Graphic Designer/Visual Communication Specialist

Reference No.: 251007

Position Location: Remote

Coordinator: Senior Graphic Designer

Overview: This Scope of Work (SoW) outlines the Graphic Designer/Visual Communication Specialist consultancy with the Center for Operational Analysis and Research (COAR). The Graphic Designer/Visual Communication Specialist will provide surge capacity support and creative collaboration to the organization’s design function. Working under the supervision of the Senior Graphic Designer, the Graphic Designer/Visual Communication Specialist will focus on production excellence, brand development support, and creative collaboration while maintaining a clear reporting hierarchy.

About COAR: COAR is an independent organization that supports humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development interventions in complex, fragile, and high-risk environments.

Objectives

• Production Support
  • Handle routine design work, quick-turn requests, and technical execution to relieve capacity constraints
• Creative Collaboration
  • Serve as brainstorming partner and contribute to brand development initiatives under senior design leadership

Deliverables

Primary Tasks (60-70% of time)

• Routine production work and file preparation
• Multi-page publication layout (reports, briefs, policy documents)
• Social media and website visuals
• Technical troubleshooting and formatting corrections
• Repetitive template-based work within established brand systems
• File preparation across multiple formats and specifications
• Quality control and technical verification

Strategic Support (30-40% of time)

• Brainstorming and creative exploration for brand development initiatives
• Supporting high-level brand decisions and guideline development
• Contributing to complex, high-stakes projects (e.g., visual identity work)
• Helping build and document design standards and capabilities
• Bringing contemporary design thinking while maintaining brand consistency

Qualifications and Experience

Experience

• 5-8 years professional design experience
• Background in international development, NGO, or humanitarian sector (understands context and stakeholders)
• Experience working under creative direction within a collaborative hierarchy
• Agency experience valued (comfortable with fast-paced, iterative work)
• Portfolio demonstrating both creative thinking and refined execution
• Experience developing brand systems (not just standalone assets)
• Proven success working remotely with distributed, international teams
• Ability to manage ambiguous requirements, shifting priorities, and multiple stakeholders with varying design literacy
• Comfortable working in deadline-driven environments and politically complex contexts

Technical Skills

Design Software

• Expert in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); proficient in Figma.
• Understanding of multiple file formats and production specifications.
• Motion graphics skills (Premiere Pro, After Effects) will be considered as an advantage.

Design Specializations

• Strong publication design (multi-page documents, information hierarchy)
• Data visualization and infographic design
• Brand guidelines and visual identity systems
• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG compliance)
• Experience implementing design systems and multilingual layouts.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

Working Style

• Team-oriented and comfortable in a supportive role.
• Collaborative rather than competitive; focused on team success over personal portfolio.
• Respects hierarchy and established decision-making processes.
• Process-driven and documentation-oriented, contributing to institutional learning.
• Self-motivated and autonomous, with sound judgment on when to seek input.

Communication

• Strong boundary management; able to maintain scope and say “no” professionally.
• Excellent written communication, including documentation and status reporting.
• Proactive problem-solver who identifies issues early and proposes solutions.
• Skilled at clarifying scope and structuring poorly defined requests.

Cultural & Creative Intelligence

• Culturally sensitive and aware of representation ethics and conflict-sensitive contexts.
• Detail-oriented with strong verification habits (e.g., geographically accurate visuals).
• Brings creative energy and contemporary sensibility to the team.
• Positive, enthusiastic collaborator who receives feedback constructively.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to remain steady in evolving organizational settings.

Regional Considerations

• Familiarity with MENA or Myanmar contexts is an asset, though not required.
• Experience with Middle East, North Africa, or conflict-affected regions is highly valued

How to apply

Applicants should submit their CV, Cover Letter and their portfolio to hr@coar-global.org quoting the name of the position and reference number in the subject line of the email. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Due to a high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be treated in strict confidentiality.