Consultant - Communication Lead for Water Resilience Tracker

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking an innovative and multi-skilled candidate to join its team as a Communications Lead for the Water Resilience Tracker.

The Water Resilience Tracker (WRT) aims to enhance climate policies by integrating water management strategies into national climate planning. As part of the Just Transitions for Water Security program, the WRT provides actionable insights and frameworks that improve resilience to climate shocks.

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for executing a comprehensive communications strategy to increase awareness, adoption, and effective implementation of the WRT among key stakeholders. This role will focus on promoting the value of the WRT, building trust through thought leadership, and securing strategic partnerships.

SCOPE OF WORK:

1.       Communications Strategy Implementation:

• Implement the Water Resilience Tracker (WRT) communications strategy.
• Define and execute quarterly and annual work plans based on the communications strategy and project priorities.
• Identify target audiences—including policymakers, funders, private sector stakeholders, sector influencers, researchers, media, and nonprofit/civil society stakeholders—and tailor messaging accordingly.
• Maintain key communications platforms, including the WRT website.
• Manage and grow the email marketing contact database/CRM.
• Ensure communications comply with funder requirements and GDPR regulations.

2.       Communications Coordination:

• Serve as the primary communications lead and point of contact for the WRT.
• Coordinate with communications representatives from partner organizations (AGWA, Arup, and Deltares) and within the Just Transitions for Water Security (JTWS) consortium.
• Maintain a communications calendar and establish a review/approval process across partners to ensure timely production and dissemination of high-quality communications materials.
• Participate in IWMI’s Communications Team meetings and update planning tools to ensure strategic alignment.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all partners to promote the WRT’s objectives effectively.
• Keep all WRT-related communications platforms up to date.
• Ensure IWMI materials related to the WRT project are current, including the WRT project profile on the IWMI website.

3.       Content Creation:

• Write and edit articles (news, features, press releases, op-eds, success stories, profiles) for the WRT website, newsletters, and other outlets, following IWMI’s style guide.
• Develop strategic, audience-led communications materials (briefs, fact sheets, presentations, reports, infographics, posters, etc.) to showcase WRT’s impact and results.
• Liaise with WRT partners and stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy in communications materials.
• Create and manage social media content (platforms to be determined).
• Develop key messages that convey the importance of integrating water resilience into climate policies.
• Lead the editorial aspects of WRT video projects, following IWMI guidelines, to highlight project impact and results through storytelling.
• Oversee the photographic documentation of WRT activities according to IWMI’s standards.
• Ensure compliance with branding guidelines and funders’ visibility requirements.

4.       Media Relations:

• Develop a Media Plan & Kit to raise public awareness of WRT’s contributions to climate resilience.
• Craft media pitches and story ideas aligned with current events, WRT’s mission, and its impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and influencers in the climate and water sectors.
• Organize press conferences and media visits to the field as needed.
• Support media outreach and engagement activities.

5.       Event Coordination:

• Develop an Events Plan with a calendar of strategic events, engagement levels, focal points, and opportunities.
• Organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions to promote WRT adoption among stakeholders.
• Support WRT staff participation at key events (conferences, workshops, forums, webinars, etc.).
• Prepare communications plans and key messages ahead of events.
• Provide communications and media support during events.
• Document event outcomes through news articles and other materials.
• Represent WRT at conferences and events to build partnerships and share insights.
  

6.       Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Track communications metrics to assess the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
• Provide regular reports on engagement activities and outcomes to inform strategy adjustments.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, environmental science, public policy, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• At least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working in an international work environment.
  

Desirable:

• Strong understanding of water management issues and climate policy frameworks.

• Increased awareness and adoption of the Water Resilience Tracker (WRT) among target audiences.
• Established credibility for the WRT as a reliable resource in national climate planning.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential:

• Excellent writing and editing skills in English, with demonstrated experience in writing and editing success stories and other communication materials.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and handle a variety of tasks.

Desirable:

• Multimedia skills, including photography, video, and audio production.
• Experience in presentation and event facilitation

This is an internationally 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 twelve (12) 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 March 13, 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.