Communications Specialist

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a seasoned communications professional join its office in New Delhi, India, as a Communications Specialist.

The Communications Specialist will support the implementation of IWMI\u2019s global communications strategy in India. The incumbent will develop content and will support events and campaigns in the region, in accordance with quality standards and guidelines, and with input from project leaders and researchers. The person will coordinate closely with the Communications & Knowledge Management team, as an integral part of its global systems and workflows. Further, the Specialist will provide communications and public relations support to the Country Representative, Project Leaders and a team of researchers undertaking various research projects in India.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position holder will work closely with Country Representative and Communication & Knowledge Management team to:

• Support the implementation of IWMI\u2019s global communications strategy in India, in close coordination with IWMI's Communications & Knowledge Management team in HQ.
• Participate in meetings of the Communications & Knowledge Management team and update planning tools, to ensure strategic alignment and a coordinated approach for content and upcoming events.
• Write and edit articles (news, features, press releases, op-eds, success stories, profiles) for IWMI\u2019s global websites, global newsletters, and other outlets. Liaise with authors and reviewers for edits and approvals. Follow IWMI\u2019s style guide.
• Support IWMI\u2019s presence at national and regional events (conferences, workshops, webinars, etc.). Prepare communications plans and key messages ahead of events. Provide communications and media support during events. Document events result through newsworthy articles and other materials.
• Develop audience-led communications outputs (briefs, factsheets, presentations, reports, infographics, posters, etc.) to advance IWMI\u2019s corporate and project objectives, focused on impacts and results.
• Prepare social media content for IWMI\u2019s official global accounts.
• Liaise with IWMI project leaders and researchers in India for potential content and outreach materials, and to ensure technical quality. If required, lead or support the design and implementation of communications plans for IWMI projects.
• Liaise with partners and stakeholders to produce project communications materials.
• Liaise with national and regional media and organize press conferences and journalists visits to the field, as needed. Support proactive media outreach and engagement activities.
• Coordinate with IWMI\u2019s Communications and Knowledge Management team in HQ to produce video according to quality standards and guidelines. Once approved, lead the editorial aspect of video projects, to highlight project impact and results through storytelling. Ensure guidelines are followed and contract conditions are met before payment to consultants.
• Coordinate with IWMI\u2019s Communications and Knowledge Management team in HQ for photographic documentation of IWMI activities in India, to ensure images are high-quality, capture areas of strategic interest, include complete caption info and metadata, and are ingested into the global photo library. Coordinate with photographers for editorial guidance. Ensure guidelines are followed and contract conditions are met before payment to consultants.
• Coordinate with IWMI\u2019s Communications and Knowledge Management team in HQ for the engagement of consultants (for video production, photography, graphic design or other communications-related work) and provide guidance to ensure the timely delivery of quality outputs.
• Ensure compliance with IWMI branding guidelines and funders\u2019 visibility requirements.
• Support the implementation of internal communications strategies and activities, as required.
• Compile media contacts for India and add them to global media lists, for targeted national, regional, and global outreach.
• Help increase global email marketing subscribers (adding partners, workshop participants and other stakeholders) for targeted mailings.
• Carry out any other tasks identified as priorities by the Country Representative or the Global Communications Lead for Water Systems.

  Requirements

  EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

  Essential,

• Master\u2019s degree in mass communications, journalism, international development or a related field.

Desirable,

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

Desirable,

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Indian nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on June 03, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.