Organizational Context

In March 2022, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All) with the ambitious aim to create a world where every person, everywhere in the world has access to a life-saving early warning system. At COP27, an Executive Action Plan was presented to guide the implementation of the initiative. It underlines the importance of partnerships and inclusive multistakeholder engagement as critical cross cutting enablers for successful implementation of the initiative and commits to the organization of annual Multi-Stakeholder Fora (MSF).

Five regional EW4All MSF were organized in 2024 and early 2025, and the outcomes of those discussions have helped shape the discussions the first Global EW4All MSF, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 2-3 June 2025. This conference will bring together global, regional, national and local actors to promote peer-to-peer and cross-regional learning, share good practices and experiences, build new partnerships and identify ways to close remaining gaps on early warnings.

The Global EW4All MSF consists of six thematic sessions in the margins of the 8th Global Platform for DRR. It is guided by the following principles: coherence with global agendas; multi-stakeholder approach; focus on those most at risk and ensuring that no one is left behind; interactive, innovative, scientific-based and impact-focused; inclusion and accessibility; gender equality and the promotion of women’s agency and leadership; green and paper smart; and risk-conscious.

Job Purpose

The EW4All MSF conference organizers are looking for two conference Graphic Recorder / Visual Note-Taker, to capture and visually represent the key points, discussions, and themes of the eight sessions of the MSF conference (each applicant to apply for 4 sessions). Applications are individual.

The Graphic Recorder will be asked to use artistic skills to transform verbal information into visual formats, such as illustrations, infographics, and mind maps, making complex ideas more accessible and engaging.

This live note-taking process will be conducted in-person in the conference venue, to allow participants to have visual references to enhance group insights and understanding.

The audience for these visual artifacts will be: the participants to the EW4All MSF sessions; the participants to the GPDRR sessions on 4-6 June (the visual artifacts will be exposed at the conference venue after the end of the EW4All MSF); and online viewers via institutional social media channels.

The Risk-informed Early Action Partnership, hosted by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is the hiring lead for the purpose of this consultancy. The consultant will be contracted by the IFRC and the standard contractual terms will apply.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Pre-Conference Preparation: Participate in two one-hours introductory calls to discuss the objectives of the conference and of the graphic recording, understand the agenda and key topics. Suggest templates or initial sketches ahead of time.
• On-site live illustration: Work in real-time during 4 events (60- to 90-minute sessions) to create 4 illustrations (one per event) as discussions unfold, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Quickly and effectively distil spoken or written information into visual summaries, highlighting key concepts and connections. The three visuals from Day 1 are expected to be accessible by the start of Day 2.
• Post-Conference Deliverables: By end of Day 2, consultants are to provide the 4 visual notes on a moveable support (1 per session) for relocation to the GPDRR venue, for conference attendees to revisit during the GPDRR main events on 4-6 June.

Education

Required

• Background in Art or Design: Formal education or training in graphic design, illustration.

Preferred

• Other related field.

Experience

Required

• Prior experience in graphic recording or visual facilitation at international conferences or workshops.

Preferred

• Prior conference experience in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems and/or community-based participatory processes strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Artistic Ability: Strong drawing and illustration skills, with the ability to create clear and visually appealing graphics.
• Listening Skills: Exceptional ability to listen and comprehend spoken content quickly.
• Synthesis: Ability to distil complex information into simple, digestible visual formats.
• Communication: Effective communication skills to liaise with speakers and organizers.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust visual representation in real-time and respond to changes in discussions.

Preferred

• Comfortable working under pressure to produce real-time visual content. Travel to Geneva may be required, depending on the location of the applicant.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Application Instructions

• Please submit your application in English only.
• Please include the following in your application:
  • Cover Letter of no more than two pages, which includes
    • the overall expected remuneration in Swiss Francs (CHF), detailing daily rates for two days of graphic recording (2-3 June 2025), and, if relevant, travel and accommodation in Geneva (to be arranged and covered by the applicant as part of their quote).
    • an explanation as to how the applicant meets the experience requirements outlined in the position description.
    • online links to the applicant’s portfolio showcasing previous work in conference graphic recording / visual notetaking, illustrating the ability to capture and synthesize information effectively, and
    • the time requirements for different types of graphic recording outputs from their portfolio.
  • CV of no more than two pages (which includes the applicant’s contact information, city and country of residence).
  • Documentation of valid current health and travel insurance, if relevant (in English).
• Applications are not to include other supporting documents. Applications that exceed length limits will not be considered.