Background

NSDation is a research, evaluation, and learning organisation working in humanitarian, development, and conflict-affected contexts. The organisation produces high-quality analytical outputs, including evaluations, research reports, learning papers, and policy-oriented products, aimed at practitioners, donors, decision-makers, and researchers.

To ensure that its work is communicated with clarity, credibility, and professional quality, NSDation seeks to engage a Design & Communications Officer to lead the full design and visual production of research outputs, and to support dissemination, learning, and engagement activities.

2. Purpose of the Role

The purpose of this role is to ensure that NSDation’s research outputs are professionally designed, visually coherent, accessible, and ready for effective dissemination and use.

This is a design-led role, where the full design of research outputs is the core responsibility.

Communications, website management, events support, and translation tasks are supporting functions that serve research dissemination, learning, and uptake.

3. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

1. Research Outputs Design

• Lead the full design and production of NSDation’s research and evaluation outputs, including reports, policy briefs, infographics, and presentation materials.

• Translate complex analytical content into clear, professional visual formats while maintaining analytical accuracy and depth.

• Prepare outputs for print, digital dissemination, and online publication.

2. Visual Identity and Quality Assurance

• Ensure consistency in layout, typography, and visual standards across all NSDation outputs.

• Apply quality control to ensure outputs meet professional research, donor, and client presentation standards.

3. Digital Communications & Knowledge Dissemination

• Manage and update NSDation’s digital channels, including the website, LinkedIn, and other agreed platforms.

• Publish research outputs, news, events, organisational updates, and newsletters in a timely and coherent manner.

• Adapt research outputs into concise visual materials to support dissemination and engagement.

4. Translation and Bilingual Accessibility

• Provide English–Arabic translation support for short research summaries, website content, newsletters, and dissemination materials.

• Ensure professional tone and accuracy in bilingual materials and flag content requiring specialised translation.

5. Learning Events & Engagement Support

• Support the preparation and delivery of NSDation learning and dissemination events, including webinars, briefings, and workshops.

• Prepare event-related materials such as invitations, agendas, presentation slides, and visual summaries, and provide basic support for online platforms (e.g. Zoom), as required.

6. Editorial & Content Quality Support

• Provide light editorial support to improve clarity, structure, and consistency of research outputs and dissemination materials, in close coordination with researchers.

• Flag inconsistencies in terminology, formatting, or presentation, without altering analytical content.

7. Accessibility & Inclusive Presentation

• Apply basic accessibility principles in the design of research outputs and digital materials, including readability, contrast, and logical structure.

• Support inclusive presentation of content suitable for diverse professional and humanitarian audiences.

8. Knowledge Assets & Network Support

• Maintain an organised archive of final designed outputs and visual assets.

• Support the upkeep of mailing lists and professional contact lists used for research dissemination.

4. Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

4.1 Education and Experience

• BS in graphic design, visual communication, information design, multimedia, or a related field.

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in graphic and information design, with demonstrated experience designing research, analytical, or policy-oriented outputs.

• Experience working with research, evaluation, humanitarian, development, or policy-focused organisations is strongly desirable.

4.2 Technical Design Skills

• Advanced proficiency in professional design software, particularly Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Strong understanding of information hierarchy, data visualisation, and analytical layout.

• Ability to manage complex design files, templates, and multiple outputs under tight deadlines.

Applications that do not demonstrate advanced technical design proficiency will not be considered.

4.3 Language Skills

• English: Full professional proficiency (required).

• Arabic: Full professional proficiency (required).

5. Core Competencies

• Advanced visual and information design judgement

• High attention to detail and technical precision

• Ability to work with complex and sensitive analytical content

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Professional integrity, discretion, and confidentiality

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment

6. Reporting and Coordination

The Design & Communications Officer will report directly to the Director / Research Lead and work closely with researchers, analysts, and project leads to ensure alignment between research timelines and design and dissemination outputs.

7. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

All materials produced under this TOR are the property of NSDation. The post holder must adhere to confidentiality, data protection, and ethical standards applicable to research, evaluation, and humanitarian work.

Interested candidates are invited to apply by email:

Applications should include:

• A CV

• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role.

• A portfolio or relevant samples of work, demonstrating experience in designing research reports, analytical outputs, or similar materials.