VACANCY Announcement
Ref: FARA/adv./DVE/2024
Graphics Design and Visualization Expert:
1 Background
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is an umbrella organization bringing together and forming coalitions of major stakeholders in agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA complements the innovative activities of national, international and sub-regional research institutions to deliver more responsive and effective services to its stakeholders. It plays advocacy and coordination roles for agricultural research for development, while the national agricultural research systems (NARS), advanced research institutions (ARIs) and international agricultural research centres (IARCs) develop and promote the adoption of improved technologies and policies along the research-to-development continuum in their respective countries and jurisdictions. Since it was established in 2002, FARA has been able to develop several African-wide initiatives through consultation with stakeholders with recent and ongoing initiatives including the Agriculture Research and Innovation for Africa (ARIFA), the Common Africa Agro Parks (CAAPs), the Soils Initiative for Africa (SIA), the Pan Africa Network of Analysis of Policies (PANAP), the AU-EU International Research Consortium (IRC), the Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development in Africa (KM4AgD), amongst others. These initiatives are helping shape and transform agriculture in Africa and contributing to the achievement of the targets of the CAADP Malabo 2025 and the SDGs 2030.
The technical delivery of FARA’s work is structured into four Clusters, namely, Innovation to Impact Partnerships and Systems (2IPS), Research Policy and Investments (RPIn) Knowledge Management, Digitalization and Learning (KMDL) and Institutional Capacity & Future Scenarios (ICF). These clusters are also host to several donor funded projects and initiatives.
2 Objectives of the assignment:
This is a long-term assignment to engage an individual as Graphics Designer and Visualization Expert to support the organization to deliver quality knowledge, information and communication products in line with FARA’s value proposition. He/she shall be guided by the FARA branding guidelines and in compliance with relevant graphics design policies and guidelines.
Reporting to the Communication Expert the successful candidate shall be guided by the following terms of reference:
3 Scope of work
- Generating designs from concept stage to final delivery for print, electronic, web-based content and social media.
- Create visually appealing and informative graphics such as charts, graphs, infographics, and dashboards.
- Use design principles to make data easily understandable. This includes design of infoparks (one pagers, trifolds, etc) of FARA’s projects and initiatives.
- Support the designs and layout of publication mechanisms at FARA including Research Reports, Dissemination Notes, Policy Briefs, etc. for publication in the FARA library.
- Design and layout annual reports and other relevant reports
- Work closely with the social media officer to ensure that contents shared are of quality and consistent.
- Layout and design of reports and other information and communication materials (banners, posters, booklets, leaflets, book chapters, calendars, brochures, newsletter, bulletins, flyers, cards) for printing and
- electronic distribution
- Support the required designs and visibility for major FARA events and workshops
- Provide support and troubleshooting for visualization tools and software
- Design visualizations with the FARA end-user in mind, ensuring ease of use and accessibility
- Conduct user testing and gather feedback to improve visualizations using the various FARA channels including Dgroups, social media, websites
- Implement the graphic guidelines in all FARA communication products.
Each assignment shall be accompanied by detailed specifications for each individual assignment to be delivered.
4 Required
The successful individual is required to meet the following criteria:
- Must be a graphic designer with at least 5 years’ experience in designing and layout of information and communication materials
- A degree in graphic design or related field.
- Show a clear and mature style of design, demonstrating an understanding of the communication requirements of FARA.
- Proven experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes (offset and digital) and colour management.
- Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms.
- Additional experience with videography and photography is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in data classification and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Knowledge of graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
- Understanding of data analysis techniques and tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R)
- Additional experience in videography and photography
Design Skills
- Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and typography
- Ability to create clean, engaging, and user-friendly designs
Analytical Skills
- Ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets
- Critical thinking to identify key insights and trends
5 Deliverables
Quality design for various assignments completed in line with FARA communication and branding requirements and within specified deadlines.
6 Duration
The contract will be for an initial year (1) year period with an option to extend to a specified period of time subject to satisfactory performance by the service provider and the continued need for the service.
7 Location
The successful candidates shall be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra.
8 Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to submit via email comprehensive Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter and names/contact details of three referees. The application should include capability statement with brief explanation of the understanding of the assignment describing the qualifications and experience, including copies of catalogue or samples of design work previously done (minimum of 10 samples and links). List of clients that the individual has served in the past. The application should be sent to: Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana, Email: [[email protected]].
Applications will be assessed against the required skills, experience and aptitudes set out above. Applications will be accepted up to Friday, 19th July 2024. Due to anticipated high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
9 FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Employment:
There is no discrimination on the basis of gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.
NB: Please quote in your application the reference code “DESIGN AND VISUALIZATION EXPERT’ in the subject line.
Leave A Comment