Volunteer Opportunity
Graphic Designer – Media Team
Organization: German-Syrian Research Foundation e.V. (DSFG)
Program / Team: Media Team
Engagement Type: Voluntary/unpaid
Working Format: Remote
Location: Flexible / Remote
Start Date: By mutual agreement
Time Commitment: Flexible; the expected level of involvement will be agreed with the team at the beginning of the engagement.
About DSFG
The German-Syrian Research Foundation e.V. (DSFG) is a Germany-based non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to science, higher education, academic cooperation, and the development of sustainable scientific networks.
Through its programs, DSFG supports students, researchers, and academics while building bridges between academic communities in Germany, Syria, and internationally.
About the Media Team
The Media Team is responsible for shaping the public profile and digital presence of the German-Syrian Research Foundation e.V. (DSFG). Through creative visual content, strategic communication, and engaging multimedia campaigns, the team connects our academic community with a global audience and highlights our mission and projects.
To strengthen our volunteer team, we are looking for an engaged Volunteer Graphic Designer.
Your Role
As a Volunteer Graphic Designer, you will play a key role in translating our organization’s vision into compelling visual content. You will support the Media Team in creating striking graphics, developing short-form video material, and maintaining a consistent and professional brand identity across all digital platforms. This remote role is ideal for current university students or recent graduates looking to expand their portfolios, refine their graphic design skills, and experiment with video content.
Main Responsibilities
– Assisting in creating engaging social media graphics, posts, carousels, and visual assets under the guidance of the design team;
– Helping brainstorm, edit, and produce short videos or reels for dynamic social media campaigns;
– Working collaboratively with team members, copywriters, the social media team, and supervisors to turn brief ideas into visual concepts while adhering to established brand guidelines;
– Staying updated on current social media and design trends to bring fresh, modern ideas to ongoing projects;
– Managing task timelines independently and reliably meeting design deadlines.
Your Profile
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who:
– Are current university students or fresh graduates in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field;
– Have an entry-level or academic portfolio showing intermediate design principles and creative enthusiasm;
– Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills;
– Work reliably, carefully, and responsibly;
– Have the ability to work remotely with our organization;
– Understand the importance of confidentiality and data protection;
Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable
The following are mandatory:
– Practical experience with software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva;
– Familiarity with design-focused AI tools is a plus;
– Strong interest or basic skills in editing short-form video content and reels;
– Fundamental understanding of color theory, typography, layout composition, design trends, and overall visual balance;
– Proactive initiative, eagerness to learn, and willingness to take on feedback.
– Motivation, reliability, relevant experience, and willingness to take responsibility within a non-profit organization are more important.
Growth and Reward Opportunity (2-Year Commitment Incentive):
We are committed to investing in the professional development of our dedicated volunteers. In addition to gaining hands-on experience, volunteers earn formal credentials and funded certifications based on their tenure and performance.
- Internship Certificate: Upon successful completion of their service, volunteers will receive an official Internship Certificate (rather than a basic volunteer certificate) from our organization to formally validate their work experience.
- Funded Adobe Certification Program (2-Tier Reward): Volunteers who meet our performance criteria can earn full funding for an official Adobe certification exam in their choice of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Premiere.
Qualification Criteria:
- Complete the required commitment period (Tier 1: ~1 Year | Tier 2: ~2 Years).
- Consistently deliver all design tasks on time.
- Demonstrate strong personal initiative by proactively proposing and executing design tasks.
- Receive an official recommendation from the Media Manager.
Career & Professional Impact:
- Add an industry-recognized Adobe credential directly to LinkedIn and your resume.
- Build strong portfolio-ready experience in branding, social media design, video editing, and website design to secure high-value job opportunities in the market.
- Gain practical experience in graphic design, visual communication, branding, and social media content creation;
- Develop experience in international and intercultural collaboration;
- Strengthen organizational, communication, coordination, and leadership skills;
- Become part of an international network of students, researchers, academics, and professionals;
- Participate, where appropriate, in selected DSFG activities, workshops, and events;
- Contribute your own ideas to the further development of the Media Team.
Voluntary and Unpaid Nature of the Role
This is a voluntary and unpaid engagement.
It does not constitute an employment relationship or freelance contract and does not create an entitlement to remuneration.
Participation is voluntary. The team will agree on responsibilities, expected availability, and the scope of engagement transparently, and these should remain compatible with the volunteer’s academic, professional, and personal commitments.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Volunteers in the Media Team may have access to personal and potentially confidential information relating to applicants, participants, partners, or internal operations.
We therefore expect all volunteers to handle such information responsibly and confidentially and to comply with DSFG’s applicable data-protection and confidentiality requirements.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
DSFG is committed to a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment.
We welcome applications regardless of gender or gender identity, age, disability, ethnic or social background, nationality, religion or belief, or sexual identity.
Selection is based on motivation, relevant skills and experience, and the operational needs of the Media Team.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the DSFG application form.
Please provide:
- A concise CV;
- Relevant academic, professional, or voluntary experience;
- Share with us a drive link of your Portfolio or as a PDF about your graphic designing experience.
A photograph and information about marital or family status are not required.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a brief online conversation with the team.
Join us in shaping the visual identity and creative storytelling of the German-Syrian Research Foundation e.V.