Consultant - SOW Communications

1. The project objectives and the specific purpose of services

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a focused communications, branding, and digital engagement strategy for Linux Foundation AgStack. The consultancy will support the positioning of AgStack as a new open-source architecture and software approach for agricultural and food systems, while strengthening its visibility among technical, institutional, donor, and agrifood-sector stakeholders.

The consultancy will build upon the broader ecosystem of the Digital Integration of Agricultural Supply Chains Alliance (DIASCA), the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Linux Foundation AgStack, and other strategic partners. The assignment will contribute to enhancing communications, stakeholder engagement, launch readiness, and long-term adoption of open-source digital infrastructure for agrifood supply chains.

The consultancy will culminate in the preparation of a comprehensive communications package supporting the launch of AgStack at the Open Source Summit in Prague on October 6, 2026.

2. The key contact people for the Consultant, and the frequency and mode of interaction with the person supervising the consultancy assignment

Hiring Manager:
Brian King, Senior Manager of Technology Integration.

• Bi-weekly virtual coordination meetings.
  
• Email communication as required for review and feedback.
  
• Review sessions prior to the submission of each deliverable.
  

3. The deliverables
Deliverable 1: Rapid Assessment and Brand Audit Report
Format: PowerPoint presentation and/or written report (editable format).
Contents: Rapid assessment and brand audit note, summarizing current communications assets, gaps, opportunities, and recommendations for the strategy phase.
Deliverable 2: AgStack Communications, Branding, and Messaging Strategy
Format: Strategic document (Word/PDF) and/or presentation.
Contents: AgStack communications, branding, and messaging strategy, including audience segmentation, core narrative, messaging pillars, co-branding guidance, and recommended language for partner-facing communications.
Deliverable 3: Digital Engagement and Platform Recommendations
Format: Strategic recommendations report and presentation.
Contents: Digital engagement and platform recommendations, including recommended channels, workflows, content pipeline, and practical guidance for maintaining communications momentum.
Deliverable 4: Open Source Summit Launch Package
Format: Communications package.
Contents: Open Source Summit launch package, including launch narrative, communications timeline, and suggested promotional content.
Deliverable 5: Implementation Action Plan and Communications SOPs
Format: Final report and operational toolkit.
Contents: Implementation action plan and communications standard operating procedures, and next steps

4. The calendar of activities

Approximately three (3) months - June 2026 – September 2026

• Phase 1: Rapid Assessment and Brand Audit
  Estimated effort: 3 consulting days
  
• Phase 2: Communications Strategy and Branding Framework
  Estimated effort: 5 consulting days
  
• Phase 3: Digital Engagement and Platform Recommendations
  Estimated effort: 4 consulting days
  
• Phase 4: Open Source Summit Launch Package
  Estimated effort: 5 consulting days
  
• Phase 5: Implementation Action Plan and Standard Operating Procedures
  Estimated effort: 3 consulting days
  

Total estimated level of effort: 20 consulting days.

5. Duty Station

Home-based / Remote consultancy.

Requirements

6. The required expertise, qualifications, and expected experience to produce the expected output or deliverables

• Advanced university degree (PhD and/or Master) in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, Information Systems, International Development, or related fields.
  
• Demonstrated experience developing communications, branding, and digital engagement strategies.
  
• Experience supporting technology, open-source, digital public infrastructure, research-for-development, or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  
• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible communications products for diverse audiences.
  
• Experience preparing launch materials, event communications, presentations, stakeholder engagement materials, and strategic messaging frameworks.
  
• Familiarity with agrifood systems, sustainability, digital agriculture, supply chain technologies, or related sectors.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, synthesis, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with international and multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Experience working with Linux Foundation projects or open-source communities.
  
• Familiarity with open-source governance models.
  
• Experience in donor-funded digital transformation or agricultural technology initiatives
  

Benefits

7. The total estimated budget for the consultancy

Total Estimated Budget: The total value of the consultancy shall not exceed USD 15,000, inclusive of all professional fees, taxes, administrative costs, and any other expenses associated with the delivery of the services.

8. Applications
Interested candidates should send the following information to B.King@cgiar.org

• A technical proposal including a brief statement.
  
• A Curriculum Vitae including two (2) references.
  
• A financial proposal that includes, at a minimum, hourly, daily, or deliverable-based rates, travel expenses, and other direct and indirect costs (with an approximate maximum total value of USD 15,000).
  

Application closing date: Juen 19th, 2026
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.