Senior Art Director & Graphic Designer - Long-Term Consultant

About Qualia Communication

Qualia Communication is a creative agency based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, working across brand strategy, visual identity, institutional communication, editorial design, photography and film.

We help ambitious organisations turn complex ideas into clear, distinctive and meaningful communication. Our work combines strategic thinking, cultural understanding and a demanding approach to visual craft.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Art Director & Graphic Designer to support the development of visual identities, communication campaigns and branded experiences.

The consultant will translate strategic briefs into compelling creative concepts and design systems that remain coherent across print, digital, environmental and audiovisual applications.

This is a long-term consultancy with a primarily remote working arrangement. However, the selected candidate must be available to attend occasional meetings, creative workshops, production sessions and other activities at Qualia’s office or designated locations in Kinshasa.

We are looking for someone capable of shaping creative direction while remaining closely involved in execution.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop original visual concepts based on strategic briefs, audience insights and communication objectives.
• Lead the visual development of brand identities, advertising campaigns and institutional communication materials.
• Design logos, typography systems, colour palettes, visual languages and brand guidelines.
• Create refined layouts for annual reports, brochures, magazines, presentations and other editorial publications.
• Produce campaign materials for social media, websites, advertising, events and physical environments.
• Develop art direction for photography, audiovisual productions and branded content.
• Prepare moodboards, references, visual concepts and creative presentations for internal discussions and client reviews.
• Collaborate with strategists, photographers, filmmakers, motion designers, copywriters and production partners.
• Ensure visual consistency across multiple formats, platforms and communication channels.
• Adapt creative concepts to different audiences, languages and cultural contexts.
• Prepare production-ready files for digital publication, professional printing and large-format applications.
• Review creative outputs and maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and visual coherence.
• Participate in selected client meetings, creative workshops and production sessions in Kinshasa.
• Organise working files, design assets, templates and final deliverables.
• Provide constructive guidance to junior designers or external collaborators when required.

Creative Scope

The consultant may contribute to assignments involving:

• Brand strategy and visual identity.
• Institutional and corporate communication.
• Advertising and awareness campaigns.
• Editorial design and premium publications.
• Social media and digital communication.
• Event branding and environmental graphics.
• Photography and film art direction.
• Presentation design and executive communication materials.
• Signage, branded environments and selected physical applications.

Projects may involve private companies, public institutions, international organisations and purpose-driven initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should have a degree or equivalent professional training in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Visual Communication, Branding or a related discipline.

An exceptional portfolio and substantial practical experience may be considered in place of a formal qualification.

Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in graphic design, branding, advertising, editorial design or another relevant creative field.

Experience in a creative agency, design studio or multidisciplinary communication environment is strongly preferred.

Required Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency is required in:

• Adobe Illustrator.
• Adobe Photoshop.
• Adobe InDesign.
• Brand identity development.
• Typography and layout design.
• Editorial and publication design.
• Creative concept development.
• Digital and print production.
• Presentation design.
• Preparation of professional production files.

Working knowledge of Figma, Adobe After Effects, motion design, photography direction, packaging design or environmental branding will be considered an advantage.

Candidates should understand practical production requirements, including colour management, image preparation, print specifications and file organisation.

Desired Creative Qualities

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong conceptual thinking and visual judgment.
• A sophisticated understanding of typography, composition and visual hierarchy.
• The ability to develop clear ideas without relying on unnecessary visual effects.
• Sensitivity to African cultures and contemporary international creative standards.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence when presenting creative ideas and explaining design decisions.
• Openness to feedback and collaborative improvement.
• The ability to manage several assignments without compromising quality.
• Professional discretion and respect for confidential information.
• Genuine curiosity about design, culture, communication and visual storytelling.

Responsible use of AI-assisted tools is acceptable when originality, copyright, confidentiality and professional standards are protected.

Working Arrangement

This consultancy is primarily remote.

The selected consultant must nevertheless be available for occasional in-person meetings, creative workshops, client presentations, production sessions and other project-related activities in Kinshasa.

Candidates should have a reliable working environment, appropriate professional equipment, a stable internet connection and the ability to communicate consistently throughout active assignments.

Specific schedules, deliverables and coordination arrangements will be agreed according to project requirements.

Languages

Professional proficiency in French is required.

Working proficiency in English is preferred and will be considered a strong advantage.

Knowledge of Lingala or another language spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an additional asset.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

• An updated CV.
• A short application letter explaining their suitability for the consultancy.
• A professional portfolio presenting relevant design and art direction projects.
• Examples of visual identity, editorial design, advertising or institutional communication work.
• A brief explanation of their role in selected collaborative projects.
• Their current location, availability and preferred working arrangement.
• Links to Behance, a personal website, LinkedIn or another relevant professional platform, where available.

Applications without a relevant portfolio will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview and a reasonable, time-limited creative assessment. Qualia Communication will not use unpaid assessment work for commercial purposes.

Great design begins with a clear idea, becomes meaningful through context and earns its place through the quality of its execution.

Equal Opportunity

Qualia Communication is committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Applications are assessed according to professional competence, experience, creativity and suitability for the assignment.