Branding and Design Specialist

Result of ServiceThe consultant will deliver a refined and modernized UN-REDD brand and digital communications presence that significantly elevates the programme’s global visibility, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence. The outputs will contribute to improved consistency, clarity, and appeal of the UN-REDD brand; increased reach and impact of multimedia content and knowledge products; and enhanced capacity of internal teams to maintain and evolve the brand in the long term. Work LocationHomebased Expected duration7 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) is the UN knowledge and advisory platform on the forest solutions to the climate crisis. UN-REDD was launched in 2008 and builds on the convening capacity and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This consultancy position will develop and execute digital engagement and branding strategies that will enhance the visibility and uptake of technical assistance and regional activities of the UN-REDD Programme. Under the guidance of the UN-REDD Communications Officer, the consultant will undertake the following activities and outputs: 1. Lead the strategic branding and further identity development of UN-REDD • Lead the continuous update of UN-REDD’s visual identity, initiating a rebranding process that unifies and elevates brand expression. • Develop a comprehensive and practical brand guide covering logo usage, visual identity elements, and design principles. • Refine key brand messaging frameworks that support UN-REDD’s advocacy goals and strategic positioning. 2. Develop and implement an enhanced digital engagement and online presence strategy • Design and implement a forward-looking digital content and engagement strategy incorporating visual storytelling, user-centric content, and interactive experiences. • Oversee the creative direction of UN-REDD’s website, improving layout, accessibility, and engagement through rich multimedia content. • Create compelling online narratives through a mix of text, infographics, animation, and short-form video. 3. Transform technical content into engaging multimedia products • Lead the ideation, scripting, production, and editing of high-quality multimedia stories (videos, podcasts, digital narratives) that humanize data and elevate real-world impact. • Supervise the production pipeline—from prototyping and testing to implementation and post-campaign analysis. • Ensure content is optimized for web, mobile, and social media platforms to maximize reach and retention. 4. Develop creative assets for events and campaigns • Design cohesive and visually impactful materials for global campaigns, events, and milestones. • Develop brand-aligned collateral such as presentation decks, flyers, exhibition visuals, banners, social media toolkits, and explainer visuals. 5. Lead the production of flagship reports and associated products • Oversee the design and layout of key knowledge products, ensuring accessibility, storytelling value, and brand coherence: o UN-REDD Annual Report 2024 (June) o State of Finance for Nature Report 2025 (July) o Multiple Benefits of Forests Report 2025 (August) 6. Provide strategic advise on design and branding strategies. • Advise UN-REDD and UNEP teams on branding strategies, visual communications, and digital storytelling. • Facilitate internal training sessions on brand application, multimedia storytelling, and content best practices. • Monitor and report on progress, content performance, and opportunities for improvement. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in graphic design, visual communications, digital media, branding, marketing, or a related field is required. • A first-level university degree in the above-mentioned fields, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Experience: • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic branding, digital design, and multimedia production, with a strong portfolio of work related to environmental communication, is required. • Demonstrated experience in developing visual identities and branded content for international development, climate, or conservation-related initiatives is required. • Proven experience designing and communicating around forests, climate change, and REDD+ is essential. • Previous experience working with the UN is an asset. Skills: • Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects) and other professional design tools is required. • Strong command of visual storytelling, brand strategy, and campaign design for multiplatform delivery (web, social media, publications, events) is required. • Demonstrated ability to manage and publish content through Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal is required. • Proven ability to design engaging and accessible content for websites, knowledge products, and social media platforms is required. • Familiarity with social media strategy and asset creation tailored to Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube is required. • A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, knowledge of the United Nations system and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter is desirable. • Ability to identify priorities and to work under tight deadlines is desirable. Languages• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consulting position, fluency in oral and written English is required. • Knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.