Game Developer at African Population and Health Research Center

BACKGROUND

APHRC is implementing an exciting project that seeks to create a new inclusive space for promoting the use of evidence and policy engagement at all levels of society through a board game. The project embraces innovative and Africa- relevant ideas that capture our day-to-day realities. The game is set up in an informal settlement in Africa drawing from our research and the lived experiences of people within these settings. It will take on a life-course from infancy to old age and looks into the diverse health and social-economic factors that play out in people’s lives. Our concept is anchored on APHRC’s signature issues to be manifested at every stage of the life course. These include:

• Maternal and Child Wellbeing - The strategic focus is on assessing interventions to optimize early nutrition specifically breastfeeding. According to the WHO, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. As a key element in the infancy stage, we will aim to demonstrate the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
• Education and Youth Empowerment - This strategic focus aims at understanding how to make Africa’s education systems more inclusive and equitable. Through the game, we will explore how access to and quality of education impacts the learning outcomes among the urban poor.
• Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health - Cognizant of the challenges facing Africa’s young population, the game at the stage of adolescent to young adulthood will focus on the importance of equipping youth with relevant services and information on their sexual reproductive health for improved health outcomes.
• Aging and Development - The WHO estimates that the population of elderly people is sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach 163 million by 2050. Through the game, we will aim to show the challenges faced by older populations and the urgency of investing in quality informal and formal long-term care provision and receipt for later life well-being.
• Health and Systems for Health - Access to quality healthcare is a human right. Working health systems are responsive to health needs across the human life cycle, from maternal and child health to reproductive health to chronic disease management. Through universal health coverage, health systems should ensure that every citizen has access to the quality healthcare services they need without getting into financial difficulties or worse, being pushed into poverty.
• Urbanization and Wellbeing in Africa - This strategic focus cuts across all aspects of the life course. At one point in the human life cycle, we are bound to experience the effects of rapid urbanization including the growth of slums (1 in 4 people will live in a slum by 2030). The game will link APHRC’s research and existing facts on the need for proper sanitation and investing in service delivery models responsive to the slum context.

SCOPE OF WORK

APHRC is looking for a talented game developer who recognizes the value of art and design in developing an African-based board game. The team at APHRC has developed the game mechanics and rules and is looking for someone to:

Responsibility

1. Design and share ideas for different sketches, layouts, characters and backgrounds for an African-based board game including illustrations for the board layout, gaming cards and packaging. The design should describe the game concept and major gameplay elements in detail.
2. Support in finalizing the game mechanics/game rules and game logic following reiteration in the play-testing phase.
3. Produce at least two prototypes of the board and its components.
4. Design, tweak and optimize the player experience.
5. Participate in a collaborative environment, receiving and giving constructive criticism to the creative team and beyond.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in creating visual illustrations preferably in game design, motion graphics (board and/or video games).
• At least a Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology or any other related field.
• Ability to create characters, backgrounds and other assets in a variety of styles, both 2D and 3D.
• Excellent drawing and illustration skills.
• Ability to illustrate multi-dimensional elements of the board game.
• Up to date with industry software and excellent demonstrable skills in Adobe suite e.g. Photoshop, adobe illustrator etc. or its equivalents.

A plus

• Technical experience in game design and game UI experience.
• Experience in developing a board game or mobile game application.
• Knowledge of health and population challenges in Africa.

All applicants MUST be able to provide the following on request:

• A portfolio with at least one game design whether in mobile app form, desktop form or board game form.
• Sample of sketch work or illustrations of previous engagements in similar tasks.
• Estimated budget.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this scope of work is September 2020 to January 2021 with the possibility of extension, depending on the need. The number of workdays allocated for this assignment will be discussed.