[Hiring] National TLM Designer/Illustrator @AGORA

Role Description

The purpose of this assignment is to engage a qualified Designer/Illustrator to support the development and finalization of competency-based Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) in Mathematics and Tajik Language for Grades 7 and 8. This work is undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNICEF within the framework of the Education Reform Project (TJK1043 — Phase II). The assignment aims to ensure that all visual elements of the TLMs effectively enhance comprehension, engagement, and alignment with competency-based education principles.

Qualifications

• University degree (bachelors) in Science Education, or a closely related field.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the design of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs).
• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience designing integrated TLM packages at the primary and secondary levels.
• Proven experience designing and managing school-based pilots of learning materials.
• Extended experience with designing TLM with the MOES and familiarity with the existing design and structural policies.
• Prior experience with USAID, UNICEF, UNESCO, or other UN agencies, and major education donors (e.g., IsDB, GPE, FCDO, EU, World Bank) is an asset.
• Strong expertise in designing and laying out TLMs (textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides).
• Ability to develop and apply cohesive design systems ensuring consistency, usability, and pedagogical alignment.
• Advanced design skills (layout, visual hierarchy, typography, content flow).
• Experience creating inclusive, gender-responsive, and culturally appropriate visuals.
• Ability to translate complex curriculum content into clear, engaging visuals (illustrations, infos, diagrams).
• Understanding of competency-based education (CBE) and its application in design.
• Experience designing child-friendly, age-appropriate materials that enhance engagement.
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and preparing print-ready files.
• Experience applying templates, style guides, and design systems at scale.
• Strong collaboration with curriculum developers, subject experts, and editors.
• High attention to detail, including quality, copyright, and accessibility standards.
• Ability to manage iterations, incorporate feedback, and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated familiarity with international competency-based curriculum frameworks (UNESCO CBE guidance, OECD Learning Compass and equivalent) is required.
• Proficiency in Russian is required; knowledge of Tajik and English is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of Tajik is a strong asset, given the intensive collaboration with national expert group teams.
• Where the Consultant is not proficient in Tajik, the Consultant shall demonstrate a credible plan for working effectively with Tajik-language editors and reviewers.

Desirables

• Extensive experience designing Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) for the Ministry of Education and Science (MOES).
• Familiarity with the education design context in Tajikistan and/or Central Asia.
• Experience developing design guidelines or style guides for national-level materials.
• Exposure to accessibility standards and inclusive design practices in education materials.

Benefits

• UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it.
• UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does.
• UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence.
• We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV).
• Cover letter.
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template).
• A detailed technical proposal: A maximum 5-page technical proposal, articulating the proposed approach to:
  • Design Concept
  • Interactive review architecture
  • Grade 8 of textbook pilot design.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes. All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.