Media & Communication Consultant – aGROWforests Project

We are looking for a Media & Communication Consultant to elevate the stories of Bangka's pepper farmers, blending local wisdom with modern sustainability to inspire a new generation of agroforestry practitioners.

About the role

The aGROWforests project goes beyond technical agriculture; it is about changing the narrative of pepper farming. The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen public awareness and knowledge sharing. The Consultant will serve as the project's storyteller, translating technical agroforestry concepts into compelling content that highlights environmental benefits, honors the cultural heritage of Bangka's farming communities, and inspires youth engagement in sustainable agriculture.

Project background

The aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project promotes sustainable pepper agroforestry through regenerative and climate-smart agriculture approaches on Bangka Island.

Beyond technical implementation, the project recognizes that long-term impact requires cultural recognition and public buy-in. The project aims to position pepper agroforestry as a resilient, future-oriented livelihood, documenting local wisdom while promoting inclusive community engagement.

Scope of work

The Consultant will work closely with the Project Coordinator and the Knowledge Management team. The scope includes:

1. Content Development & Storytelling

• Develop educational materials and engaging content (articles, visuals, short videos) for digital and offline platforms.
• Produce monthly newsletters and storytelling pieces that reflect local context, cultural sensitivity, and accurate technical information.
• Document local wisdom and practices of pepper farmer communities in Bangka Island.

2. Media Relations & Digital Platforms

• Build, activate, and manage aGROWforests social media platforms and website content.
• Establish relationships with media outlets and disseminate press releases to ensure positive public coverage.
• Produce multimedia content (photo stories, videos) to strengthen public outreach.

3. Community & Youth Engagement

• Apply participatory communication approaches, allowing farmers to contribute their own stories and perspectives.
• Design content specifically appealing to youth and aspiring young farmers.
• Support communication-related training or mentoring for farmers and local actors.

4. Monitoring & Analytics

• Track communication performance using basic analytics tools.
• Provide reports on outreach reach, engagement, and lessons learned.

Expected deliverables

• Communication Strategy: A comprehensive content plan aligned with project objectives.
• Content Assets: Articles, stories, and visual materials (videos/photos) on pepper agroforestry and local wisdom.
• Digital Presence: Active and updated aGROWforests social media platforms and website articles.
• Public Relations: Press releases, media engagement outputs, and newsletters.
• Monitoring Reports: Brief reports on communication reach and effectiveness.

Target audience / main users

• Public & Consumers: To raise awareness of sustainable spices.
• Youth: To inspire participation in the agricultural sector.
• Farming Communities: To share knowledge and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Required profile

• Experience: Minimum 3 years in media, communication, or related fields.
• Sector Knowledge: Experience with agriculture, rural development, environment, or community-based projects is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of digital media/social platforms. Skills in graphic design, photography, and video editing are a significant advantage.
• Core Competencies: Creative storytelling, ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages, and cultural sensitivity.
• Field Readiness: Willingness to conduct field visits and stay near Spice Hub locations (Bangka) for in-depth research.
• Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication in Bahasa Indonesia and English.

Proposal submission

Interested consultants (individuals or organizations) are invited to submit:

• CV & Cover Letter: Indicating interest and suitability.
• Project Proposal: Covering strategy, work plan, and proposed budget allocation.

Selection criteria

The team will select the consultant based on a combination of criteria including relevance of experience, the understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and competitive cost packages.

If you have any questions about this ToR please contact [email protected]