Illustrator

Lilongwe, Malawi
PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
FAO26 May 2026
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Formality Risk: No Flags

No red flags detected. This vacancy appears to follow standard recruitment practices.


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).

•    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.

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 
 

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

HOW TO APPLY

  • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
  • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
  • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
  • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered
  • Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
  • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
  • Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
  • We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization

Food and Agriculture Organization (external/non-staff)

Official website All FAO jobs

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