Service Designer

Reboot is a social enterprise working to improve governance and international development. Around the world, we are pioneering new models of engagement between citizens and public institutions. We help governments, international donors, NGOs, and others to become more responsive to the communities they serve. In our work, we bring the power of great design to the challenges of our times. By aligning the resources of world-shaping institutions with the needs of the people they serve, we design and implement solutions to improve human development the world over.

We are seeking a seasoned, passionate Service Designer with international experience to help lead design and manage technical development on a range of projects, with an emphasis on open government, civic innovation, and ICT4D.

This role is for a creative, versatile technologist that finds beauty in designing simple, elegant solutions that don’t require smartphones or even network connectivity. With a significant portion of the work in low- and middle-income countries, experience designing and deploying technology solutions in resource-constrained contexts is highly preferred.

This role is based in New York, but requires travel up to 50 percent of the time. Applicants must be comfortable with extended travel to a range of international contexts.

Responsibilities:

Project Work:

• Guide the design and testing processes, from start to finish, for various client projects. Representative activities include:
  • Plan and facilitate project inception workshops.
  • Scope and plan project roadmaps for technical workstreams.
  • Conduct design research and institutional ethnography.
  • Design and lead user testing.
  • Support the development of implementation roadmaps.
  • Support the identification and acquisition of necessary expertise and/or resources to implement design solutions.
• Serve as technical project manager on a limited number of client engagements, and as technical advisor across a range of projects.
• Source and manage contractors and consultants, with a primary focus on web and software developers, and a potential to include researchers, field implementers, and other profiles.
• Provide robust documentation of all project processes, interim outputs, content, and deliverables.

Organizational:

• Lead the ongoing development and evolution of Reboot’s web presence, working with the Creative and Communications teams to evolve our organizational website.
• Train staff, contractors, and/or consultants on relevant topics of expertise, as needed. Topics may include: design methodologies, appropriate technology, user experience design, and others.
• Educate new clients and partners on Reboot’s approach. Scope new business opportunities and support discussions on methodology, process, and outputs.
• Serve as a public advocate for putting citizens and communities at the heart of design processes in international development and governance. Spread Reboot’s philosophy and work through publishing and speaking engagements.
• Contribute to process innovation within Reboot to improve our organizational agility and impact.

Qualifications:

A successful candidate will bring a mix of skills and experiences to the role. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can combine international experience and design and technology chops with the professionalism to manage complex client relationships.

Our Ideal Candidate Has:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in design, technology, development, government, advocacy, NGOs, consulting, media, or other fields, with demonstrated professional advancement and ideally, has an advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience with all phases of the design process, including needs assessment, research, strategy, design, testing, and implementation planning.
• Possesses expert know-how in creating systems diagrams, wireframes, and flow-charts, has an eye for visual design, and a knack for interactive prototyping.
• A firm understanding of software engineering processes and concepts and demonstrated experience in overseeing technical teams on projects with tight budget and time constraints. Is also at ease translating technical concepts and specifications for non-technical audience.
• Traveled extensively in developing countries, and is eager to continue doing so for field assignments that are between 2 to 8 weeks in duration.
• Ability to speak multiple languages. (highly preferred) Candidates that speak Spanish or Arabic will be given preference.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new topics quickly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear, succinct manner.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, three work samples, and three professional references through our online application system below. Only completed applications will be considered. If you are unable to access the form below, please follow this link.

We are happy to take questions about our organization or the position available. Inquiries can be sent to careers AT theReboot DOT org. Due to the volume of emails we receive, we cannot guarantee that all inquires regarding this role will be responded to. Thank you for your understanding.