Designer

About the job

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. UNIDIR’s vision is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. UNIDIR’s role is to support Member States, the United Nations, and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. The Institute is based in the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

UNIDIR is looking to recruit designers who will be engaged on a retainer basis to provide design support to programmes and projects, as required.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the requesting UNIDIR programme, the Individual Contractor shall perform the following tasks:

• Support the production of UNIDIR publications and other design materials in 2026 (up to a maximum of 2016 hours).
• Assist the team with the layout and design of publication and other design materials in line with UNIDIR’s Branding Guidelines.
• Ensure that designs and recommendations from stakeholders are included into the overall products; finalizing digital and print-ready files.
• Provide final project files with associated assets (e.g. InDesign package).
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Qualifications and experience

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, design, journalism or a related field.

Experience

At least 5 years of proven professional experience in design or visual communications. Experience working for an international non-profit agency or organization is desirable.

Language

Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by an interview.

Travel

There is no travel requirement.

Payment terms

Upon submission of monthly invoices indicating 1. UNIDIR programme/ core activity for which work was performed; 2. Exact title or description of work; 3. Number of hours spent on each individual work assignment.

Copyright

The UN shall be entitled to all intellectual property and other proprietary rights including, but not limited to: patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to products, processes, inventions, ideas, know-how, or documents and other materials which the Contractor has developed for the UN under the Contract – and which bear a direct relation to or are produced or prepared or collected in consequence of, or during the course of, the performance of the Contract.

The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that such products, documents and other materials constitute works made for hire for the UN. However, to the extent that any such intellectual property or other proprietary rights consist of any intellectual property or other proprietary rights of the Contractor: (a) that pre-existed the performance by the Contractor of its obligations under the Contract, or (b) that the Contractor may develop or acquire, or may have developed or acquired, independently of the performance of its obligations under the Contract, the UN does not and shall not claim any ownership interest thereto, and the Contractor grants to the UN a perpetual license to use such intellectual property or other proprietary right solely for the purposes of and in accordance with the requirements of the Contract.

At the request of the UN, the Contractor shall take all necessary steps, execute all necessary documents and generally assist in securing such proprietary rights and transferring or licensing them to the UN in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law and of the Contract. Subject to the foregoing provisions, all maps, drawings, photographs, mosaics, plans, reports, estimates, recommendations, documents and all other data compiled by or received by the Contractor under the Contract shall be the property of the UN, shall be made available for use or inspection by the UN at reasonable times and in reasonable places, shall be treated as confidential, and shall be delivered only to UN authorized officials on completion of work under the Contract.

How to apply

To apply for the Individual Contractor role, candidates should submit:

• Cover letter (with the per hour rate)
• PDF of a UN Administrative Profile created via Inspira (guide)
• At least two samples of design work
• Name and contact details of three references

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Designer” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 4 February 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Please note that incomplete or late applications will be automatically disregarded. Also, please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you move forward in the process, you may be contacted for further assessment.

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.