CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

We're looking for a Web Designer, who is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing CIMMYT's web presence to ensure a user-centered, accessible, visually engaging, and high-performing digital experience. The role supports organizational objectives by strengthening CIMMYT's digital brand, improving user engagement, and amplifying the visibility and impact of research, innovation, and development outcomes.

Requirements

Website Strategy and Planning

Support the implementation of CIMMYT's web strategy in alignment with institutional communications objectives and the CIMMYT 2030 Strategy.

Recommend improvements to website architecture, navigation, and user journeys.

Identify opportunities to enhance website effectiveness, engagement, and visibility across target audiences.

Contribute to digital communication campaigns through dedicated web experiences and landing pages.

Website Design and User Experience (UX)

Create visually engaging and user-centered website layouts and page designs.

Develop wireframes, prototypes, mockups, and user flows for new web features and sections.

Ensure consistent application of CIMMYT's brand identity across all web properties.

Apply accessibility and responsive design principles to ensure optimal experiences across devices and audiences.

Continuously improve website usability through testing and user feedback.

Website Development and Content Publishing

Create, update, and maintain webpages using the organization's Content Management System (CMS).

Ensure all content is properly formatted, optimized, and published according to institutional standards.

Implement page templates, content structures, and design elements.

Coordinate website updates and content migrations.

Troubleshoot website content and layout issues.

Digital Content Experience

Collaborate with content creators, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and communication specialists.

Design and develop campaign landing pages, microsites, and event pages.

Optimize visual and multimedia assets for web performance.

Ensure content presentation supports audience engagement and conversion objectives.

Web Analytics and Performance Optimization

Monitor website performance through analytics and reporting tools.

Analyze user behavior, traffic patterns, and engagement metrics.

Produce regular performance reports and recommendations.

Support A/B testing initiatives to improve website effectiveness.

Identify opportunities to increase user retention and engagement.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Implement on-page SEO best practices.

Optimize website structure, metadata, and content for search engines.

Conduct periodic SEO audits and performance reviews.

Support efforts to improve website visibility and organic search rankings.

Monitor and report on SEO performance indicators.

Accessibility and Quality Assurance

Ensure websites comply with accessibility standards and best practices.

Conduct quality assurance reviews before publishing new content and functionality.

Test website performance across browsers, devices, and screen sizes.

Identify and resolve issues affecting usability, accessibility, and performance.

Stakeholder Support and Coordination

Provide web design and publishing support to regional and program teams.

Advise internal stakeholders on web best practices and digital user experience.

Coordinate with technical teams and external vendors when required.

Facilitate implementation of digital projects within agreed timelines.

Administration and Documentation

Manage multiple web development and maintenance activities simultaneously.

Maintain documentation of templates, workflows, style guides, and web standards.

Ensure effective organization of design assets and website resources.

Adhere to CIMMYT policies, procedures, values, and brand guidelines.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Identify digital experience challenges and recommend practical solutions.

Apply professional judgment in web design, usability, accessibility, and content presentation.

Balance user needs, organizational objectives, and technical constraints.

Recommend improvements based on analytics, testing, and stakeholder feedback.

Exercise discretion within established communications and brand guidelines.

Education

Bachelor's degree in one of the following areas: Web Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Computer Science, Communications with Digital Design specialization, Information Technology or related discipline

Professional Experience

Minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience in: Website design and management, User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, Content management systems (CMS), Front-end web development, Digital communications and web optimization.

Technical Knowledge

Essential Knowledge: User-centered design principles, Information architecture, Responsive design, Accessibility standards (WCAG), SEO best practices, Website performance optimization, Web analytics and reporting, Digital branding and visual identity systems.

Software and Platforms

Proficiency in:

WordPress, Drupal, or similar CMS platforms

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD)

Figma or equivalent UX/UI tools

Google Analytics

Google Search Console

Microsoft Office Suite

HTML and CSS (working knowledge)

Desirable

Knowledge of JavaScript and front-end frameworks

Experience with A/B testing tools

Experience managing multilingual websites

Experience working in international organizations or NGOs

Language Requirements

Required: English and Spanish

Benefits

This position is a contractor role.