1. Introduction

SIMPLE (https://project-simple.eu/) is a collaborative project co-funded by the European Union from 2023 to 2027, designed to raise awareness of sustainable development among young audiences in the Lower Mekong countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam). The project aims to achieve this through the development, implementation and evaluation of educational programmes supported by activities in virtual reality, which enable young people to experience first-hand environmental issues and explore potential solutions in engaging games and interactive evidence-based simulations. 

The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) is a public scientific and technological institution whose research, expertise, valorization and training activities aim at contributing to the economic, social and cultural development of the Global South. IRD is the leading partner in SIMPLE, through a team based in Hanoi, with Can Tho University (CTU) in Vietnam and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Thailand. 

IRD is looking for a consultant and freelance artist to consult with its team on the development of the four last virtual universes of the SIMPLE project, respectively one in each country of implementation (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam) from the summer 2025 to the first trimester of 2026. The goals of the consultancy include creating visually engaging and accurate 3D models of specific environments, ensuring the development of interactive VR experiences that enhance learning outcomes, ensuring the designs are optimised for performance on target VR platforms (combination of Unity and GAMA), and creating environments that are culturally sensitive to the countries of implementation and relevant to the scientific themes chosen by partners. 

2. Scope of work: main roles and responsibilities

• Advise and support the visions/ plans of action for pre-production and production of the second virtual universes in Thailand and Vietnam, and of the first virtual universes in Cambodia and Lao PDR.
• Collaborating with the local pedagogical teams on the learning scenarios of the virtual universes to ensure their educational impact.
• Supporting the IRD team and its partners to identify relevant partners for the development of activities in virtual reality – working with those partners on the developments, the technical and design choices of the virtual reality environments.
• Supporting the Émile Cohl interns in their research to create culturally relevant virtual universes in Cambodia and Laos, following the chosen scientific themes.
• Supporting the development of concept art and storyboards, the creation of 3D models and textures, the design of interactive elements and user interfaces.
• Supporting the optimisation of designs for VR performance.
• Providing documentation and training materials.
• Participating in meetings and providing progress reports.
• Supporting the integration of the virtual universes and associated VR activities in the educational programmes developed by partners.
• Supporting the testing phase.

Key deliverables 

• 3D models and textures.
• Unity integration/development of scene and creation of GameObject reusable for VR purpose
• Design documentation and guidelines.
• Source files and assets.
• Progress reports.

Ideal calendar (can be negotiated)

• 01/08/25 to 30/09/25 (2 months) :
  • Hanoi (August): work with two interns from E. Cohl School + IRD engineers on finalizing the “Lu Lut / flooding management” model and reviewing the NSTDA and CTU virtual universes to adapt them to French.
  • Lao PDR (3 days in September): first focus group, organization of a “game jam” with the interns and engineers to develop a quick proposal
  • Cambodia (3 days in September): same as above
  • Hanoi (rest of September): cleaning up the Lao PDR/Cambodia proposals + finalizing the virtual universes on flooding management, forest recovery and land subsidence in terms of graphisms.
• 01/10/25 to 30/11/25 (2 months): remote work in October/November: work on the two proposals for Laos/Cambodia (if possible, in collaboration with Virtuallyz)
• 01/12/25 to 31/01/26 (2 months):
  • Hanoi (December): work on both universes and participation in 2 coding camps for participants in Lao PDR/Cambodia (5 days on site in each or 5 days in Hanoi).
  • Participation in trainings for “technical” partners to enable them to appropriate the developments.

3. Eligibility criteria 

• Proficiency in 3D modeling and texturing software (e.g., Blender, Maya, Unity).
• Experience in VR development and design.
• Knowledge of game engine optimization applied to VR development.
• Understanding of educational design principles.
• Experience in creating culturally relevant designs.
• A portfolio of relevant work.
• Experience working in the ASEAN region.
• Proven reliability, responsiveness, rigorous organization.
• Background in graphic design. A video-game conception specialisation is a plus.
• Ability to define a cohesive artistic vision for VR projects
• Ability to manage a small team of 3d artists and designers
• English proficiency, French is a plus

4. Application process 

We will consider applications including a proposal with the following elements:

• A quote for the service provided (including a budget for missions in the ASEAN region);
• Examples of previous projects on related topics.

The deadline to apply is May 15, 2025. Selected applicants will then be invited for an interview, with the final answer provided at the end of May.

5. Contractual arrangements 

Activities should start from August 2025 to March 2026. Payment will be done after delivery of services, staggered over different stages. An advance of funding can be organised for expenses related to the missions in the ASEAN region.  

A contract will bind the consultant and the IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and will define conditions under which the consultant will carry out his work.

In the event that the Consultant requires the assistance of a third party, who will have access to the confidential elements disclosed by the IRD, the Consultant shall obtain the prior written consent of the IRD (except for the Consultant’s accounting, financial or legal advice). Any third party will be subject to the same obligations as the consultant.

In accordance with the timetable and work plan, the IRD undertakes to provide the consultant with the financial, material and human resources, as well as all the elements required to carry out the tasks requested.

6. Intellectual property rights 

The rights assigned by the consultant to the IRD include: 

• The rights to reproduce and duplicate all or part of the work by any means or on any type of media (in particular physical media and digital media);
• The rights to represent all or part of the Work to the public by any means of communication (in particular broadcasting via computer networks, television, radio and public performances);
• The rights to adapt or modify all or part of the work;
• The rights of derivative use of all or part of the work with a view to producing commercial products or exploiting it in the form of a trademark.

This assignment is granted for the entire period of validity of the consultant’s intellectual property rights. It should be noted that this period of validity extends for a period of 70 years after his death. If this period is extended by law, the duration of the assignment is increased by any extension decided by the legislator. 

7. Contact information 

Applications should be sent in English to alexis.drogoul@ird.fr and jeanne.cottenceau@ird.fr, as a file entitled “SIMPLE_VRconsultancy_2025_ApplicantName.pdf”. Appendices with additional material can be sent along separately or included in the same document.