Individual Consultant: Communications Expert

Job Description

Background

AGRA is an African-led alliance focused on putting smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Founded in 2006, at a time when agricultural development was emerging from a 20-year decline characterized by minimal growth and investment in the sector, AGRA’s mission is to catalyze and sustain an agricultural transformation in Africa through innovation-driven productivity increases and access to markets and finance that improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

The African Agricultural Transformation Initiative AATI is an initiative co-founded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), McKinsey & Company, and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative (AATI) on July 5, 2022 that seeks to establish new and strengthen existing national delivery mechanisms to support agricultural transformation policies and programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Collaborating in the transition of the management of AATI’s Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO) operations in Tanzania from IFAD, AGRA and IFAD signed a Contribution Agreement on April 17, 2025, where AGRA has agreed to host and support the ongoing activities of Tanzania ATO based on the workplan and budget and in alignment with national agricultural priorities. As part of this agreement, AGRA wishes to engage a consultant for the position of Communication Expert to work in Tanzania ATO as per the terms and conditions of this agreement, Terms of Reference, and Tanzania ATO Workplan.

It is against the above backdrop; AGRA invites qualified consultants to submit proposals for Communication Expert. Key deliverables, required competencies, and other essential details are provided below.

Objectives

1. The Communications Expert is responsible for building the ATO internal and external communication efforts and ensuring the development and successful implementation of the ATO Communications Strategy.

2. He or she will oversee external communication efforts for shaping public awareness, understanding, and achievements of the ATO.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• A minimum of a first level degree in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, business/marketing management, media relations or other relevant field. A master’s degree in the same areas would be an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, business/marketing management, media relations
• Experience in leading the communication efforts of a large organization.
• Track record dealing with government bodies, development agencies, media, and the general public.
• Experience in the agriculture and/or development sectors preferred.

Skills

• Ability to organize internal and external events, press releases or other large communication events.
• Understanding of various communication platforms (website, social media platforms, etc.)
• Strong management skills for optimal allocation of resources for making progress against Communication goals and KPIs.
• Team-player with proven ability to contribute to organizational success at both strategic and operational levels.
• First-rate oral and written communication skills, and ability to shift smoothly between storytelling and structured technical communication to fit the audience.
• Appetite and aptitude for training, coaching, and capacity building
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment,
• Strong set of personal values, including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service.
• Willingness to undertake frequent field visits

About the Organization

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