your process step-by-step, explaining your decisions and rationale.
• Showcase the "why": Clearly articulate the problems you were solving and how your design decisions addressed them. Use data or user feedback to support your choices.
• Highlight Iterations: Show how user feedback or testing results influenced your design changes. This is crucial for demonstrating an iterative process.
• Focus on Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced user errors, positive feedback).
• Be ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and alternative solutions considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the design process, user empathy, problem-solving skills, and the ability to articulate design rationale clearly, especially in the context of government service improvement and accessibility.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your comprehensive UX/UI design portfolio through the provided application link by the deadline of Thursday, August 14th, at 5 PM PKT.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces, your iterative design process, and your commitment to accessibility. Tailor your project selection to highlight relevant skills for public sector service design.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 3+ years of UX/UI design experience, specific tool proficiencies, and any experience with government projects or accessibility standards. Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving methodology, and how you incorporate user feedback and accessibility. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Human-Centered Design and government digital standards.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Adam Smith International, the REMIT Programme's objectives, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Understand the context of improving public services and taxpayer experience in Pakistan.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Adam Smith International during the application and interview process.