Illustration Designer - 2D Agricultural Training Materials
Contract / TempJob Overview
Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
Client:
The client is a long-standing organization working with millions of smallholder farmers across multiple African countries. Their model combines delivery of high-quality farm supplies, access to credit, agricultural training, and market support. On average, the farmers they serve achieve significantly higher harvests after participating in their programs.
Project:
To support this mission, the Global Human-Centered Design (HCD) team seeks a Technical Illustration Consultant to develop, test, and refine farmer-friendly visuals that translate complex agronomic practices into clear, accessible drawings for smallholder farmers. This short-term consultancy (approx. 4 months) will focus on the promotion and training of 2–3 agricultural practices, ensuring subject-matter accuracy while simplifying recommendations for field use. These will focus on three agricultural practices: Residue Retention (new illustrations), Plant Spacing (revised illustrations), and Vegetative Strips (revised illustrations). The ideal candidate will bring a strong portfolio of technical illustration, experience working in multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to simplify complex practices for diverse farmer audiences.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Technical Illustration Consultant
Direct Report: Global HCD Lead
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Design / Systems
Direct Report: Global HCD Lead
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Design / Systems
- Creation of technical illustrations for Residue Retention (new illustrations), and revisions to existing sets for Plant Spacing and Vegetative Strips
- Development of testing prototypes, with mockups as needed.
- Updated versions of existing materials to improve clarity, comprehension, and usability.
- File outputs in vector (AI, EPS, SVG) and high-resolution raster (PNG/JPEG) formats, adaptable for print and digital use.
- A style checklist (max 1 page) designed as an ongoing internal tool, summarizing best practices, principles, pitfalls, and farmer feedback for future illustration development.
Physical supply chain / logistics
- Print-ready assets (CMYK, bleed/crop marks) optimized for field materials.
- Lightweight digital variants for low-bandwidth environments.
- Organized file library for internal design/print vendor handoff.
Execution
- Participation in 2–3 farmer testing sessions (with HCD and Extension team support).
- Incorporation of technical and farmer feedback with up to 3 revision rounds per illustration.
- Iterative prototypes with documented review cycles.
Capability building
- Development of a practical checklist/guide on illustration best practices.
- Knowledge capture and orientation for HCD and field teams on updating/adapting illustrations.
Requirements
Experience Required:
- Proven experience in diverse illustration styles, ideally agricultural or scientific content.
- Strong portfolio of technical/instructional visuals.
- Demonstrated ability to simplify complex processes for low-literacy or multilingual audiences.
- Familiarity with rural smallholder farming contexts in East Africa (preferred).
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (designers, researchers, technical experts).
- Exposure to user testing and iterative design processes
Technical Requirements:
- Proficiency in vector-based tools (Adobe Illustrator, Figma, or equivalent).
- Strong ability to produce print-ready and digital outputs.
- Basic graphic design skills (for mockups/prototypes) are a plus.
- Comfortable preparing assets for multi-language use (English, Swahili and Kinyarwanda preferred)
Other Skills:
- Strong visual storytelling and attention to accuracy.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
- Proactive communication, organized, and responsive to deadlines.
Working Arrangement
Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Kigali, Rwanda, working remotely
Language: English, Swahili and Kinyarwanda
Travel: Participation in 2–3 farmer testing workshops, with 4–5 days of travel allocated for testing and collaboration
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Immediate
Contracting Period: 4 months
Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Kigali, Rwanda, working remotely
Language: English, Swahili and Kinyarwanda
Travel: Participation in 2–3 farmer testing workshops, with 4–5 days of travel allocated for testing and collaboration
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Immediate
Contracting Period: 4 months