Communications Manager - Brand and Design (Data Visualization and Innovative Design Lead)

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.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) (https://www.unops.org/sustainable-development) 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 Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), Innovation Cell (IC) to implement project activities supporting the area of emerging technologies in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding.

Responding to the Secretary-General’s call for the United Nations to leverage emerging technologies and innovative practices, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) established an Innovation Cell in 2020. This team has been pivotal in leading experimentation and pilot projects, both at headquarters and within special political missions.The Innovation Cell has significantly advanced inclusivity in peace and political processes through AI-driven digital dialogues in countries such as Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Guinea, and Bolivia. Additionally, it has spearheaded the creation of an environmental database using open-source satellite data, fostering transboundary dialogues on climate change and its intersections with peace and security, while staying attuned to global technology trends and their strategic implications.

The Innovation Cell’s mandate includes developing a unified and impactful visual language and integrating design best practices to enhance DPPA’s innovation efforts. The role of the expert will be pivotal in designing a wide array of products, with a particular focus on those utilizing novel methods and emerging technologies in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. Responsibilities extend beyond design; they include facilitating brainstorming sessions and applying innovative design thinking practices. Additionally, this role involves building and nurturing partnerships with academic institutions, art schools, and other creative entities, such as speculative designers and immersive experience groups.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

The Innovation Cell seeks a versatile visual lead, who excels not only as a graphic designer but also as a storyteller, adept at shaping compelling narratives through innovative design formats. This individual will play a critical role in embedding ethos into the products piloted and developed by DPPA’s Innovation Cell, using visual design thinking as a fundamental tool. Additionally, the role involves leading design thinking sessions and facilitating innovation brainstorming, employing a range of design methodologies to inspire and guide the creative process.

We are particularly interested in candidates who bring experience or a keen interest in the work of the UN’s peace and security pillar. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of artistic skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the UN’s mission in peace and security, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to our innovative endeavors.

This position in UNOPS requires close coordination with DPPAIC. The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

1. Leading the design of a wide range of visual communication materials, both in digital and print formats.
2. Crafting compelling narratives through graphics, infographics, and multimedia content - particular focus on data visualization.
3. Ensuring that visual designs align with the ethos and strategic objectives of the DPPA’s Innovation Cell.

B. Visual Design Thinking and Concept Development:

1. Employing and overseeing the design thinking methodologies to conceptualize and develop innovative products and solutions.

2. Collaboratively coordinate, advise, mentor and coach the team to ideate, prototype, and refine design concepts.

3. Integrating user experience and interaction design principles into product development.

1. Leading the brainstorming and innovation sessions using design thinking techniques (such as at the annual E-Analytics Training)

2. Encouraging creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving within the team.

3. Leading in documenting and visually representing the outcomes of brainstorming sessions.

D. Project Management and Collaboration

1. Managing design projects from conception to delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.

2. Leading the team to collaborate with various stakeholders, including UN departments, external partners,and creative agencies.

3. Serving as the liaison between the Innovation Cell and external design communities, academia, and arts schools.

1. Staying abreast of the latest trends in data visualization, graphic design, design concepts relevant to technology and innovation for peace and security.

F. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Sharing best practices and knowledge in visual design and innovation methodologies.

These tasks blend creative design skills with strategic thinking and collaborative facilitation, ensuring the visual lead plays a pivotal role in advancing DPPA’s innovation objectives.   

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The results of the services provided will be measured through a performance evaluation report (PER) including the following;

• Timely delivery of visual products aligning with strategic objectives on innovation (such as data visualization, innovation products and visual narratives).

• Timely delivery of capacity building and user-design workshops, including for E-Analytics.

• Provision of documentation on design thinking for innovation, including user-experience for innovation product development.

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in design, arts or related areas.

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

Required:

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in design thinking, arts, creativity and/or innovation in the private sector or think tanks.

• Within the above seven years, at least two (2) years of design experience in the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations preferably working on peace and security issues.

Desired:

The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply.

• Knowledge of publicly available humanitarian, development, and political data sources is a plus.

• Capable of presenting to diverse audiences.

• Web development skills are advantageous.

• Adaptability and versatility

• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated approach

• Ability to excel in both start-up environments and large bureaucratic settings.

• Resilience in challenging political and organizational contexts.

• Proficiency in visual art and graphic design (including print, web, and motion design).

• Illustration/sketching skills.

• Deep understanding of human-centered design principles.

• Proven ability to transform complex information into clear and impactful visual products.

• Skill in selecting the most effective mediums for storytelling.

• Experience with data visualization.

Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. 

• Fluency in another UN language (read, write, speak) is an asset.

• 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:

• 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.