Associate Designer at International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Abuja (Hybrid)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is recruiting an Associate Designer in Abuja for its Airbel innovation lab. The hybrid position supports human-centred design work alongside people affected by humanitarian crises across West and Central Africa.

Role overview

Working closely with the Human Centered Design Lead, the Associate Designer will conduct research with communities and frontline service providers, translate findings into practical concepts, and test and improve prototypes in real settings.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and conduct field interviews, observations and other qualitative research with clients and frontline workers.
• Develop an understanding of local practices, unmet needs and existing community-led solutions through sustained field engagement.
• Translate research findings into early prototypes, test them with intended users and refine them in response to feedback.
• Document learning using clear research notes, visuals, journey maps and other useful formats.
• Work respectfully with country teams, technical specialists and frontline colleagues across different cultural and humanitarian contexts.
• Undertake field assignments across francophone West and Central Africa and other humanitarian locations as required.

Requirements and skills

• Experience conducting qualitative research, including design, UX, product, ethnographic, participatory or action research.
• Practical experience creating and testing a service, tool, pilot or prototype and adapting it based on user feedback.
• Examples of your thinking through a portfolio, case study, project write-up, research documentation or prototype photographs.
• Strong ethical research judgement, curiosity, observation and user-centred problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively at field sites for periods of up to two weeks.
• Working proficiency in French and English for research and team collaboration.
• Adaptability, cultural sensitivity and the ability to communicate insights clearly.

Experience in humanitarian, health or community settings and the ability to present findings visually are advantageous.

Employment conditions

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the position is based. The hybrid position is also open to eligible internal IRC candidates based in countries where the organisation operates. Successful applicants will receive local employment contracts under the applicable local salary scale.