Illustrator

Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is implementing the project Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities through integrated watershed planning and management, investment in diversified agricultural value chains, agricultural and agroforestry systems and institutional capacity consistent with Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches. The potential for ecosystems to support the sustainable production of commodities, goods and services for subsistence and commercial use by individual farmers, farmer groups and MSMEs will be enhanced. The project will be implemented in 11 districts in Malawi over a period of 6 years, benefitting over 500,000 vulnerable people in rural communities, restoring, conserving or improving the management of over 250,000 ha of land and achieving net emission reductions or removals of 2.75 MtCO2e within the lifetime of project interventions.

FAO is providing technical support to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development through the Department of Land Resources and Conservation (DLRC) in implementing the “Ecosystems-based Adaptation for resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM)” project across 11 districts. The Department of Agriculture Extension Services (DAES) will also be extensively engaged to support the roll out of the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology. Services of a Graphics Designer are required to enhance communication and visibility of the project, particularly designing project communication products and materials (banners and apparel mock-ups and presentation templates) using the project visual identity.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and with technical guidance from the Chief Technical Advisor and Communications and Reporting Specialist for EbAM Project

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be engaged to design and draw illustrations (images) for EbAM project information, education and communication (IEC) materials such as natural resources management, Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Household Approach and Dimitra Club training manuals, modules, and posters..

Tasks And Responsibilities

In close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will draw original artworks and/or illustrations bearing in mind the intended audience, the product’s purpose and the indications received from the hiring Unit and using professional design software. In particular, tasks will include:

• Review the training materials (manuals, modules and posters) and develop a workplan for illustrations.
• Illustrate images and texts for insertion in the training materials.
• Perform other related duties as required
• Analyzing texts and translating related concepts into illustrations;
• Using colours, graphics and effects to better feature/visualize concepts; and, where needed,
• Combining hand-drawn and painted artworks with computer and digital techniques for production development;
• Perform 2 rounds of corrections following OCC/PWS and divisional quality checks; rounds of corrections are to be increased should the incumbent overlook corrections;
• Delivering files in high- and low-resolution (for print and web dissemination), as well as the complete design packages (source files).

FAO Standards And Guidelines

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en

FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia

Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en

FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en

FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm

FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en

Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Diploma from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in illustrations.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in illustrative work for training and education materials with the United Nations or international organizations.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• National of Malawi or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to incorporate branding guidelines in designed work

Selection criteria

• Certification in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop software

Job Posting

12/May/2026

Closure Date

27/May/2026, 12:59:00 AM

Organizational Unit

FRMLW - FAO Representation in Malawi

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Malawi-Lilongwe

Duration

6 months with possibility of extension

Post Number

N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.