ROSTER for Creative Services -Individual Consultant or Agency: Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ROSTER for Creative Services - Individual Consultant or Agency: Graphic Designer

Company: UNESCO

Location: New Delhi, India

Job Type: Consultant Contract

Category: Creative Services / Graphic Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-22

Experience Level: Middle (Level 2)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves providing essential graphic design services to support UNESCO's communication and public engagement initiatives across South Asia.

• Responsibilities include conceptualizing and developing a wide range of visual assets for both print and digital platforms, with a strong emphasis on social media content.

• The position operates on an 'on-call' basis, contributing to projects as needed, and requires strict adherence to UNESCO's brand guidelines and visual identity standards.

• Successful candidates will be added to a roster valid for two years, serving as a pool of pre-qualified design professionals for future assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a standard graphic designer role, the "ROSTER" aspect indicates this is a pre-qualification process for ongoing, project-based work rather than a single, fixed-term employment. This means candidates should be prepared for variable assignment frequency and volume. The focus on "Individual Consultant or Agency" suggests flexibility in how applicants can participate, though contracts are issued directly to individuals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop creative and visually engaging graphics for a diverse array of print and digital media, including but not limited to publications, reports, brochures, infographics, social media assets (static tiles, animated posts, story formats), presentations, websites, e-newsletters, motion graphics, and animations.

• Specialize in designing social media content optimized for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, ensuring adherence to platform-specific dimensions and visual best practices.

• Present design concepts and tailored visual solutions to the UNESCO Communications team, effectively communicating key messages and program priorities.

• Strictly adhere to and implement UNESCO's Graphic Standards and Logo Toolkit, ensuring all designs reflect gender equality, cultural diversity, and respect for various communities.

• Utilize interchangeable and transferable fonts (e.g., from Adobe Creative Cloud or Google Fonts) and avoid politically sensitive map representations unless explicitly approved by UNESCO.

• Secure necessary intellectual property rights for any third-party visual assets used and ensure full compliance with copyright requirements.

• Participate in assignment briefings, maintain close coordination with the UNESCO Responsible Officer throughout the design process, and incorporate feedback effectively.

• Deliver final print-ready and digital files, including editable source files and packaged artwork, within agreed-upon timelines.

• Provide service rates as flat rates per page for publications/documents or per work for communication materials/social media assets, quoted in local currency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on social media design is critical. Applicants should highlight experience creating assets specifically for these platforms, demonstrating an understanding of current trends and platform-specific requirements for engagement. The prohibition of AI-generated visual content unless expressly authorized means candidates must rely on their own creative skills and tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University degree and/or professional training in graphic design, visual communication, digital design, illustration, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrable professional graphic design experience.

• Proven experience in designing social media content and digital communication materials.

• Experience with publications and institutional communications is considered an asset. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Demonstrated experience designing for social media platforms, including understanding of platform-specific dimensions, formats, and visual best practices.

• Strong command of fundamental design principles: typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently, managing multiple projects and tight deadlines with effective revision cycles.

• Ability to work with and adhere to brand guidelines and institutional style standards.

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with digital-first design tools such as Canva or Adobe Express.

• Experience with motion graphics or animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects).

• Familiarity with UNESCO or UN visual identity standards.

• Ability to manage artwork files and coordinate with printers when necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Middle" level designation, coupled with a 3-year minimum experience requirement, suggests a need for both foundational design skills and practical application in a professional setting. While advanced technical skills are expected, the emphasis on creativity, communication, and adherence to brand guidelines is equally important for success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design skills and experience is mandatory.

• Must include at least three (3) recent work samples for each category applied for, with brief descriptions of the project scope and the applicant's specific role.

• For the Graphic Designer (CPE-GD) category, links to online portfolios are highly encouraged.

• Ensure portfolio samples demonstrate proficiency in both print and digital design, with a strong representation of social media assets. Process Documentation:

• Applicants must clearly state their proposed service rates, either as flat rates per page (for publications/documents) or per work (for communication materials/social media assets).

• Rates should be quoted in the applicant's local currency.

• For agencies, rates should indicate whether they are per individual team member or per assignment.

• Applicants must complete the relevant "Standard Service Rate Form" (Annex I) for the category they are applying for.

• All application documents (Employment History Form, cover letter, CV/organizational profile, portfolio, and rate form) must be combined and uploaded as a single file.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component of the application, evaluated with a significant weight (25 points). Applicants should curate their portfolio to directly align with UNESCO's needs, emphasizing social media graphics, infographics, and publication design. The clear distinction between "per page" and "per work" rates requires careful consideration when submitting the financial proposal.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• This is a consultant contract role. Candidates are required to propose their service rates.

• Rates should be quoted in local currency as flat rates per page (for publications and documents) or per work (for communication materials and social media assets).

• The evaluation of financial proposals will consider competitiveness relative to other candidates and UNESCO's benchmarks, contributing 30% to the overall score. Benefits:

• As a consultant, standard employment benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions) are typically not provided.

• The role offers the opportunity for remote work, providing flexibility in location.

• Inclusion in a roster provides potential for ongoing project-based assignments over a two-year period.

• The opportunity to contribute to a globally recognized organization like UNESCO and work on impactful projects. Working Hours:

• The role is remote-based and operates on an 'on-call' basis. While a standard work week might be considered 40 hours, actual hours will vary significantly depending on project needs and assignment volume.

• Regular communication with the UNESCO Responsible Officer via email and online meetings is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is entirely performance-based on proposed rates. Applicants must research local market rates for freelance graphic designers in South Asia to propose competitive yet fair pricing. The "Level 2 - Middle" designation suggests that rates should reflect mid-career professional expertise, not entry-level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Non-Profit / Intergovernmental Organization

Company Size: Large (UNESCO has over 11,000 staff globally, with regional offices contributing significantly to its operational footprint).

Founded: 1945, establishing a long history of global commitment to education, science, and culture.

Team Structure:

• The graphic designer will work within the Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, based in New Delhi.

• This division is responsible for amplifying UNESCO's visibility and impact across the region, coordinating with various program sectors (Education, Culture, Sciences, Communication & Information).

• Collaboration will be primarily with the communications team, project managers, and program specialists who require design support. Methodology:

• The CPE function employs a data-driven approach to content dissemination, focusing on amplifying UNESCO's work through digital and social media platforms.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are crucial for managing diverse design requests efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices are expected, particularly in creating scalable social media assets and utilizing design tools effectively.

Company Website: https://en.unesco.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: UNESCO's culture is deeply rooted in its mission to promote peace, understanding, and sustainable development. This translates into a professional environment that values diversity, integrity, and a commitment to global goals. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these core values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Level 2 - Middle" consultant, indicating a mid-career professional level. It requires demonstrated expertise and independent work capability rather than entry-level tasks.

Reporting Structure:

• Consultants will report to the UNESCO Responsible Officer within the Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE).

• While reporting is direct for assignments, the role is project-based and 'on-call,' meaning there isn't a continuous, hierarchical management structure typical of permanent staff. Operations Impact:

• Graphic design services are critical for enhancing the visibility, understanding, and engagement with UNESCO's initiatives.

• High-quality visuals directly impact the effectiveness of communication campaigns, publications, and digital outreach, thereby supporting UNESCO's broader mission.

• Well-designed materials can influence public perception, stakeholder engagement, and the overall impact of UNESCO's programs in South Asia. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop expertise in designing for diverse international organizations and specific communication challenges in the development sector.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with UNESCO's branding, style guides, and communication strategies, which can be valuable for future roles in international development or non-profit communications.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Accumulating a portfolio of high-impact work for a reputable global organization, enhancing professional credibility and marketability.

• Networking: Potential to build professional connections within the UNESCO regional office and with other professionals in the development communications field.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a consultant role and not a traditional career path with fixed promotions, consistent high performance and a strong portfolio can lead to repeat assignments and potentially more significant projects within UNESCO or similar organizations. The "roster" itself is a form of professional recognition and a pipeline for future work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote Work

Office Location(s): While the hiring unit is in New Delhi, the assignment is fully remote. Candidates must be based in South Asia.

Workspace Context:

• Candidates are expected to have their own remote work setup, including reliable internet access, a suitable workstation, and the necessary design software.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels (email, video conferencing, project management tools).

• The environment demands self-discipline, effective time management, and proactive communication to ensure seamless integration with the UNESCO team despite the physical distance. Work Schedule:

• The role is project-based and 'on-call,' meaning working hours will fluctuate based on assignment demands. There is no guaranteed workload.

• Consultants must be available for regular communication and meetings during the operational hours of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, though the actual design work can be performed flexibly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the work requires a high degree of self-motivation and organization. Candidates should be comfortable working autonomously and managing their time effectively to meet project deadlines and communication expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• The selection process is based on a technical and financial evaluation (70% technical, 30% financial).

• The technical evaluation includes assessing:

  • Experience: (30 points) Demonstrated professional experience relevant to the category.
  • Portfolio: (25 points) Quality and relevance of submitted work samples.
  • Language and Communication Skills: (15 points) Clarity and professionalism of application materials.

• Shortlisted candidates may be subject to tests or assessments.

• Competency-based interviews may be conducted using video or teleconference.

• Reference checks will be performed for candidates in the final selection stage. Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select at least three (3) recent, high-quality work samples that directly showcase your skills in designing for social media, publications, and infographics.

• Highlight Impact: For each sample, briefly describe the project's objective, your specific role, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement metrics for social media campaigns).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of design styles and formats to prove adaptability to different project needs and brand identities.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your online portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. If submitting static links, ensure they are active and lead to clear examples.

• Align with UNESCO: If possible, include samples that align with the mission or sector focus of UNESCO, or demonstrate experience with international organizations.

Challenge Preparation:

• While specific challenges aren't detailed, be prepared to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback and revisions, and how you ensure brand consistency.

• Anticipate questions about your experience with social media design trends, infographic creation, and adapting content for different platforms.

• Be ready to articulate your approach to creative problem-solving and how you ensure visual communication is effective and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The evaluation criteria heavily favor practical experience and portfolio quality. Applicants should invest significant time in preparing a strong, targeted portfolio and a clear, professional application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential).

• Digital Design Tools: Canva, Adobe Express (asset, but proficiency is a plus).

• Motion Graphics/Animation: Adobe After Effects (asset).

• Communication & Collaboration: Email, video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams), project management platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics on social media is beneficial. Experience with data visualization for infographics is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, though familiarity with content management systems or digital asset management systems might be advantageous for file handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Candidates should be comfortable working with these industry-standard tools for professional graphic design. Familiarity with digital-first tools like Canva is increasingly valuable for rapid content creation for social media.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to the Organization: Demonstrating dedication to UNESCO's mission and values in all design work.

• Integrity: Maintaining professional ethics, ensuring originality of work, and respecting intellectual property rights.

• Respect for Diversity: Designing inclusive visuals that are sensitive to gender, culture, and community differences.

• Professionalism: Delivering high-quality work on time, communicating effectively, and adhering to brand standards.

• Innovation: Bringing creative ideas and fresh visual approaches to communication challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Staying updated on design trends and sharing insights.

• Planning and Organizing: Managing workload effectively to meet project deadlines.

• Results Focus: Creating designs that effectively achieve communication objectives.

• Teamwork: Collaborating constructively with the UNESCO communications team.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily remote collaboration via digital channels.

• Requires proactive communication, clear articulation of ideas, and responsiveness to feedback.

• A culture of constructive feedback and iterative design process is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should demonstrate an alignment with UNESCO's core values, particularly respect for diversity and commitment to global goals, in their cover letter and through their portfolio.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Variable Workload: The 'on-call' nature means assignments may be infrequent or sporadic, requiring financial planning and active pursuit of other opportunities.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Balancing creative expression with the rigid visual identity standards of a large international organization.

• Managing Feedback and Revisions: Effectively incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring clear communication and project alignment without face-to-face interaction.

• Proving Value: Demonstrating the impact of design on communication goals in a sector often focused on programmatic outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in social media design, motion graphics, and digital storytelling.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in visual communication for international development and multilateral organizations.

• Brand Expertise: Developing a nuanced understanding of global branding and visual identity management for large institutions.

• Portfolio Building: Creating impactful work for a prestigious organization that can significantly boost professional credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is managing the inconsistency of work. Candidates should view this role as a complementary source of income and professional development, rather than a full-time commitment unless assignments become consistently frequent.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing social media graphics for a campaign. How do you ensure engagement and brand consistency?"

• "Walk us through your approach to incorporating feedback and revisions from clients with diverse perspectives."

• "How do you balance creative innovation with strict brand guidelines, especially for an organization like UNESCO?"

• "What are your favorite design tools, and why? How do you stay updated with new software and design trends?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about UNESCO's mission and its work in South Asia?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and respectful of diverse cultural contexts?"

• "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult client or stakeholder. How did you manage the situation?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, craft a brief narrative: the challenge, your creative solution, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work.

• Highlight Relevance: Specifically point out how your work aligns with the requirements for social media, infographics, and publication design as outlined in the job description.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss your software skills and any unique techniques you employed.

• Rates Justification: Be prepared to briefly explain your proposed rates based on your experience, the value you bring, and market standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, as it's a major evaluation component. Be ready to articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with UNESCO's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this consultant position on the Creative Services Roster:

• Visit the UNESCO careers website (https://careers.unesco.org/) and create or log in to your account.

• Download and complete your 'Employment History Form'.

• Prepare a compelling Cover Letter that highlights your most relevant skills, experience, explains your suitability, and clearly states your category code (CPE-GD), region of base, and available assignment regions. Agencies should include a brief organizational profile.

• Compile your Curriculum Vitae (CV), detailing professional history, software skills, and language proficiency. Agencies should submit CVs for at least two key personnel.

• Curate and finalize your Portfolio showcasing at least three (3) recent, relevant work samples with descriptions. Ensure online portfolio links are provided and functional.

• Complete the Standard Service Rate Form (Annex I) for Graphic Designers, quoting rates in your local currency as flat rates per page or per work.

• Combine all required documents (Employment History Form, cover letter, CV/profile, portfolio, and rate form) into a single PDF file.

• Upload this single combined file under the 'Employment History' attachment section on the UNESCO careers website.

• Complete or update your 'Candidate Profile' on the website.

• Save and submit your complete application before the deadline (13/10/2026, Midnight UTC+5 Time).

⚠️ 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.