Graphic Designer/Visual Communication Specialist

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

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.

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

• 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.

Other assets

• 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.
• 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.
• 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