Job Description

About the Role

We're hiring a

Senior 2D Animator

who can create fluid, expressive, and emotionally engaging animation for campaign content, storytelling assets, and character-led sequences. You'll work across narrative scenes, typographic animations, explainer videos, branded content, and mixed-media campaigns.

This role requires both hands-on animation expertise and strong visual storytelling instincts. You will collaborate closely with creative leads, storyboard artists, designers, editors, and producers -- especially on government and culturally focused content.

Key Responsibilities

Design and animate original 2D assets (characters, typography, icons, transitions, etc.) Collaborate with creative and storyboard teams to bring scripts and narratives to life Create clean, layered, and organized project files ready for revision and rendering Animate both character-driven scenes and brand-led campaign pieces Deliver to multiple formats and specifications across social, digital, and event platforms Work with voiceover and audio design to sync movement and mood Manage timelines and deliverables across multiple projects Help review and mentor junior animators or freelancers as needed

Required Qualifications & Experience

5+ years of professional experience in 2D animation (agency or studio preferred) Expert-level proficiency in After Effects and Illustrator (Photoshop a plus) Strong understanding of timing, spacing, and narrative flow in animation Experience working with voiceover, lip-syncing, and culturally appropriate motion Comfortable creating animated content for bilingual (Arabic/English) projects Able to work independently and under pressure across multiple timelines Excellent communication, file organization, and revision handling

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

Character rigging (Duik, RubberHose, or similar tools) Frame-by-frame or hybrid animation skills Knowledge of Arabic typography and cultural design styles Experience working on government, education, or social impact campaigns Familiarity with motion design trends across the GCC and global platforms Experience collaborating with editors, designers, and composers

Why Join ZIA

Work on meaningful, high-impact national projects Competitive salary and performance-based growth opportunities Exposure to cross-collaborative work across disciplines, clients, and cultures A diverse, dynamic, multicultural team with a shared standard of excellence A creative culture that celebrates innovation, authenticity, bold thinking, cultural relevance, and results

How to Apply 1

Email your

CV

and a

brief cover letter

to

ZIA Agency Director -

charlotte@zianetwork.com

with the subject line:

Application - {Job_Title}

In your message, please include answers to:

Screening Questions

Are you currently based in Abu Dhabi or willing to relocate? Do you have 5+ years of experience in 2D animation? Can you share a link to your animation portfolio or reel? Are you proficient in Adobe After Effects and Illustrator? Are you comfortable working on bilingual (Arabic/English) campaigns? What is your notice period and earliest availability? What are your salary expectations for this role?

Note:

Only complete applications that include both a CV and a tailored cover letter will be reviewed.

How to Apply 2

We're prioritizing complete applications through our official careers page.

Serious applicants only:

Visit

zianetwork [dot] com [slash] careers

to submit your CV, tailored cover letter, and answer all screening questions.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Messages

Screening:

Have you completed the application at ?

? I understand that only applications submitted with a CV, a tailored cover letter, and responses to all screening questions will be reviewed.

? I acknowledge that due to the volume of applications, only candidates selected for the next stage will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From AED6,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

Abu Dhabi: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):

Are you comfortable working on bilingual (Arabic/English) campaigns? Share a link to your animation portfolio or reel What is your notice period and earliest availability? What are your salary expectations for this role?
Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:

2D Animator: 5 years (Required) Adobe After Effects and Illustrator: 5 years (Required)
Language:

fluent English (Required) native Arabic (preferred) (Preferred)
Location:

* Abu Dhabi (Required)