1.0 Background

Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a non-profit international development agency, working in Asia and Africa to find sustainable solutions to the complex problems causing global poverty. AKFC concentrates on a small number of specific development challenges in health, education, rural development and civil society. In Canada, AKFC raises funds, builds partnerships with Canadian institutions, and promotes discussion and learning on international development issues. Established in 1980, AKFC is a registered Canadian charity and an agency of the worldwide Aga Khan Development Network.

AKFC’s Public Affairs department is responsible for engaging with Canadians on issues of international development. In carrying out this work, the department is tasked with informing and educating Canadians on topics of global development, inspiring them to take meaningful action on these issues. AKFC engages with targeted populations within the general public, as well as those working in international development, global affairs, and related fields.

To effectively fill this mandate, AKFC produces a wide range of communications materials, aimed at a variety of target audiences. These products take a range of forms – from concise programmatic briefs to documentary films. To assist in the production of these materials, AKFC requires a pool of creative services professionals – either individuals or firms – who can be called upon to fill a variety of production needs.

2.0 Required Services

AKFC requires services in the following key areas:

Writers and/or Editors

As part of the planning and execution of various communications activities, AKFC requires the services of writers and editors to assist in the production of print and digital materials on an ongoing basis, such as learning and/or policy briefs, reports, journalistic articles, case studies, photo captions, social media and online engagement materials, and other communication products as needed. The writer/editor will meet with AKFC staff to define scope and objective of individual projects, and review background materials provided by AKFC – requiring the ability to synthesize large quantities of information into easily-digestible content for public consumption. The writer/editor must possess established research and interview skills, as services may also include research and content-gathering, such as interviews. Editing services may be required to address length, consistency, grammar, comprehension and/or typographical errors. All writing and editing services must be completed in accordance with AKFC’s writing style.

The candidate should have a degree in a relevant field. The work may involve travel within Canada and overseas. Previous experience with topics of international development, as well as an understanding of public engagement strategies, will be considered an asset.

Photographers

AKFC requires documentary photographers to carry out assignments on a variety of subjects. The photographer will meet with AKFC staff to define the scope and objective of individual projects, as well as review any background material provided by AKFC. The assignments will include documenting events, activities or projects, in accordance with AKFC’s guidelines and specifications. Assignments may also include additional services such as providing caption information, image editing, or photo selection for slideshows and other print and digital collateral.

The work may involve travel within Canada and overseas. Candidate should have previous experience conducting photography projects in the developing world. Interviewing skills, as well as an understanding of public engagement strategies will be considered an asset.

Videography & Video Production

AKFC requires a range of video production services. The video production specialist will meet with AKFC staff to define scope and objectives of individual projects, as well as review any background material provided by AKFC – requiring an ability to synthesize large quantities of information into easily-digestible content for public consumption. The video production specialist will produce detailed storyboards and/or outlines for each individual project, in consultation with AKFC. Gathering raw footage and/or working with footage from AKFC/other sources, the video production specialist will produce high-quality videos in a range of lengths, styles and formats (live action, animated, etc), and on a variety of subject matter, all in accordance with AKFC’s communication style, branding standards and principles.

The work may involve travel within Canada and overseas. Candidate should have previous experience conducting film projects in the developing world, and a familiarity with development issues. Interviewing skills, as well as an understanding of public engagement strategies will be considered an asset.

Graphic Design

AKFC requires frequent graphic design support to produce a range of communications materials. The graphic designer will meet with AKFC staff to define scope and objectives of individual projects, in print and digital formats (including multimedia). Projects will include products such as promotional materials for events and fundraising campaigns, websites/online media, programmatic briefs and corporate branding. All products must be produced in accordance with AKFC’s branding standards and principles.

3.0 Qualifications

In addition to job-specific qualifications outlined above, all candidates should bring to the position:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Familiarity with international development and global issues, particularly in Asia and Africa.
• Experience with non-governmental organizations and charitable foundations.
• Understanding of public engagement strategies and issues.
• Strong understanding of emerging applications in digital media.
• Ability to work independently on tight deadline.
• Outstanding communications skills in English. (Fluency in other languages, particularly French, considered an asset.)
• Prior experience with AKFC and/or the AKDN considered an asset.