Open to opportunities

Carolina Silva

@carolinacoutodasilva

Communications designer and creative strategist crafting data-driven, human-centered visual narratives for social impact.

Portugal

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead communications and creative strategy where human-centered, accessible design drives measurable impact—combining creative direction, branding, and data-driven storytelling across digital and print channels.

I’m a communications designer and photographer with 8+ years of experience leading high-impact visual strategies. I strongly believe in the power of creativity to spark critical thinking and inspire action.

I blend creative direction, branding, and storytelling to translate complex ideas into engaging, accessible design. My work explores the dialogue between digital and analog—so communications amplify impactful messages and drive social change.

At UNDP Timor-Leste, I led the Communications Unit, coordinating a multidisciplinary team while ensuring institutional identity and messaging consistency across channels. I developed and executed impact-focused, data-driven communication strategies, and I designed and managed digital and print content production for websites, social media, press releases, reports, presentations, and brochures.

I also spearheaded the Youth Conversations Project—building creative and strategic initiatives (including multilingual outreach and podcasts/events) to bridge the urban-rural divide and foster dialogue between youth and decision-makers. Through projects like the Strengthening the National Parliament campaign, I created outreach materials and produced reports and infographics that turn complex information into human-centered formats—supported by collaboration around innovative tools like AI-based survey experiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance Communications Designer

Current

Freelancer

Jan 2016 - Present (10 years 4 months)

Provided hybrid communications design and photography services, delivering visual strategies for organizations including UNDP/UNIDO, Stamford Medical, Fundação Oriente, Camões Cultural Center Timor-Leste, National University of Timor-Leste, and Superbock Timor-Leste. Created human-centered, accessible visual narratives bridging digital and analog communications to support impactful messaging.

Creative Direction Branding Visual Storytelling Communications & Design Social Media Management Photography Adobe Creative Suite Figma HTML CSS

Communications Officer & Strategist

UNDP Timor-Leste

Oct 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 2 months)

Led the UNDP Timor-Leste Communications Unit, coordinating a multidisciplinary team and ensuring institutional identity and messaging consistency across channels. Developed and executed channel-specific, data-driven communication strategies and managed digital and print content production for websites, social media, press releases, reports, presentations, and brochures, including youth-focused ini

Communications Strategy Institutional Messaging Content Production Social Media Management Report Writing Youth Engagement Adobe Creative Suite

Communications & Campaign Specialist

UNDP Timor-Leste

Nov 2021 - Jun 2023 (1 year 7 months)

Designed and implemented strategic communication campaigns for the Strengthening the National Parliament Project, promoting inclusive and transparent democracy. Led multilingual Youth Conversations Project work, including outreach materials for youth civic engagement through the AI-based survey tool CogCo, and produced reports, infographics, and social media content to make complex information acc

Campaign Development Multilingual Communication CogCo (AI Survey Tool)Infographics Report Writing Social Media Content Graphic Design

Communications & Marketing Associate

Stamford Medical

Jan 2020 - Oct 2021 (1 year 9 months)

Designed internal and external digital and printed communication materials for institutional branding, healthcare signage, and COVID-19 awareness campaigns. Strengthened digital visibility through social media management and website design, and developed marketing strategies and SOPs to support growth and client engagement.

Branding COVID 19 Awareness Campaigns Social Media Management Website Design Print Design Marketing Strategy SOP Development

Communications Manager

INOV Contacto C22 Strategic Thinking Central SA

Feb 2018 - Oct 2019 (1 year 8 months)

Developed digital and printed graphic materials, signage, and marketing activations while strengthening social media presence through innovative content creation. Built sustainability campaigns showcasing local artisans and eco-friendly initiatives and supported project and team coordination.

Communications Management Graphic Design Marketing Activations Social Media Content Strategic Thinking

Graphic Designer

Parfois Accessories

Dec 2016 - Jan 2018 (1 year 1 month)

Designed a wide range of digital and printed visual materials, from packaging to newsletters, and created campaign visuals and window shop designs. Produced global marketing activations and supported the international visual identity for the SS’18 Collection Presentation.

Graphic Design Packaging Design Campaign Visuals Visual Identity (Collection Presentations)Digital & Print Layout Marketing Activations

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Porto

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Design

2011 - 2015

Activities and societies: Internship at UPTEC (Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto).

Completed a BA in Communication Design at the University of Porto (2011–2015), including an internship at UPTEC (Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto).