START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to achieve this vision by making systemic-level shifts in the way humanitarian assistance is approached and delivered. To achieve this, we need a substantial change to the current structure evolving from the centralised structure of today to a dispersed, international network of hubs operating nationally and regionally. Our aims are to see:

LOCALLY-LED ACTION: We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises.

EARLY AND RAPID FINANCING: Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives.

COLLECTIVE INNOVATION: New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively, we can share expertise, insights, and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

We are evolving into a decentralised “network of networks” in line with our vision. We are currently working with five national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations in Pakistan, DRC, Guatemala, India, and the Pacific. They are developing locally owned ways of anticipating and responding to humanitarian crises. We aim to support the emergence and development of further hubs in the coming years.

Our ultimate ambition is to devolve leadership and decision making to the hubs, while the central team transitions to become a service provider.

For more information about our values and strategic priorities, please visit our website.

JOB PURPOSE

The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating visual communications across Start Network’s social media, website and marketing materials. The post-holder will possess excellent technical skills across a number of common applications including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. In addition, they must be effective at time management, working to deadlines and possess good communication skills to ensure effective collaboration with colleagues, members and external stakeholders based globally across different time zones.

Situated within the Communications team, the Graphic Designer will have the ability to work with a number of teams to create visually engaging designs for branded reports, social media campaigns and event marketing materials. Using Start Network brand guidelines, they will be a creative designer with the ability to produce innovative designs to complement complex policy briefs that make technical ideas accessible and drive engagement.

The post-holder will report into the Digital Manager but will collaborate extensively with other teams. They will have demonstrable experience in designing visual materials, preferably within a charity or NGO environment.

Video editing, animation and photography skills desirable but not a requirement.

Occasional travel may be required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Content creation

• Conceptualise and design engaging visual content for digital and print media that

communicates with global and multilingual audiences including; social media materials, event posters, publications, illustrations, policy briefs, infographics, factsheets, manuals, promotional materials

• Create and update company templates for internal and external resources

• Review and edit content created by external providers or from other teams internally to ensure brand compliance

• Develop concepts, graphics and layouts, including making decisions about fonts, images, readability and accessibility

• Work with Communications and Digital Officers to evaluate engagement with different types of content created across different media platforms

• Stay up to date with visual and design trends to ensure Start Network remains relevant to target audiences.

2. Brand development

• Develop and implement strategies to ensure consistent application of Start Network's visual identity

• Develop, maintain and adapt visual guidelines and templates for all outputs (graphics, multimedia, data visualisation, maps etc) ensuring they represent the organisation and align with Start Network’s strategic goals.

• Contribute to the creation of brand guidelines and design standards

• Responsible for managing the ongoing relationship with external suppliers, members and partners in developing marketing materials

3. Collaboration and adaptability

• Work with the Digital Officer and Manager, Advocacy Officer and Communications Officer to manage Start Network campaigns across the website and social media

• Support the communications around Start Network events, to ensure the correct use of brand and creation of event marketing materials

• Possess a flexible and adaptable attitude; able to work with shifting deadlines and changing priorities

• Work with internal teams to develop clear briefs, gather all necessary information to create compelling and creative outputs and manage deadlines and expectations.

• Keep collaborators up to date, listen to and act on feedback, whilst explaining the rationale behind graphic design decisions

Essential Skills and Experience

• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator, InDesign, Canva and/or other design programmes

• Experience of creating materials for digital and print media

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Adaptability, flexibility and patience, working as an empathetic team player

• Familiarity with different Content and Asset Management Systems e.g. Canto

• Good competency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

• Knowledge of different social media platforms

• Desirable: experience in editing video and animations e.g. After Effects

• Desirable: experience within the humanitarian charity sector