Web Designer (Consultancy)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer (Consultancy)

Company: CIMMYT

Location: Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Web Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and maintain a user-centered, accessible, and visually engaging digital experience for CIMMYT's web presence.

• Implement and manage website strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional communications objectives and the CIMMYT 2030 Strategy.

• Optimize website architecture, navigation, and user journeys to enhance engagement and visibility for research and development outcomes.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create dynamic web experiences, including landing pages and microsites, supporting digital communication campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Web Designer," the responsibilities described lean heavily into digital strategy, user experience (UX) optimization, content management system (CMS) utilization, and performance analytics, indicating a role with significant operational responsibilities beyond traditional graphic design. This role requires a blend of creative design and technical execution, with a strong focus on the operational aspects of website management and digital presence optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement CIMMYT's web strategy, aligning digital presence with institutional communications goals and overarching strategies.

• Design visually compelling, user-centered website layouts, wireframes, prototypes, and user flows for new features and sections.

• Create, update, and maintain webpages using the organization's Content Management System (CMS), ensuring content is optimized and adheres to institutional standards.

• Monitor website performance using analytics and reporting tools, analyzing user behavior and engagement metrics to inform optimization efforts.

• Implement on-page Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices to enhance website visibility and organic search rankings.

• Ensure all web properties comply with accessibility standards (WCAG) and responsive design principles for optimal cross-device and cross-audience experiences.

• Collaborate with content creators, graphic designers, and other communication specialists to design and develop campaign landing pages, microsites, and event pages.

• Conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews for new content and functionality, testing across various browsers, devices, and screen sizes.

• Provide web design and publishing support to regional and program teams, advising stakeholders on web best practices and digital user experience.

• Maintain documentation of templates, workflows, style guides, and web standards to ensure consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proactive strategy contribution, not just execution. The emphasis on "Website Strategy and Planning," "Web Analytics and Performance Optimization," and "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" indicates this is not solely a design role but involves strategic operational oversight of the digital platform.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Web Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Computer Science, Communications with Digital Design specialization, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 4-5 years of relevant experience in website design and management, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, content management systems (CMS), front-end web development, and digital communications and web optimization.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and information architecture.

• Proficiency in creating wireframes, prototypes, and mockups using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.

• Expertise in using Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal.

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS for front-end development and implementation.

• Experience with web analytics tools like Google Analytics to monitor performance and user behavior.

• Familiarity with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices for content and structure.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and responsive design principles.

• Ability to maintain brand identity and visual consistency across web properties.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for stakeholder support and coordination.

• Experience in digital content experience design and optimization. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of JavaScript and front-end frameworks.

• Experience with A/B testing tools to optimize website effectiveness.

• Experience managing multilingual websites.

• Experience working in international organizations or NGOs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (4-5 years) combined with the breadth of responsibilities suggests a candidate who can operate with a degree of autonomy. The mention of "Consultancy" in the job title also implies that candidates should be prepared to offer strategic advice and solutions, not just execute tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse web design and development projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership from concept to deployment.

• Include case studies highlighting the application of user-centered design principles, UX/UI enhancements, and content strategy.

• Demonstrate proficiency in CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal), emphasizing content publishing workflows and optimization.

• Present examples of how you've improved website performance, user engagement, or achieved specific organizational objectives through design and development.

• Feature projects that adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG) and responsive design principles, with clear explanations of implementation. Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for translating business requirements into functional website designs and user experiences.

• Provide examples of your workflow for content creation, optimization, and publishing within a CMS environment.

• Illustrate your approach to web analytics and performance monitoring, including how you use data to drive design decisions and optimizations.

• Showcase your methodology for implementing SEO best practices and conducting website audits.

• Document your quality assurance and testing procedures for web content and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Consultancy" aspect and the focus on strategy and optimization, the portfolio should not just be a collection of visual designs but should clearly articulate the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver measurable results through web design and management. Emphasize the operational impact of their design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contractor role for an international organization based in Mexico, a salary range would typically be determined based on the candidate's experience, specific skill set, and the prevailing market rates for similar consultancy roles in the region. Based on industry benchmarks for a Web Designer with 4-5+ years of experience in a hybrid role in Mexico, a competitive range could be between MXN $30,000 - $60,000 per month, or the equivalent in USD for international contractors.

Benefits:

• Contractual role with CIMMYT, a leading international research organization.

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful agricultural research and development initiatives globally.

• Potential for professional development and exposure to diverse projects and international teams.

• Flexible work arrangement with hybrid on-site and remote options.

• Access to organizational resources and potentially opportunities for further engagements based on performance.

• The role requires fluency in both English and Spanish, offering a chance to utilize and enhance bilingual communication skills in a professional setting.

Working Hours: The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate hybrid work arrangements. Specific daily hours and on-site requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for similar contract roles in Mexico, considering the experience level and specialized skills. The benefits are inferred from the nature of working for an international non-profit organization and the contractor status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Agricultural Research & Development (Non-profit International Organization). CIMMYT is at the forefront of agricultural science, working to solve global food security challenges through innovation in crops like maize and wheat. This context means the work is mission-driven and focused on impactful outcomes for resource-poor farmers.

Company Size: CIMMYT is a large international organization with a global presence, employing hundreds to thousands of staff across various research centers and offices worldwide. This scale implies robust internal processes and a diverse, multicultural workforce.

Founded: CIMMYT was founded in 1966. Its long history underscores its established reputation and deep expertise in agricultural science and development.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of the Communications or Digital Platforms team, which is a crucial support function for CIMMYT's research and development programs.

• This team works collaboratively with scientists, program managers, regional offices, and other communication specialists to disseminate research findings and project outcomes.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a manager overseeing digital communications, web development, or a broader communications department. Methodology:

• CIMMYT's operations are guided by scientific rigor, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

• The digital team's methodology will emphasize user-centric design, content strategy aligned with research impact, and the use of technology to amplify reach and engagement.

• Processes are likely to involve cross-functional collaboration, iterative development, and adherence to international standards for communication and accessibility.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding CIMMYT's mission as a non-profit focused on global agricultural challenges is key. The "Consultancy" nature of this role suggests it's project-based or for a specific duration, requiring adaptability and a focus on delivering defined outcomes for the organization's communications objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Web Designer with significant operational responsibilities. It requires a blend of creative design expertise and technical acumen in website management, content strategy, and performance optimization. The "Consultancy" aspect suggests a focus on project-based contributions and strategic advisory.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will likely report to a Head of Digital Communications, a Web Manager, or a Director of Communications within CIMMYT. This position will involve close collaboration with content creators, graphic designers, researchers, and program teams across different departments and potentially geographical regions.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer's role is critical in shaping CIMMYT's digital narrative and reach. By ensuring a user-centered, accessible, and high-performing web presence, they directly contribute to:

• Amplifying the visibility and impact of CIMMYT's research and development outcomes.

• Strengthening the organization's digital brand and credibility.

• Improving user engagement with scientific information and project updates.

• Supporting global communication campaigns and resource dissemination.

• Enhancing the user experience for a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and the general public. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like UX/UI, SEO, web analytics, or CMS administration.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design and development for significant digital projects, such as new website sections, microsites, or campaign landing pages.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams on critical research and development initiatives, broadening understanding of agricultural science communication.

• International Exposure: Work within a global organization, interacting with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds and regions.

• Contract Extension/Further Engagements: Successful performance in this consultancy role could lead to further project opportunities or longer-term engagements with CIMMYT.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consultancy" nature implies a focus on delivering specific project outcomes within defined timelines. Growth may be less about traditional hierarchical advancement and more about expanding project scope, acquiring new specialized skills, and building a strong track record with international organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as "Hybrid" and "TELECOMMUTE," indicating a flexible work environment. While based in Texcoco, Mexico, the position allows for a combination of remote work and potentially some on-site presence at CIMMYT's facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico. CIMMYT also has a global presence, suggesting that collaboration may extend across various international offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work within a dynamic, multicultural team environment, collaborating closely with communication specialists, researchers, and program staff.

• Digital Tools and Technology: Access to a suite of digital tools and platforms, including CMS, design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma), analytics platforms (Google Analytics), and project management systems.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with digital teams for strategy alignment, content collaboration, and technical support, as well as with broader organizational stakeholders to understand their web needs.

Work Schedule: The role is expected to be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature provides flexibility, allowing for a balance between remote work and on-site collaboration as needed. This flexibility is beneficial for managing tasks that require deep focus (remote) and those that benefit from in-person interaction (on-site).

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and telecommute aspects, combined with the international nature of CIMMYT, suggest a work environment that values autonomy, digital collaboration, and effective time management across different locations and time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical/Design Assessment: Potential for a practical exercise or portfolio review session focusing on design skills, UX/UI rationale, CMS proficiency, and problem-solving abilities. This may involve presenting case studies from the portfolio.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will likely assess problem-solving approaches, collaboration style, ability to manage multiple projects, and understanding of CIMMYT's mission.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or senior team members to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and suitability for the consultancy role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your end-to-end web design and development capabilities, focusing on relevance to CIMMYT's mission and the role's responsibilities.

• Highlight Process and Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process (ideation, wireframing, UI design, development), the tools used, and the measurable outcomes or impact achieved (e.g., improved engagement, conversion rates, user satisfaction).

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly indicate the CMS, design tools, and any coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) used. For this role, showcasing WordPress or Drupal experience is crucial.

• Emphasize UX/UI and Accessibility: Provide detailed explanations of your UX/UI decisions and how you ensured accessibility (WCAG compliance) and responsive design.

• Tailor to CIMMYT: If possible, include a concept or redesign for a section of CIMMYT's website, demonstrating your understanding of their brand and communication goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design/UX Challenges: Be prepared for questions about how you would approach designing a landing page for a specific research initiative or improving the user journey for a particular audience segment.

• CMS Scenarios: Expect questions about managing content, troubleshooting issues, or implementing new features within a CMS like WordPress or Drupal.

• SEO & Analytics: Prepare to discuss how you would use SEO best practices to improve visibility for research publications or how you would analyze user data to recommend website improvements.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage requests from various program teams and effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consultancy" nature means interviewers will be looking for self-starters who can quickly understand project needs and deliver solutions with minimal oversight. Portfolio presentations should be concise, impactful, and clearly demonstrate ROI for previous projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Drupal (essential, proficiency expected).

• Design & Prototyping Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD), Figma (essential for UX/UI design).

• Web Development: HTML, CSS (working knowledge required), JavaScript and front-end frameworks (desirable).

• Analytics & Reporting: Google Analytics, Google Search Console (essential for performance monitoring and SEO).

• Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: For tracking website traffic, user behavior, engagement metrics, and conversion rates.

• Google Search Console: For monitoring SEO performance, identifying search queries, and diagnosing technical issues affecting search visibility.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how web content integrates with broader CRM or marketing automation platforms might be beneficial for understanding user journeys and campaign effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with WordPress and Drupal is critical, as these are the specified CMS platforms. The ability to leverage Google Analytics and Search Console effectively for performance optimization and SEO is also a core requirement, indicating a data-informed approach to web design and management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A strong commitment to CIMMYT's overarching mission of solving global agricultural challenges and improving livelihoods, reflected in the design and content choices.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Willingness to work closely with diverse teams, including researchers and communication specialists, fostering a collaborative spirit to achieve shared communication goals.

• Excellence and Quality: Dedication to producing high-quality, accessible, and visually engaging web experiences that represent CIMMYT's brand and research integrity.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing web analytics and user feedback to guide design choices, optimize performance, and demonstrate the impact of digital initiatives.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Openness to exploring new digital trends and technologies to enhance web presence and adapting to evolving communication needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with individuals from various departments (research, communications, IT) and potentially different geographical locations, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse needs.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with institutional objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share expertise on web design, UX/UI, and digital best practices with colleagues, contributing to a culture of learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: CIMMYT's values as an international research organization will likely emphasize integrity, scientific rigor, collaboration, and a commitment to global development. The Web Designer's role in communicating these values effectively through the digital platform is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing requests and requirements from various research programs and regional offices, each with unique communication objectives and technical understanding.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Global Platforms: Ensuring a cohesive and professional brand identity across potentially multilingual websites and digital assets, while accommodating regional nuances.

• Optimizing for Diverse Audiences: Designing web experiences that cater to a wide range of users, from technical researchers to farmers, with varying levels of digital literacy and access.

• Staying Current with Digital Trends and Technologies: Continuously adapting to evolving web design best practices, SEO algorithms, accessibility standards, and CMS capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in user research, interaction design, and prototyping tools.

• Specialized SEO/Analytics Certifications: Pursuing certifications in advanced SEO techniques or web analytics to enhance strategic contributions.

• CMS Masterclasses: Further training on advanced features and customization within WordPress or Drupal.

• International Project Exposure: Gaining experience on large-scale, international digital communication projects, broadening professional horizons.

• Mentorship from Digital Leaders: Learning from experienced professionals in digital communications and web strategy within a reputable international organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a large, mission-driven international organization with diverse stakeholders and a global reach. Growth opportunities will focus on deepening specialized digital skills and gaining experience in complex, international project environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a user-centered website strategy that aligns with organizational goals. How would you apply this to CIMMYT's mission?"

• "How do you balance the needs of different stakeholder groups (e.g., researchers, program managers, the public) when designing web content and features?"

• "Walk us through a complex web design project from your portfolio. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the measurable impact?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CIMMYT's work, and how do you see your role as a Web Designer contributing to our mission?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with technical teams and non-technical stakeholders to ensure successful web project delivery?"

• "How do you measure the success of your web design and optimization efforts, and what metrics are most important to you?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your experience, then present 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the solutions implemented, and the results/impact.

• Visual Storytelling: Use mockups, wireframes, and live demos (if applicable) to showcase your design work. Highlight specific UX/UI decisions and how they addressed user needs or business objectives.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "Increased user engagement by X%", "Reduced bounce rate by Y%", "Improved page load speed by Z%").

• Address Technical Skills: Clearly articulate the CMS, design software, and any coding languages used. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with WordPress/Drupal and analytics tools.

• Focus on Operations: Frame your projects in terms of process improvement, efficiency gains, and operational impact, aligning with the "Consultancy" nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only design aesthetically pleasing websites but also understand and contribute to the operational strategy behind CIMMYT's digital presence. Demonstrating an understanding of how web design impacts broader organizational goals is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating proficiency in WordPress/Drupal, UX/UI design, SEO, and web analytics. Ensure case studies highlight your process, problem-solving, and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 4-5+ years of experience in website management, CMS implementation, front-end development, and digital strategy. Use keywords from the job description, such as "user-centered design," "CMS," "SEO," "WCAG," and "Google Analytics."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how your work contributes to organizational objectives and global development, aligning with CIMMYT's mission.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research CIMMYT's mission, current projects, and digital presence. Understand their target audiences and communication goals to better tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.