Communications Objectives

Increasing Program Visibility

• Creating awareness about AgriPath implementation activities and experiences with the three digital advisory models
• Disseminating the research findings at global level to amplify knowledge transfer

Promoting the AgriPath Toolkit for DAS implementers

• Target Audiences
• Stakeholder audiences in AgriPath implementing countries (Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, India, Nepal)
• DAS providers in the private, public and development sectors e.g. technology implementers, cooperatives, farmer producer organizations, entrepreneurs supporting digital advisory ecosystems
• National and local level government entities providing oversight in advisory and digital advisory e.g. ministries of agriculture, extension agent networks
• Stakeholder audiences in non AgriPath implementing countries, to disseminate the AgriPath content to a global audience
• Multilateral organizations, policy makers involved in advisory services e.g. FAO, IFAD, CGIAR, UNCCD
• Global and regional DAS ecosystems e.g. Africa Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS)
• Researchers and research organizations such as CGIAR, IFPRI, IRRI, CIMMYT, CABI
• International NGOs/ Technical Assistance Providers such as AGRA, FarmRadio International, Digital Green, AgriFin
• Investors and donors e.g. Gates Foundation, World Bank, Feed the Future Innovations Lab, MasterCard Foundation, FCDO, SDC, GIZ
• And others.

Tasks

Strategy Development and Planning

• Create the AgriPath communications strategy and objectives
• Develop and implement a detailed communication plan, with specific timelines and activities to engage target audiences effectively.
• Refine target audiences, internal and external stakeholders (donors, development sector partners, government entities, stakeholders in digital agriculture, and especially digital advisory services etc.) to create a stakeholder engagement map.
• Develop a content calendar that incorporates input from AgriPath implementing partners
• Establish clear performance indicators and metrics for evaluating communication effectiveness

Implementation and Coordination

• Manage the end-to-end implementation of the communications strategy, ensuring alignment with AgriPath project goals.
• Develop various types of content to engage stakeholders effectively, including articles, case studies, success stories from the field, reports, blog posts, and social media posts.
• Engage internal project teams to define an inclusive content strategy that incorporates periodic content from the different partners
• Tailor content to meet the needs and preferences of different stakeholder groups such as donors, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Ensure the use of the right mix of channels to reach diverse audiences and maximize impact
• Promote content across various channels to ensure wide visibility and engagement.
• Organize and execute communication campaigns, events, webinars, and activities that support project milestones and key initiatives
• Identify and coordinate AgriPath’s participation in global events relevant to AgriPath’s objectives
• Manage updates and enhancements to the project’s website and social media platforms, ensuring consistent messaging and branding.
• Maintain an updated repository of AgriPath communication assets
• Manage the quarterly internal project newsletter, liaising with project partners and team members to gather content, highlight project milestones, and maintain consistent communication.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communications efforts in line with the projects’ metrics and adjust strategies accordingly

Deliver Strategy Sustainability and Handover Plan

• Deliverables
• Month 1(15days): Develop the AgriPath Communications Strategy and submit for approval
• Month 2-10 (10days/month): Implement communications campaign in line with the approved strategy
• Month 6 (3days): Conduct mid-year review and adjust the communications strategy
• Month 11 (days): Submit a final report and handover plan
• Total No of Days: 113
• Specific details on the deliverables and timelines will be refined with the selected consultant

Required Skills & Qualifications

• This consultancy requires a professional who can deliver high-impact communication strategies and materials aligned with the project's goals.
• The consultant will have a minimum of 7 years’ experience managing communications in international development, agriculture, or digital solutions for smallholder farmers.
• The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills to handle multiple teams, tasks and deadlines, a proven track record in developing and executing communication strategies, editing and designing content for diverse platforms (digital, print, social media), and effectively managing global communications.