Request for Proposals

SERVICE for Rainforest Alliance – PROGRAM & Communication CONSULTANT

Summary Information

Department: Programme/ GEF-UNEP India ILM project

Location(s): New Delhi/Noida

Commitment: January 2nd, - December 2026

Desired start date and duration: 1 year (180days)

Under direction of: Senior Project Manager

Consultancy Summary

About the Rainforest Alliance

Rainforest Alliance is a leading global non‑profit formed through the 2018 merger of Rainforest Alliance (New York) and UTZ (Amsterdam). Today, the organization maintains a dual‑headquarter structure with principal offices in Amsterdam and New York City and operates over 20 regional offices serving key global landscapes, implementing sustainability initiatives and certification programs across the world.

The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities. We work towards making responsible business the new normal through our certification program, tailored supply chain services, landscape and community work and advocacy.

Overview

We are looking for a collaborative Program and Communications Consultant who is responsible for supporting the coordination and carrying out communication activities in GEF-UNEP ILM (Integrated Landscape Management) project, “Transforming agricultural systems and strengthening local economies in high biodiversity areas of India through sustainable landscape management in the Eastern Ghats (Andhra Pradesh) and Western Ghats (Karnataka), by promoting sustainable agricultural production, supply chains and public-private finance.

The Consultant, will support the project by working with Rainforest Alliance staff, implementing partners and stakeholders to build a range of communications products that support the project´s results-based management and reporting over the project´s lifetime.

The consultant will serve as the communications arm to achieve overall advocacy objectives. This requires high-level networking and liaison with government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoAFW), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and State Forest Departments, other stakeholders of the project to assess communication needs. The role will involve translating technical field reports and monitoring data into compelling, personally relevant, culturally appropriate policy briefs, infographics, and presentations for policymakers.

The Consultant is expected to work and coordinate closely with the Communications Manager for APAC. This includes regular meetings with the wider Communications team to develop and monitor project communications plan, whenever invited.

The Consultant will help organize internal meetings, national and international workshops, and learning sessions and facilitate stakeholder meetings and dialogues. They will be responsible for the complete logistical and communications support for critical community and stakeholder dialogues, from minute-taking" to preparing event-specific communication kits.

Main Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee all Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities related to GEF India – Landscapes Project:

• Lead the development and execution of the project’s communication strategy, ensuring alignment with Rainforest Alliance branding and GEF India goals.
• Lead the development and execution of effective Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) strategies to support the project's Knowledge Management (KM) objectives.
• Design and produce high-impact IEC and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) materials including infographics, videos, newsletters, and social media content tailored to diverse audiences.
• Support the development and finalization of project reports, including the Annual Report, donor submissions, mid-term and end-of-project reviews. This further includes thematic case studies by coordinating with field teams and MEL to compile relevant inputs, organizing documentation, and by providing necessary communication inputs, data, visuals, design and formatting process in alignment with Rainforest Alliance communication standards.
• Establish and maintain robust internal communication protocols to promote cross-learning, knowledge sharing, and exchange of ideas among all project partners (Rainforest Alliance, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), state governments, etc.).
• Provide creative inputs and coordinate with stakeholders for development of key messages, IEC content including advising on the appropriate mix of materials for specific campaigns and media plan for dissemination across platforms.
• Support the identification and development of key messages for project communication materials and assist in selecting appropriate formats and channels for dissemination. Contribute to the creation of prototypes and visual concepts for communication campaigns based on project needs.
• Developing social media contents and submit to the RA global team for publishing in various platforms
• Support the creation of project reports, case studies, and success stories, ensuring clarity and consistency. Produce multimedia content such as video stories, photo essays, and beneficiary testimonials to highlight project impact.
• Development and maintenance of communications material on the website and ensure the organization and accessibility of a centralized online repository for all project communication materials, reports, and IEC/BCC resources, in alignment with project requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication activities and adjust strategies based on feedback and performance metrics.
• Lead the planning, organization, and representation of the project at all public-facing outreach events, including exhibitions, trade fairs, launch programs, awareness campaigns, and community meetings etc. Organize and represent the project at exhibitions, trade fairs, and public events to amplify visibility and engagement.
• Assist in coordinating project activities, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with the Senior Project Manager. Liaise with partners and stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and follow-up on action items.
• The specialist will support monthly activity tracking by compiling programmatic and communication updates.
• Assist in organizing internal meetings, workshops, learning sessions, and field exchange visits/study tours, including handling logistics, preparing agendas, and documenting proceedings. Support the preparation of detailed workshop and event reports, summarizing key discussions, participant feedback, and actionable outcomes.
• Support the technical teams by collecting and documenting case studies from the field for the development of communication products and program reports.
• Network with other agencies, state government departments, and relevant donors to identify opportunities for programmatic leveraging, increased visibility for the Rainforest Alliance and convergence.
• Develop and execute a media plan for dissemination across platforms, including developing media engagement materials (not limited to press releases, media briefs) and acting as a media liaison.
• Any other work related to communications based on Project requirements.

General Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposal

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Mass communication/Journalism/Social Science/Rural work/Agriculture/Development studies/related non-profit disciplines from a reputed and recognized institution.
• Minimum 6+ Years of work experience in communication and outreach activities for the development sector. Prior hands-on experience in content creation and media coverage with exposure to policy communications.
• Well versed with recent IEC activities in the development sector including Social Media platform priority activities.
• Demonstrable experience in a programmatic support or coordination role, including organizing workshops, conferences, seminars and multi-stakeholder events at national/international level/workshop logistics management, donor reporting, and stakeholder liaison.
• Experience in NRM, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, or climate change. Ability to translate complex technical concepts (e.g., sustainable forest management, SLM, CNF, eco-restoration) into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Proven collaboration with State Forest Departments or Government institutions (MoEFCC, MoAFW). Familiarity with international donors (GEF, UNEP, GIZ, USAID).
• Strong proficiency in commonly used software tools, including MS Office Suite Experience with digital content creation platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, along with video editing platforms such as Final Cut Pro, Primere Pro.
• Excellent communication, and presentation skills, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skill and ability to work all level functions within the organization,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Hindi. Knowledge of Kanada or Telugu will be an additional advantage.
• Travel to project landscapes at least 40% of the time.
• A hybrid work model requiring 15 working days per month, with a combination of in-office and remote work, as determined by project requirements set by the Project Manager.
• A collaborative and supportive colleague with experience in training and mentoring technical staff in communication practices.

Proposal Process and Format

• Interested applicants are invited to submit an electronic copy of CV, including with:
• A cover letter.
• Communications Portfolio- 3 samples of any past campaign, press release, and media coverage. Kindly include a shareable link (eg Google drive link) of the portfolio as part of your Cover Letter.
• Hybrid work model with office presence for approximately 15 days per month, as per project requirements determined by the Project Manager.
• The shortlisted candidate will be required to share three recent references
• Deadline to apply: Apply within 15 days of publication of the advertisement at the portal.
• Please apply through https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/careers/
• Please ensure that all the requested documents noted above are submitted. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No Phone calls please.

Thank you for your interest in working with The Rainforest Alliance.