Communication Specialist (SMART AWD+)

Communication Specialist

Sustainable Mitigation through AWD+ for Rice Systems Transformation in Thailand

GIZ International Services (InS)

Field of Activity

The project “Sustainable Mitigation through AWD+ for Rice Systems Transformation in Thailand (SMART AWD+)” is implemented by GIZ International Services (InS), in close collaboration with the GIZ country office in Bangkok. The project aims to deliver scalable greenhouse gas emission reductions in the Thai rice sector by promoting the large-scale adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and other climate-smart agriculture practices, thereby supporting a transition away from conventional continuously flooded rice systems. It is designed to reach approximately 30,000 farmers and generate around 1.1 million Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) by 2030 through a results-based financing approach. The project is commissioned by the KliK Foundation and implemented under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, in line with the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and Thailand signed in 2022, contributing to the mobilisation of climate finance while supporting large-scale sustainable agricultural transformation.

The Communication Specialist will lead the strategic communications, visibility and stakeholder engagement of the SMART AWD+ Thailand project. The position combines hands-on communications delivery with strategic advisory functions, supporting the Project Manager in positioning SMART AWD+ Thailand as a flagship initiative for low-carbon rice transformation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The role works closely with government partners, the private sector, farmers, development partners and the media to strengthen the project's visibility, credibility and policy impact.

Your tasks

Strategic Communications

·       Lead the development and implementation of the project’s strategic communications, visibility and stakeholder engagement strategy.

·       Advise the project management and implementation partners on strategic communications, positioning, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management in Thailand.

·       Support strategic communications with senior government counterparts, development partners and international stakeholders.

·       Build and maintain relationships with relevant Thai media, communications networks, public institutions, private-sector actors, farmer organisations and other strategic multipliers. Plan and manage communications campaigns across digital, print and traditional media, media outreach, high-level events and visibility activities that strengthen awareness of SMART AWD+ and its contribution to climate-smart rice production and Article 6 cooperation.

Communications Delivery

·       Develop and maintain stakeholder maps and communications plans for key audiences including government, farmers, private sector, development partners and media.

·       Translate project objectives, results and technical content into clear and compelling messages for different audiences.

·       Produce and coordinate high-quality communications products in Thai and English, including web and social media content, factsheets, brochures, presentations, success stories, press materials, newsletters and audiovisual content.

·       Ensure that project messages and materials are technically accurate, audience-appropriate and consistent with GIZ, commissioning-party and partner communication and visibility requirements.

·       Coordinate communications agencies, designers, photographers, videographers and other service providers, including drafting Terms of Reference, supporting selection and contracting, briefing suppliers and reviewing deliverables.

·       Provide communications advice and editorial support to project colleagues and partners, including preparation for interviews, speeches, presentations, high-level meetings and public-facing engagements.

·       Establish and maintain editorial planning, content calendars, approval workflows, communications assets and monitoring indicators, and report on the reach and effectiveness of communications activities.

Knowledge & Visibility

·       Capture and communicate lessons learned, good practices and project achievements to support knowledge management, policy dialogue and replication.

International Positioning

·       Identify opportunities to position SMART AWD+ Thailand nationally, regionally and internationally through strategic communications, knowledge products and engagement in relevant forums.

Brand Management

·       Safeguard the SMART AWD+ Thailand visual identity and brand across all communication products and public engagement.

·       Monitor the Thai media and communications environment, identify reputational risks and strategic opportunities, and recommend timely responses and positioning measures.

·       Ensure inclusive, gender-responsive and culturally appropriate communications and compliance with GIZ standards, data protection, consent and safeguarding requirements.

Required criteria

·       University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, political science, international relations or another relevant field.

·       At least five years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, strategic communications or a closely related field.

·       Experience working with government institutions, development partners, private-sector organisations, farmer groups or civil-society organisations in Thailand.

·       Experience supporting high-level meetings, official events or executive communications.

·       Demonstrate ability to communicate technically complex and politically sensitive topics to a broad range of audiences

·       Demonstrated experience combining hands-on content production and campaign delivery with strategic communications advice, positioning and stakeholder engagement.

·       Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, including the ability to translate complex technical and policy issues into compelling communications for different audiences.

·       Proven experience managing external suppliers and communications assignments, including briefing, quality assurance and delivery against deadlines and budgets.

·       Strong knowledge of the Thai media and communications landscape and the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, strong network within national media and in Thailand is an asset.

·       Native-level or full professional fluency in Thai and excellent written and spoken English are required.

·       Excellent judgement, creativity, political sensitivity, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently under tight deadlines.

Desirable criteria

·       Experience communicating climate change, agriculture, sustainable development, carbon markets or international cooperation topics.

Previous professional experience working in a communications, public relations, advertising or creative agency

·       Knowledge of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, climate finance or results-based financing.

·       Experience with digital analytics, multimedia production, brand management or crisis and issues communications.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape one of Southeast Asia's largest Article 6 initiatives in the agriculture sector and contribute to positioning Thailand as a regional leader in low-carbon rice transformation.

Duty station and timeframe:

The position will be based in Bangkok. This will be a fixed-term, starting as soon as possible and running for one year, with the possibility of extension.

Please carefully read this announcement and submit a CV AND a cover letter in English or Thai to [email protected] or "Quick Apply".

The deadline for applications is 18 September 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GIZ Thailand is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages gender diversity within the company and operations.

GIZ Office Thailand

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