Current vacancies

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Results 

UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to ensure that all of our children survive, thrive and fulfill their vast potential.

In a world that is rapidly changing, children are faced with complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities. UNICEF’s programs are designed to reach and benefit all children so that they can withstand these challenges, leverage these opportunities and be the drivers of their own destiny.

UNICEF is committed to creating a country in which every child is free to learn, play and grow. Our programs work towards providing all children in Sri Lanka with shelter, nutrition, protection and education, wherever they may be. We strive to create communities in which children can live with dignity and hope, free from discrimination, violence and fear.

We make every effort to create and maintain environments that will enable and empower children to be the very best that they can be.

In this way, all children will not only benefit from economic and social growth but will become the driving force behind sustainable national development.

For over 50 years, with the help of our vast network of partners, UNICEF has made significant strides in raising health, education and protection standards for children in Sri Lanka. From achieving Universal Child Immunization (1989) to establishing The National Child Protection Authority (1998) to providing decades of crucial relief in the wake of devastating conflict and natural disaster, UNICEF has played a pivotal role in creating an environment in which children have the best chance to survive and thrive.

Yet, many challenges still exist, especially for the most vulnerable. Some national and regional bodies require resources and reinvigoration. Individuals and institutions need to be strengthened, coordinated and aligned with global standards so that children enjoy support in their schools, communities and homes to help them overcome challenges and unleash their full potential into the world.

Due to our long-standing reputation as an experienced, neutral and collaborative partner, UNICEF is ideally suited to drive these efforts. Our history of success in Sri Lanka is built on our ability to tap into a wide network of national and international partners which, in turn, is bolstered by our own far-reaching presence in the field. In working closely with these government, non-government and private entities, UNICEF takes a leadership role, drawing on our technical expertise to accurately assess existing challenges and develop, execute and coordinate solutions that are relevant and scalable on the ground.  For more information about UNICEF Sri Lanka and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/srilanka

How can you make a difference? 

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE.

UNICEF Sri Lanka would like to engage the services of professional graphic/layout designers to be available in short notice to assist with creating communication materials. Selected candidates to be placed in a roster for 12 months.

METHODOLOGY AND TECHNICAL APPROACH.

Each section in UNICEF, both for its own programme deliverables and for cross sectorial areas, define a need to engage the services of professional graphic/layout designers. The specificities of each service will be established on case-by-case basis as per needs identified and by the section that will require the service.

ACTIVITIES AND TASKS.

 

Background UNICEF Sri Lanka Office (SLCO) is seeking the services of committed professionals to render the services for Graphic /layout designing to SLCO at short notice. UNICEF publications and documents must meet a high-quality standard with respect to their content, style and quality of translations. In order to meet these standards, SLCO intends to set up a roster arrangement where each section in UNICEF, both for its own programme deliverables and for cross sectorial areas, define a need for the service of Graphic /layout designing for several UNICEF products. The specificities of each service will be established on case-by-case basis as per needs identified and by the section that will require the service.

 

Scope of Work:

• Conceptualize the layouts, design ideas and provide UNICEF with alternative proposals with different concepts and designs for communication materials, technical documents or resources

• Based on the chosen option, planning of content, structure and agreed timelines with UNICEF and partners

• Sourcing of photography together with the UNICEF team

• Infographic, illustrations and data visualization production

• Producing a draft design and layout for UNICEF and partner approvals (if required), this may require several rounds of amendments.

• Producing a finalise draft for proofreading within agreed timelines.

• Upon receiving proof checked translations of the content, creating language adaptations for other languages (English/Sinhala/Tamil)

• Based on final comments, provide a finalised print ready artwork and a web friendly version within the given timeline.

• Provide designer files on a CD or any other relevant modality

• Follow the UNICEF Branding Manual, guidelines and rules related to the branding requirements for the UNICEF logo design liaising with the relevant UNICEF section.

• Coordinate the finalised artwork with UNICEF selected printing company from design to pre-press and print production stages based on the specifications required by UNICEF

 

Tasks expected from a GRAHPIC DESIGNER:

• Design comprehensive layouts for reports, policy briefs, brochures, and other publications with a strong focus on child rights.

• Develop social media-friendly graphics such as shareable images, infographics, animated GIFs, or quote cards for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

• Work on key advocacy campaigns of UNICEF as required which include banners, campaign toolkits, posters, and social media graphics.

• Develop branding and visual materials for UNICEF conferences, workshops, and events (e.g., banners, easy pull banners, stage backdrops, and event programs).

  

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENTS.

Payments will be processed upon acceptance of the corresponding deliverable and against an invoice that will reference the contract and name of requested work. Payments will be approved by the respective section chief.

 

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION.

The reporting requirements, if any, to be established on case-by-case basis.

** The service is used upon request / needs basis.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

University degree in a designing field or the related technical field  Or 4 years of additional relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree

 At least 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in graphic designing, or related field for both print and digital platforms.

Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines,

Knowledge of common graphic designing, desktop publishing software computer systems

Demonstrated experience with/or knowledge of UNICEF programme areas will be an added advantage

Prior collaboration experience with UNICEF and other UN Agencies will be an asset

Understanding of the cultural context and basic comprehension of human rights /child rights issues is expected

Experience in handling print production is an added advantage

Strong knowledge of layout design, typography, and colour theory

Ability to follow and maintain brand guidelines

Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Ability to take feedback constructively and refine designs accordingly

Knowledge of pre-press requirements and experience preparing files for print production

Proficient in English and Sinhala/ Tamil as required.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA.

The selection of the consultants will be based on a “best value for money” principle.  Interested candidates should, in addition to submitting their CV and cover letter, submit the following information:

• indicate their preference of the pool they wish to be added (Sinhala, English or Tamil)
• Indicate their all-inclusive fees (including travel, subsistence costs, etc.) for the services to be provided as per specificities in the remarks below. 
• Sample of previous work

The office shall select the individuals to be added to the pool/s, based on a best value for money assessment.  The technical evaluation criteria are stipulated below.

                                                                                       

Evaluation Criteria

REMARKS.

The financial proposal should cover the following aspects:

	Deliverables	Cost per item
1	Reports, research papers,news letters, layout at formatting
1.1	Cover page design
1.2	Inner page design
1.3	Graphic creation (per item)
1.4	Graphs creation (per item)
1.5	Tabel creation (per item)
1.6	Tabel of content creation (per item)
2	Communication materials design
2.1	Poster creation
2.2	Flyer creation
2.3	Brochure creation (per page)
2.4	Leaflet creation (per page)
2.5	Business card
2.6	Signage creation
	T-shirts creation
3	Illustrations
3.1	Vector graphics
3.2	Infographics
3.3	Hand drawn sketches
3.4	Hand drawn paintings
4	Typesetting
4.1	English
4.2	Sinhala
4.3	Tamil

 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

 

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.