2D Animator

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)