Communications Consultant (Editorial and Graphic Designer) At Aga Khan Foundation

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Background

Schools2030 is a global movement for holistic learning and teacher and youth leadership. The movement brings together a diverse coalition which includes educators, school leaders, civil society, researchers, international organizations and governments across ten countries and 1,000+ schools and community learning sites.

Our goal is to improve quality teaching and holistic learning, and to foster resilient education systems across the world, including for those living in remote regions and those facing multiple forms of marginalization and crises.

Purpose

Communications and the programme’s visibility are a central part of its strategy to scale micro-innovations around the world and encourage worldwide systems change by advancing the Schools2030 methodology. The development of starter kits aims to provide structured guidance for the adoption and scaling of innovations, supporting teachers to effectively implement and adapt them within their contexts. The starter kits will also serve as strategic communication tools, capturing key learnings, documenting impact, and packaging innovations in a way that is accessible, engaging, and easily shareable across different platforms.

We are therefore seeking a media consultant to support the development of starter kits by providing editorial and graphic design expertise, ensuring the content is well-structured, visually engaging, and effectively communicates key learnings to support the adoption and scaling of innovations.

Scope of work
AKF is seeking a consultant to support the development of Innovation Starter Kits for the most promising innovations in East Africa.
The Scope of Work involves:

  • Starter Kit Design: Design the overall layout and visual identity of the starter kits, including illustrations, icons, infographics, and diagrams. The final output should be formatted in A5 size and aligned with AKF and Schools2030 branding guidelines.
  • Template Development: Develop adaptable and user-friendly starter kit templates that can be used across different innovations while maintaining visual consistency.
  • Versioning and Adaptation: Produce multiple versions of the starter kits, including print-ready, digital (PDF), mobile-friendly, and editable formats (e.g. InDesign/PowerPoint), ensuring accessibility across platforms.
  • Visual Content Development: Create and refine visual elements (e.g. diagrams, process flows, icons) that enhance clarity, usability, and engagement of the content.
  • Editorial and Copy Editing: Provide editorial support, including structuring, refining, and copy-editing content across approximately 15 starter kits (estimated total of 10,000 words per starter kit). This will include improving clarity, consistency, tone, and flow, while ensuring alignment with AKF’s communication standards.

The consultant is expected to:

  • The consultant is expected to review and build on existing starter kits and previously developed assets, ensuring consistency and avoiding duplication while developing new materials.
  • Demonstrate a client-oriented approach, tact and ability to work with people of different cultural backgrounds.
  • Ensure effective and efficient provision of services, full confidentiality in all aspects of the assignment, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made
  • Ensure dignity of subjects, particularly in the context of children and vulnerable groups.
  • Always ensure alignment to AKF’s global safeguarding policy.
  • Work in close coordination on the assignment with the National Coordinator and Communication Officer on the ground, as well as the Schools2030 Global Communications and Advocacy Manager.

Deliverables

  • A set of 15 fully designed Innovation Starter Kits (A5 format), each combining editorially refined content and high-quality visual design.
  • At least 2–3 adaptable design templates for starter kits to ensure consistency across future innovations.
  • For each starter kit, provide: Print-ready PDF versions, Digital (web/PDF) versions, Mobile-friendly versions and Editable source files (e.g. InDesign, Illustrator, or PowerPoint)
  • A package of custom-designed visual elements (icons, illustrations, diagrams, infographics) developed for use within the starter kits and for potential reuse.
  • Editorial outputs
  • Edited and refined content for all starter kits (approx. 15 kits),-
  • Clean, final copy with consistent tone, clarity, and structure
  • Proofread and error-free versions ready for publication
  • A complete set of all final files, including source files, exported formats, fonts (where applicable), and any supporting design assets.

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) will retain full copyright of all content developed under this assignment, including starter kits, design files, templates, and visual assets. All materials produced will be the property of AKF and may be used, adapted, and shared across countries and platforms.

The content and design should reflect clarity, inclusivity, and accessibility, while maintaining a positive and empowering tone. Materials should highlight innovation, learning, and impact, and avoid any imagery or language that could be perceived as negative, insensitive, or inappropriate.

Workplan

Activity – Timeline
Introduction meeting to assignment with AKF team July-August 2026
Submission of draft designs for the starter kits
Review of draft design by AKF and feedback to consultant
Submission of first version of starter kits designs to AKF
Feedback from AKF on submitted designs
Submission of draft designs for the 2nd version of the guidebook
Feedback from AKF on submitted designs
Submission of final version

Qualifications and Experience Required

  • Proven experience in editorial, copy editing, and graphic design, with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in developing high-quality communication products.
  • Demonstrated experience in designing reports, toolkits, learning materials, or similar publications, with a strong portfolio showcasing both content and visual work.
  • Strong editorial skills, including the ability to structure, refine, and simplify complex content for clarity, consistency, and audience relevance.
  • Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop (or equivalent), with the ability to produce print-ready and digital outputs.
  • Experience in developing visual assets such as infographics, diagrams, and illustrations that enhance understanding and engagement.
  • Familiarity with branding and layout standards, and ability to ensure consistency across multiple products and formats.
  • Strong attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and capacity to incorporate feedback through multiple revision cycles.
  • Bilingual skills (English/local language) is preferred;
  • Work with Media Agencies, International Organizations, NGOs an asset

Procedures and Logistics

  • The Schools2030 team will regularly monitor the progress of the consultant’s work.
  • The consultant will work from her/his private space.
  • The consultant will use her/his computer and other equipment if necessary.
  • The consultant will submit final report in an electronic form.
    Conditions
  • The nature of the contract will be temporary and the time-frame will be decided by the Communication Officer;
  • The consultant is expected to conduct all work independently, in accordance with professional standards.Payment TermsPayment is linked to receipt and satisfactory acceptance of deliverables;40% payment upon signing of contract and 60% upon completion of the assignment and subject to approval by Schools2030 National Coordinator and Communication Officer.

How to apply

  • Please submit your online application by 25th June, 2026
  • Your online application should contain the following:
  • 1. A Cover letter explaining the motivation for applying and also explaining how the qualifications and skill-set of the candidate are suitable for this position and Curriculum Vitae (CV);
    2.Your past experience handling similar activities including links to work samples and/or portfolio
    3. A financial proposal indicating deliverable-based professional fee;NB. The submission of work samples is critical to the evaluation of your application.Only complete applications will be considered. Regret letters will only be sent to shortlisted candidates.Applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
    AKF Is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is Committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Adults and Expects all Staff and Partners to Share this Commitment.The Aga Khan Foundation is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org).