Communications Consultant

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

This is a consultancy position in Nepal to lead the communication work plan and outputs for Research for Development (R4D) projects, including the CGIAR's NEXUS Gains Initiative.

The Communication Consultant will support IWMI in achieving impacts and outreach from its scientific research results and tools. Working closely with the Country Representative, the consultant will develop content and support events and campaigns in the country/region, in accordance with quality standards and guidelines, and with input from project leaders and researchers. The consultant will also support the Nepal team with knowledge products and forums, keeping a balance of perspectives, interdisciplinarity, and inclusion. The consultant will coordinate closely with the Communications & Knowledge Management team, as an integral part of its global systems and workflows.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop strategic and audience-led communications and knowledge management outputs (key result stories, briefs, factsheets, presentations, reports, infographics, posters, etc.) to advance IWMI’s corporate and project objectives, focused on impacts and results.
• 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 national and regional 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.
• Liaise with IWMI project leaders and researchers in Nepal for potential content and outreach materials, and to ensure technical quality. Liaise with partners and stakeholders for the production of project communications materials.
• Prepare social media content for IWMI’s official global accounts. Manage official country-specific platforms.
• Liaise with national and regional media. Organize press conferences and journalist 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 and photographic documentation of IWMI Nepal activities, according to institutional standards and guidelines.
• Oversee and engage 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 REQUIRED:

Essential:

• Master’s degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, International development, Sociology, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional and practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of communications and knowledge management plans.
• Experience in organizing policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder engagement platforms, or similar events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Essential:

• 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.
• Presentation and event facilitation experience.
• 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.
• Experience working in an international work environment.
• Knowledge of diversity, inclusion, and gender issues in Nepal.
• Willingness to undertake travel to field locations with limited facilities and support.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Desirables:

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

LANGUAGE PROFICINECY:

• Excellent writing and editing skills in English. Demonstrated experience in 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.

Benefits

This is a nationally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive monthly rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be for a period of six (06) months.

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 13, 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.

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