Job Title

Senior 2D Animator Full time Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Seniority: Senior Languages: Fluent English (Arabic preferred) Reports to: (none specified) Team: Creative Note: This role sits within ZIAs Creative team and plays a key role in delivering culturally resonant motion work across integrated campaigns, government projects, and digital-first storytelling. 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 About ZIA ZIA Creative Network is a culturally rooted creative agency with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Halifax. Headquartered in the UAE, we specialize in bold, human-centered campaigns for leading brands and government entities across the Emirates and wider GCC. Our work also extends internationally, with select projects reaching audiences in North America and beyond. At ZIA, we combine deep regional insight with global creative standards to produce culturally meaningful, high-impact work across strategy, content, creative production, and digital platforms. We pride ourselves on delivering locally resonant, globally competitive ideas that drive real-world results. Important Note: ZIA is a high-performance, high-stakes environment. If you thrive under pressure, enjoy the intensity of tight deadlines, and take pride in producing exceptional work that moves people and shapes culture youll fit right in. Were looking for team members who are ambitious, resilient, and excited to push creative and strategic boundaries every day. #J-18808-Ljbffr