WWAP Video and Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: WWAP Video and Graphic Designer

Company: UNESCO

Location: Perugia, Italy

Job Type: Consultant Contract

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Environmental & Sustainability

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: Middle (Level 2)

Remote Status: Remote (Work location specified as Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design and layout of critical UNESCO publications, including the United Nations World Water Development Reports (UN WWDR) for 2026 and 2027, ensuring alignment with established visual identities and strategic objectives.

• Develop compelling video and graphic assets for outreach and communication, encompassing video trailers, social media content, infographics, and presentation materials to enhance the visibility and impact of WWAP initiatives.

• Execute meticulous print-ready file preparation and finalization, incorporating feedback from internal teams and external partners to ensure the highest quality of published materials.

• Manage the vectorization and redrawing of figures and tables, optimizing them for clarity and publication-readiness across multiple languages and formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a Consultant Contract for 11 months, indicating a project-based engagement focused on delivering specific design outputs rather than ongoing operational support. The remote work arrangement suggests flexibility for candidates globally, provided they can align with the specified work hours and time zone for collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and finalize the layout of the Spanish version of the UN WWDR 2026 report (approximately 200 pages), incorporating all necessary edits and comments from stakeholders.

• Develop initial design concepts for the UN WWDR 2027, creating layout proofs for both English and French versions (approximately 200 pages each), as well as executive summaries and factsheets in multiple languages (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese).

• Redraw and vectorize all figures and tables within the UN WWDR 2027 to ensure graphical consistency, clarity, and print-readiness.

• Create and deliver source InDesign files (or equivalent) for the UN WWDR 2027 to facilitate future translations and adaptations by various language teams.

• Design and lay out other crucial WWAP publications, such as "Evaluación de los ecosistemas acuáticos con perspectiva de inclusión social e igualdad en la cuenca del río Amazonas" (approx. 200 pages) and "Educación Hídrica – Guía para la formación de líderes del agua en América Latina y el Caribe" (approx. 100 pages), including visual concepts and final print-ready files.

• Produce a short video trailer for the UN WWDR 2027 launch, and design PowerPoint slide decks for launch events and advocacy activities.

• Develop engaging social media assets (cards, banners, animated snippets) and email campaign materials (e.g., for Mailchimp) to promote reports and key project milestones.

• Design event flyers, digital invitations, and e-banners for various workshops, capacity-building events, and coalition meetings.

• Create informative infographics and data visualizations to effectively communicate key findings and statistics from WWAP reports to a broad audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep engagement with content creation and visual storytelling for a high-impact international organization. The emphasis on multiple languages and formats (print, digital, video) necessitates a versatile and detail-oriented designer. The need to provide source files for translations underscores the importance of organized and professional file management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Advanced Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and After Effects are essential for creating and manipulating complex design elements and animations.

• Video & Audio Editing Expertise: Competence in professional video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent, along with audio editing tools like Logic Pro or similar.

• Print & Digital Design Mastery: Proven experience in designing a wide range of print materials (reports, flyers, invitations) and digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, presentations).

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Demonstrated ability in motion design and video editing to produce engaging video trailers and animated snippets.

• Data Visualization & Infographics: Strong skills in transforming complex data into clear, compelling infographics and visual representations.

• English Language Proficiency: A solid command of the English language is required for effective communication and collaboration within the international team.

• Operating Systems: Proficiency in both Mac and Windows operating systems.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Competence in using Microsoft Office applications, particularly PowerPoint for presentation design.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the design and visual identity standards of the United Nations World Water Development Report (UN WWDR) series or other UN publications.

• Experience working within the UN System or other international governmental organizations.

• Knowledge of translation workflows and how design templates can facilitate localization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7 years of experience at a "Middle" level suggests that candidates should possess a robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end project management from concept to final delivery, with a focus on complex publications and multimedia content. The preference for UN-specific design experience indicates a need for understanding institutional branding and communication protocols.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Design Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating a wide range of graphic design projects, including complex reports, publications, and branding materials, with a focus on layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Video Production Examples: A selection of video projects that showcase editing skills, motion graphics, animation, and storytelling capabilities, including trailers or promotional content.

• Infographics & Data Visualization: Examples of infographics and data visualizations that effectively communicate complex information and statistics.

• Print-Readiness & File Management: Evidence of skills in preparing files for professional printing, including understanding of color modes, bleeds, and resolution. The portfolio should imply organized file management practices.

• Adaptability & Versatility: Projects demonstrating the ability to adapt design styles to different project requirements, brand guidelines, and target audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: The application requires an approach and methodology document detailing how the candidate plans to execute the assignment, including a proposed work plan with key milestones and timelines for each deliverable.

• Template Creation: The ability to create and deliver source layout templates (e.g., InDesign files) that facilitate translations and adaptations is a key process output.

• Feedback Integration: Demonstrated experience in incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders into design iterations to achieve final, approved outputs.

• Quality Assurance: Implicit in the finalization of print-ready files is a process for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to quality standards across all design elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application explicitly requires an "approach and methodology" along with a "work plan," signaling that candidates must demonstrate not only creative skill but also project management capabilities. The portfolio should not just be a gallery but should also implicitly or explicitly showcase the candidate's process for tackling similar large-scale publication and multimedia projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Remote Work Flexibility: The position is fully remote, offering flexibility in work location.

• International Exposure: Opportunity to work with a prestigious UN agency on globally significant water resource issues.

• Contract Duration: An 11-month contract provides a substantial period to immerse in the project and contribute meaningfully.

• Professional Development: While not explicitly stated as formal training, the nature of the role allows for significant skill application and potential growth in UN-style communication and reporting.

Working Hours:

• While the role is remote, candidates are expected to align with the working hours of the Perugia duty station (Europe/Rome time zone) for effective collaboration with the WWAP team. A standard 40-hour work week is typically expected for consultant roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Consultant contracts usually do not include traditional employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. Candidates should factor these into their proposed fee. The salary estimate is based on general UN consultant rates for similar roles and experience levels in Western Europe, adjusted for the specific skills required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Intergovernmental Organization (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO) with a focus on Environmental & Sustainability initiatives through its World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP).

Company Size: UNESCO is a large, global organization with tens of thousands of employees and consultants worldwide, operating across numerous sectors and country offices. The WWAP team, while part of this larger entity, is likely a more focused unit.

Founded: UNESCO was founded in 1945. The WWAP initiative is a UN-wide collaboration hosted by UNESCO, established to assess the world's freshwater resources.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Programme Specialist within the UNESCO WWAP unit, under the overall supervision of the UNESCO WWAP Coordinator. This indicates a structured reporting line within a specialized program team.

• The designer will collaborate with various teams within WWAP, including report authors, editors, and potentially communications officers, as well as external partners and potentially translators.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Reporting: WWAP's core function is assessing and reporting on global water resources, implying a strong reliance on data analysis and evidence-based communication.

• Collaborative Development: The design process for major reports involves significant input and review from multiple UN agencies, member states, and partner organizations.

• Visual Communication Focus: The emphasis on video, infographics, and compelling layouts highlights a strategic approach to making complex scientific and policy information accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Company Website: https://www.unesco.org/en (General UNESCO site)

WWAP Specific: https://www.unesco.org/reports/wwdr/en/reports (WWDR Reports)

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within UNESCO means adhering to UN standards, protocols, and a mission-driven culture focused on peace, equality, and sustainable development. The WWAP program specifically addresses critical global environmental challenges, requiring designers to align with serious, data-heavy subject matter while maintaining engaging communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Level 2 - Middle" for a Consultant Contract. For a designer, this signifies a mid-career professional with substantial experience (7+ years) capable of handling complex projects independently and contributing creatively to strategic communication outputs. It's not an entry-level position but a role requiring proven expertise.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to a Programme Specialist, indicating a clear line of accountability and a need for effective communication with a direct supervisor. They will also work under the broader guidance of the WWAP Coordinator, suggesting exposure to senior leadership within the program.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the global dissemination and understanding of critical water resource data and policy recommendations. High-quality visual communication is essential for the UN WWDR to achieve its goals of raising awareness, informing policy, and driving action on water issues worldwide. Successful design can significantly enhance the reach, engagement, and influence of these reports.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in designing for international development organizations, UN reporting standards, and complex data visualization.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Gain significant, high-profile projects for the portfolio, showcasing work with a major global institution.

• Networking: Build professional connections within UNESCO and the broader UN system, potentially leading to future consultancy opportunities.

• Cross-Cultural Experience: Develop skills in working with diverse international teams and adapting designs for multiple linguistic and cultural contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a consultant role, the level and scope of responsibility offer significant professional growth. The experience gained in designing for a UN agency on a topic as crucial as water security is highly valuable and can open doors to similar roles within the UN system or other international NGOs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly listed as "Remote" for work location. This implies no requirement for a physical office presence in Perugia, Italy, or any other UNESCO office.

Office Location(s): While the duty station is Perugia, Italy, the work arrangement is remote. This means the candidate can work from any location that allows for effective remote collaboration, provided they can meet the work requirements and time zone considerations.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: The work environment will be primarily digital, relying on online communication tools (email, video conferencing, project management platforms) for interaction with the WWAP team and stakeholders.

• Technical Resources: Candidates are expected to have their own reliable high-speed internet connection, a suitable computer setup (Mac or Windows), and the necessary software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).

• Independent Work: The remote nature necessitates strong self-discipline, time management, and the ability to work autonomously while remaining connected to the team.

Work Schedule: The role requires adherence to a standard working schedule that facilitates collaboration with the WWAP team. Given the "Europe/Rome" timezone for the duty station, candidates should be available for meetings and communication during typical European business hours. The duration of the contract is 11 months, and the expected working hours per week are approximately 40 for a consultant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature is a significant aspect of this role. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and have a dedicated, professional workspace at home. The expectation to align with European working hours is crucial for effective teamwork and project coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: A complete application is mandatory, including: an approach and methodology document with a work plan, a proposed monthly fee in EUR, a recent CV, and two relevant pieces of work (these could be links to online portfolios or specific project files/PDFs). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Screening: Applications will be screened based on qualifications, experience, and the completeness of the submission.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo a review of their submitted portfolio and work samples. This may be followed by a technical interview or a practical design exercise focused on specific challenges related to UN WWDR design or data visualization.

• Interview(s): Candidates may be interviewed by a panel, potentially including the Programme Specialist, WWAP Coordinator, and other relevant team members. This will assess their technical skills, understanding of the role, communication abilities, and cultural fit.

• Reference Checks: Final candidates will undergo reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select pieces that directly showcase your experience with reports, publications, video editing, motion graphics, and infographics, ideally with similar complexity or scale.

• Highlight UN/International Experience: If you have prior experience with UN agencies, NGOs, or international organizations, prominently feature those projects.

• Demonstrate Process: For the "two relevant pieces of work," consider providing a brief case study for each, explaining the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the outcomes. This aligns with the requirement for an "approach and methodology."

• Quality over Quantity: Ensure all showcased work is of the highest quality, demonstrating attention to detail, strong typographic skills, and effective visual communication.

• Video & Interactive Elements: Include links to video work and, if possible, interactive elements or animated GIFs to showcase motion graphics capabilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology & Work Plan: Be prepared to discuss your proposed approach to designing the UN WWDR 2027, including how you would manage multiple versions, languages, and stakeholder feedback.

• Design Principles: Review UNESCO's visual identity guidelines and the typical style of UN reports. Understand how to balance institutional branding with creative execution.

• Data Visualization: Practice explaining how you would approach visualizing complex water data, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with the required software and potentially answer technical questions about specific features or workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a detailed "approach and methodology" and "work plan" is critical. Candidates must demonstrate they can think strategically about project execution, not just create beautiful visuals. Providing specific examples of how you've managed large projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks.

  • Adobe InDesign: Crucial for report layout and publication design. Proficiency in creating complex multi-page documents, master pages, styles, and preparing for print.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, icons, logos, and redrawing figures/tables.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets.
  • Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics, video animation, and creating animated snippets for social media or video trailers.

• Video Editing Software: Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent is required for video production.

• Audio Editing Software: Familiarity with tools like Logic Pro or equivalent for basic audio mixing in videos.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Mailchimp: Mentioned specifically for email campaigns, indicating a need for basic familiarity with email marketing platforms.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Specifically PowerPoint for presentation design. Competence in Word and Excel for understanding source content is also assumed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of the technical requirements revolves around the Adobe Creative Suite and professional video editing software. Candidates should be able to articulate their mastery of these tools and how they apply them to achieve specific design outcomes, particularly in the context of large-scale publications and multimedia content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to the Organization: A dedication to UNESCO's mission of promoting education, science, culture, and communication for peace and sustainable development.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all work, ensuring accuracy and transparency in design and communication.

• Respect for Diversity: An inclusive approach to design, considering diverse audiences and perspectives, and reflecting UNESCO's commitment to equality.

• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards of work quality, reliability, and accountability in all tasks and interactions.

• Knowledge Sharing & Continuous Improvement: A willingness to share expertise, learn new techniques, and adapt to evolving design trends and project needs.

• Planning and Organizing: Demonstrating strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and deliverables effectively.

• Results Focus: A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes that meet project objectives and contribute to the success of WWAP's communication goals.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and partners to achieve shared objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with programme specialists, report authors, editors, and external partners, necessitating clear communication and the ability to translate technical/scientific information into visual assets.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A collaborative environment where designs are subject to review and iteration based on feedback from various stakeholders.

• Knowledge Exchange: A culture that encourages sharing best practices in design, video production, and data visualization to enhance team capabilities and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The UNESCO core values are deeply embedded in the organizational culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal work ethic and collaborative approach align with these values, particularly in producing impactful content for a global, mission-driven organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Volume and Complexity: Managing the design and layout of multiple large reports (200+ pages each) and various other publications simultaneously, often with tight deadlines.

• Cross-Cultural & Multi-Lingual Content: Adapting designs and ensuring visual consistency across different language versions (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) and for diverse international audiences.

• Balancing Institutional Standards with Creativity: Adhering to strict UN/UNESCO visual identity guidelines while still producing engaging and innovative design solutions.

• Data Interpretation: Effectively translating complex scientific data and statistics from water assessments into clear, compelling infographics and visualizations that are accurate and accessible.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining seamless communication and workflow with a remote team and multiple stakeholders across different time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Water Science Communication: Gain unparalleled experience in communicating critical global environmental issues through design.

• Mastery of UN Reporting Standards: Become an expert in the specific design and layout requirements for major UN publications.

• Advanced Video & Motion Graphics: Enhance skills in producing high-impact video content for international organizations.

• Portfolio Expansion: Add prestigious, high-visibility projects to your professional portfolio, significantly boosting career prospects.

• Networking with Global Experts: Connect with professionals in water resource management, environmental science, and international development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for large-scale international projects. Candidates who can demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a proactive problem-solving approach will find this role both demanding and rewarding. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to specialize in global development communications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Approach to UN WWDR Design: "Describe your strategy for designing the UN WWDR 2027, considering the need for English and French main reports, executive summaries in multiple languages, and the vectorization of figures. How would you manage stakeholder feedback across these deliverables?"

• Data Visualization Philosophy: "How do you approach designing infographics and data visualizations for complex scientific data? What principles do you follow to ensure accuracy, clarity, and engagement for a diverse audience?"

• Video for Impact: "What elements are crucial for creating an effective video trailer for a major report like the UN WWDR? How would you balance informational content with visual appeal for a global audience?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with UNESCO Values: "How does your personal work ethic and design philosophy align with UNESCO's core values of Commitment, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism?"

• Remote Collaboration Experience: "Describe your experience working remotely with international teams. What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication and project delivery in a virtual environment?"

• Impact of Design: "In your opinion, what is the role of graphic and video design in achieving the objectives of an organization like UNESCO, particularly concerning global issues like water security?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Thematic Grouping: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Reports, Videos, Infographics) or by campaign, making it easy for evaluators to navigate.

• Case Study Approach: For key projects, present them as mini case studies: Problem/Objective -> Your Solution/Approach -> Tools Used -> Outcome/Impact. This directly addresses the "approach and methodology" requirement.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss specific software techniques used, especially for complex layouts, animations, or data visualizations.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Showcase projects that illustrate your ability to work with different styles, audiences, and constraints.

• Concise Explanations: Keep descriptions brief and focused on what you achieved and how.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they've designed, but why and how. The interview process will likely probe their understanding of UN communication goals and their ability to translate complex information into accessible, impactful visuals within institutional constraints.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the UNESCO Careers website (https://careers.unesco.org/). Ensure you navigate to the specific job posting.

• Prepare a Detailed Approach and Methodology: Clearly outline your proposed strategy for completing the design tasks, including a work plan with timelines and key milestones for each deliverable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant design samples (graphic design, video, infographics) and ensure they are easily accessible (e.g., via a website link or well-organized PDFs). Be prepared to present two specific pieces during the application process.

• Quantify Achievements in your CV: Highlight your 7+ years of experience with specific achievements, focusing on projects involving complex publications, video production, and data visualization.

• Propose Your Monthly Fee: Clearly state your proposed monthly fee in EUR, ensuring it reflects your experience and the scope of the role, and is competitive for consultant roles in Italy/Europe.

• Research UNESCO's Work: Familiarize yourself with UNESCO's mission, values, and specifically the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) and its recent reports to understand their communication objectives.

⚠️ 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.