Job Description
Position Title: Graphic Designer/Illustrator
Duty Station: Bishkek/Osh (online)
Type of Appointment: Consultancy
Duration of Consultancy: August 2026 - March 2027
Closing Date: 23 August 2026, 11:59 PM Bishkek time
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Project Context and Scope
Central Asia Safe Migration’ project aims to reduce migrants’ vulnerability to exploitation, recruitment fraud, and unsafe migration, while supporting sustainable reintegration for returning migrants across Central Asia. It adopts a comprehensive, rights-based approach across the migration cycle, working with governments, service providers, and stakeholders. The project aims to address the challenges faced by nationals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan engaged in labour migration to the United Kingdom under the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS). These include migrant workers preparing to travel under the SWS, migrants currently engaged in seasonal work, and returning migrants receiving reintegration support. Project beneficiaries will gain improved access to accurate, timely, and gender-sensitive information on safe migration, recruitment practices, rights and obligations, and available support services. Returning migrants will additionally benefit from financial literacy training, business development support, and small grants to support sustainable livelihoods.
Nature of Consultancy
Under this ToR, the Graphic Designer/Illustrator is expected to work under the direct supervision of the Media and Communications Specialist, closely collaborate with Kyrgyzstan project team, and other relevant stakeholders from government partners.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The Consultant will support IOM’s programmatic activities in Kyrgyzstan within the framework of ‘Central Asia Safe Migration’ project, KG10P0556.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
- In close cooperation with IOM, the Graphic Designer/Illustrator shall develop original custom illustrations to support the project’s communication and awareness-raising activities. Illustrations shall focus on the project’s core thematic areas, including but not limited to SWS programme updates, prevention of recruitment fraud during employment, tax refund, safe migration practices, and etc. Each thematic package should include a distinctive visual identity and original graphic elements.
- Design original, visually engaging illustrations consistent with the IOM Branding Guidelines. The illustrations should be designed for use across multiple communication platforms, including social media posts, printed materials, presentations, reports, and other project outputs. The use of generic stock illustrations or AI-generated graphics without substantial customization is not acceptable unless prior approval from the IOM team is obtained.
- Develop high-quality and engaging visual assets for social media platforms and ensure their adaptation to reflect the cultural and national identities of Central Asian countries.
- Develop print-ready layouts for leaflets and other awareness-raising materials covering the project’s thematic areas, ensuring compliance with professional printing requirements.
- Provide additional graphic design services, including the development or adaptation of communication materials, as requested by IOM throughout the duration of the contract, provided such tasks remain within the scope of the consultancy.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The Consultant shall deliver the following outputs during the contract period:
- Original social media communication materials (static posts, carousel posts, infographics and other digital assets) in the quantity of 80 designs;
- Adaptation of all approved social media materials into Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek language versions (4 language adaptations);
- Print-ready leaflet designs in the quantity of 5 leaflets;
- Adaptation of each leaflet into Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek language versions (4 language adaptations);
- Original vector illustration package covering the approved thematic areas in the quantity of 20 custom vector illustrations;
- Additional graphic design materials, as requested by IOM Kyrgyzstan and agreed within the scope of this consultancy.
All designs shall be delivered in editable source formats (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign or Figma), together with high-resolution files for digital use (PNG/JPG) and print-ready PDF files, where applicable.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Communications, or another related field;
- At least three (3) years of experience in designing communication materials for social media and print;
- Proven practical experience in designing communication materials for information campaigns;
- Experience in developing original vector illustrations and visual concepts;
- Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or development partners is considered an advantage;
- Experience in designing awareness-raising communications materials is an asset;
- Demonstrated ability to create culturally appropriate visual materials for diverse audiences in Central Asia;
- Proven communication skills, with a strong command of Russian and Kyrgyz language; knowledge of English is an asset. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop);
- Experience with Figma or other collaborative design platforms is an advantage;
- Strong illustration and vector design skills;
- Knowledge of typography, layout design, and visual storytelling;
- Ability to prepare print-ready artwork and digital assets;
- Ability to adapt designs for multilingual content while maintaining visual quality and consistency.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, 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.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
