Background

Project Description:
The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, adopted in 2012, mandates the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) to manage electoral processes in the country. Thus, in line with its Democratic Governance mandate, the United Nations (UN) established the UN Integrated Electoral Support Group (IESG) to support the NIEC in implementing its constitutional mandate. The UN IESG consists of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and UNDP staff under the leadership of a Director. It works closely with the NIEC to provide technical assistance required to facilitate universal elections envisaged to be held in 2020.

The management and administration of the registration processes requires the development of a voter registration manual with illustrations. The manual would be used primarily by electoral officials as a guide to the process. It will also be used to train staff and to inform observers, political parties and their agents, the media and the general public. To ensure the above, UNDP under the auspices of the UN IESG and, in support of NIEC’s constitutional mandate, requires services of a Graphic Designer to design, illustrate and layout the Voter Registration manual, a Training Guide, and Training posters derived from the manual, and Frequently Asked Questions on the voter registration process.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will undertake the following tasks under the direct supervision of the UN IESG’s Senior Electoral Officer:

1. Conceptualize, design, format and layout Voter Registration manual, and Training Guide
2. Prepare illustrations to illustrate the voter registration process.
3. Prepare material for print production, ensuring quality control.
4. Develop any other graphic design or illustration work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Expected:

Competencies

Functional competencies:

• Ability to conceptualize, plan and execute innovative ideas
• High proficiency in computer literacy, graphics and use of internet
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.

Core Competencies:

• Client Oriented, i.e., ability to see things from clients’ perspective and keep them informed of progress or setbacks in projects to ensure timely service delivery.
• Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills including ability to convey complex information and concepts and, writing in a clear, concise style that can be readily understood by all stakeholders.
• Team-work: Ability to work collaboratively with the IESG and NIEC to achieve the desired goal consistent with final group decision.
• Planning and organizational skills: Ability to set clear goals in accordance with agreed strategies and adjust priorities as required. It includes ability to factor in contingency planning to allow for adjustment of plans and actions as required whilst using time efficiently to ensure deadlines are met even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, illustration, multimedia visual arts, or in the areas of communication.
• Two additional years of relevant experience in combination with a Higher National Diploma in any one of the above fields of study will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Professional Experience:

• At least 4-6 years of relevant hands-on work experience in graphic design.
• Excellent creative skills and demonstrated advanced command over a full range of graphic design software including Adobe Creative Suite/CC such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and after effects.
• Knowledge of standard software packages including MS Office, MS Access, MS Visio, Adobe Acrobatic
• Proven experience in brand development and brand portfolio design
• Proven experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes (offset and digital).
• Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms.
• Proven experience in designing publications
• Previous experience with UN and/or international agencies on similar assignments preferably in the areas of democratic governance and development is desirable.

Language

• Excellent command of the English language (fluent written and spoken English)
• Working knowledge of Somali and/or Arabic languages is an added advantage