Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a creative & multi skilled candidate to join its office in Kathmandu, Nepal, as a Communications Specialist.

The Communications Specialist will support the implementation of IWMI’s global strategies and country operational plan in Nepal. Working closely with the Country Representative, 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 specialist will also support the Nepal team with knowledge products and forums, keeping a balance of perspectives, interdisciplinarity and inclusion. The person will coordinate closely with the Communications & Knowledge Management team, as an integral part of its global systems and workflows.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the implementation of IWMI’s global strategies and country operational plan in Nepal, working closely with the Country Representative and in close coordination with IWMI’s Communications & Knowledge Management team in HQ.
• Define and implement quarterly and annual workplans, based on IWMI’s country and global priorities.
• Participate in weekly meetings of the Communications & Knowledge Management team and/or update related planning tools, to ensure strategic alignment and a coordinated approach for content and upcoming events.
• Support IWMI’s organization of and participation in national and regional events (conferences, forums, trainings, workshops, dialogues, webinars, etc.). Prepare communications plans and key messages ahead of events in coordination with Project Leaders and researchers. Provide communications and media support during events. Act as emcee or facilitator as needed. Document impact and results through newsworthy articles and other materials.
• Write and edit articles (news, features, press releases, op-eds, success stories, profiles) for IWMI’s global websites, global newsletters, and other outlets. Liaise with authors and reviewers for edits and approvals.
• Develop strategic and audience-led communications and knowledge management outputs (briefs, factsheets, presentations, reports, infographics, posters, etc.) to advance IWMI’s corporate and project objectives, focused on impacts and results.
• Prepare social media content for IWMI’s official global accounts. Manage official country-specific platforms.
• Liaise with IWMI project leaders and researchers in Nepal 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 for the production of project communications materials.
• Liaise with national and regional media. Organize press conferences and journalists visits to the field, as needed. Lead proactive media outreach and engagement activities in Nepal.
• Compile media contacts for Nepal and add them to IWMI’s global media lists, for targeted national, regional, and global outreach.
• Increase subscribers to IWMI’s global contact list. Lead partners, workshop participants and other stakeholders in Nepal to sign up for email marketing updates. Develop mailings and newsletters, targeted at specific national audiences, in coordination with IWMI’s Communications & Knowledge Management team in HQ.
• Coordinate the production of quality video, according to institutional standards and guidelines.
• Coordinate photographic documentation of IWMI activities in Nepal, according to institutional standards and guidelines.
• Coordinate the engagement of consultants (for video production, photography, graphic design, printing or other communications-related work) and provide guidance to ensure the timely delivery of quality outputs.
• Ensure compliance with IWMI branding guidelines and funders’ visibility requirements.
• Support the implementation of internal communications strategies and activities, as required.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communications activities in Nepal.
• 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’s degree in mass communications, journalism, international development, sociology, economics or a related field.
• At least 08 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of communications and knowledge management plans.
• Experience organizing policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder engagement platforms, or similar events.
• Presentation and event facilitation experience.

Desirable,

• Demonstrated understanding of water security, agricultural, environmental and development issues in Nepal.
• Experience working in research organizations or multi-disciplinary research-for-development programs.
• Experience working in an international work environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Excellent writing and editing skills in English. Demonstrated experience writing and editing reports, knowledge products, success stories and other communications materials in English.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in Nepali. Experience preparing knowledge and communications products in Nepali.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft 365 (particularly Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Teams), web applications, and digital tools.
• Multimedia skills, including photography, video and audio production.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and a variety of tasks.
• Strong analytical skills. Ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts and communicate them clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
• Ability to be a positive team player with good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from a wide variety of cultures, with sensitivity and respect.
• Knowledge of diversity, inclusion and gender issues in Nepal.
• Willingness to undertake travel to field location with limited facilities and support.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Nepali 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 28, 2024 (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.