Organizational Setting  

The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is implementing the project UTF/AZE/021/AZE – “Improvement of Seed and Agro-Chemical Laboratory and Certification Services under the Agrarian Services Agency”. This project aims to support the renewal and modernization of the country's support system for agricultural production through the activities of laboratories that are compliant with international standards, apply advanced methods, and have enhanced national capacities installed.  

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan (FAOR), the programmatic guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR), and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the REU Communication Office, the Graphic Designer will work in close coordination with the Agrarian Services Agency (ASA) and the National Project Coordinator, ensuring compliance with FAO corporate communication guidelines.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the development of a comprehensive corporate visual identity for the Agrarian Services Agency, including the preparation of logo concepts, the systematization of the use of the existing or newly developed logo, and the design and preparation of a comprehensive corporate brandbook. Within the scope of the assignment, the Graphic Designer will contribute to establishing modern, unified, professional, and long-term visual standards (usable for at least five years) that reflect the institutional identity of the organization.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the general supervision and guidance of Agrarian Services Agency (ASA) and the Project Team, the incumbent will develop and deliver a unified corporate visual identity framework and brandbook for ASA, using professional design software. Tasks will include:

•     Conduct an initial review of the Agrarian Services Agency’s (ASA) institutional mandate, communication needs, and existing visual materials to inform the development of a modern, unified, and long-term corporate visual identity system.
•     Develop a minimum of five (5) original logo design concepts that reflect ASA’s institutional identity, each accompanied by a clear conceptual explanation and description of symbolic meaning.
•     Prepare comprehensive logo variations, including full-color, monochrome (black and white), horizontal and vertical formats, and versions suitable for both light and dark backgrounds.
•     Present logo concepts to ASA and FAO, gather consolidated feedback, and revise the selected concept through a maximum of two structured revision rounds.
•     Finalize the approved logo and prepare all required technical outputs, including vector and raster file formats (AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, JPG) suitable for both print and digital applications.
•     Define logo usage standards, including clear space requirements, minimum sizing rules, placement guidelines, and examples of correct and incorrect usage, including co-branding arrangements.
•     Develop a unified and coherent corporate visual identity framework based on the approved logo, ensuring consistency across all institutional communication and visibility materials.
•     Define and document primary and secondary color palettes, including HEX, RGB, CMYK, and Pantone codes, and establish rules for their use across different communication platforms and materials.
•     Define typography standards, including primary and alternative fonts, formatting rules, hierarchy, sizing, spacing, and guidelines for both digital and print applications.
•     Prepare a comprehensive bilingual (Azerbaijani English) Corporate Brandbook presenting brand philosophy, visual concept explanation, visual identity components, and detailed application rules in parallel format.
•     Develop standardized visual templates and branding layouts for institutional materials, including corporate stationery, digital communication templates, and selected branding applications aligned with ASA operational needs.
•     Establish technical production specifications covering color systems, image resolution requirements (DPI), file preparation standards, font delivery, and digital integration requirements.
•     Produce a short infographic video (30–60 seconds) introducing the ASA Corporate Brandbook, its visual identity principles, and key application elements.
•     Incorporate feedback from ASA, FAO, the Lead Technical Officer, and the REU Communication Office throughout the design and validation process to ensure technical accuracy and institutional alignment.
•     Ensure that all outputs comply fully with FAO corporate communication and visibility guidelines and are delivered within agreed timelines and technical specifications.
•     Implement other related tasks, as required.
•     Create functional and clear templates that can convey the product’s message without interfering with it;
•     Identify and develop overall layout that suits the product type;
•     Ensure that the layout fits the audience (from a technical, professional and cultural standpoint);
•     Use fresh and attractive design that is in line with related products and FAO’s corporate identity.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. 
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: 
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en    
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia    
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en   
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en    
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm    
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en       
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Arts, or a related field.
•     At least 2 years of experience in graphic design, branding, or visual communication
•     Limited knowledge of English (Level B) and full proficiency of Azerbaijani

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•     Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and other relevant design software.
•     Experience in creating technical design specifications for production.
•     Strong understanding of corporate branding, colors, and logo placement.
•     Knowledge of printing and textile production processes.
•     Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
•     Prior experience with FAO or UN agencies and knowledge of their branding and visibility guidelines is an asset.