ICT Specialist (UI/UX Designer) - Retainer

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Global Portfolios Office (GPO), New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement defined activities in support of The Development Coordination Office (DCO).

In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO assumed managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the collective ownership of the members of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). Under the UN development system reform, a reinvigorated RC system has been rolled out since 2019 and has created new frameworks, instruments, tools and platforms to support the RC system, and enhance accountability and transparency. UN Country Teams are now developing and implementing instruments at the core of the reform, such as the new generation Common Country Analysis (CCA) and Cooperation Framework. 

To improve development coordination, facilitate data harmonization and demonstrate the UNSDG’s contribution to Agenda 2030, DCO established the online UN INFO system. UN INFO digitizes a standard results framework based upon Cooperation Framework guidance with the ability to adapt to the unique context and user requirements of each UNCT. Accurate data management and analysis of information and data included in UN INFO, and other similar online platforms, is critical for accountability and transparency on the work and results of the UN development system and of the RC system.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

The Development Coordination Office (DCO) is committed to providing the Resident Coordinator System and the UN Sustainable Development Group with cutting-edge software platforms that facilitate efficient and effective development operations. Building upon an established foundation, DCO is now focused on enhancing, expanding, and evolving these platforms in-house. This approach allows for greater agility in responding to evolving policy and programming needs, ensuring alignment with the latest UN development reform mandates, including those related to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Within a team of front-end and back-end Developers and a lead Developer, the contractor is expected to provide design and UI expertise to enhance UNINFO unified look and feel, user-friendliness and experience, capture user stories and feedback, create ready-to-go analytics and reports, support the design of information products and online visualizations for diverse set of clients and end-users. The contractor will also support the communication aspects of the project.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

The ICT Specialist (UI/UX Designer) will be a key member of the development team, responsible for creating user-centered and visually appealing interfaces for our digital products and services. This includes:

• User Research: Conduct user research to understand user needs, behaviors, and preferences. This may involve user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and A/B testing.
• Information Architecture: Design clear and intuitive information architecture, navigation, and user flows for websites and applications.
• Wireframing and Prototyping: Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test design concepts.
• Front-end development: Implement basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to create interactive prototypes and design components.
• Visual Design: Develop high-fidelity visual designs, including typography, color palettes, imagery, and iconography, that align with brand guidelines and accessibility standards.
• Interaction Design: Design engaging and user-friendly interactions, micro-interactions, and animations to enhance the overall user experience.
• Usability Testing: Conduct usability testing throughout the design process to identify areas for improvement and ensure designs meet user needs.
• Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure designs are feasible and implemented effectively.
• Design Systems: Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and style guides to ensure consistency across all digital products.
• Stay Current: Keep abreast of the latest UI/UX design trends, tools, and technologies.

Other Duties

• Function as an active member of wider DCO development team, including regular knowledge interchange, joint events etc.
• Perform light design duties on some of UNDCO data products as assigned

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or a related field with five (5) years of relevant experience is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) preferably in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or a related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Usability Analyst) are a plus.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in UI/UX Design.
• Experience in user-centered design solutions for web and/or mobile applications is required.
• Experience in industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar is required.
• Experience conducting user research and incorporating findings into the design process is required.

• Experience creating interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or InVision is desirable.
• Experience in visual design with an understanding of typography, color theory, and layout principles is desirable.
• Knowledge of interaction design principles and best practices is desirable.
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment is desirable.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies is a plus.
• Experience working on complex design projects that involve branding and UI guidance for front-end development is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in web development projects in a consulting or professional services environment, working with cross-functional teams is desirable.
• Experience of developing web applications in other programming languages would be beneficial. 
• Experience with collaborative platforms such as Jira, Gitlab or Mattermost is desirable.
• Some experience working with the public or not-for-profit sector would be an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of any of the other UN official languages will be considered as an advantage

Others:

• The Candidate must have access to a computer with MAC OS X or Linux based environment for running the necessary development tools, as this will not be provided by UNOPS. 
• Although the position is expected to be fully remote, the incumbent will be expected to be available during New York business hours for stakeholder collaboration and participation in a few weekly meetings.

• The Candidate must have access to a computer with MAC OS X or Linux based environment for running the necessary development tools, as this will not be provided by UNOPS. 
• Although the position is expected to be fully remote, the incumbent will be expected to be available during New York business hours for stakeholder collaboration and participation in a few weekly meetings.
• Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA 2, depending on the incumbent's personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit in duty station), a local fee scale (LICA-10) might be applied in determining the contractor's fee.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.