The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking an innovative and multi-skilled candidate to join its office in Nepal as a Consultant - Communications Specialist.
This consultancy position in Nepal involves leading the communication work plan and outputs for Research for Development (R4D) projects, including the CGIAR's NEXUS Gains Initiative.
The Communications Specialist 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, adhering to quality standards and guidelines, with input from project leaders and researchers. The role also includes supporting the Nepal team with knowledge products and forums, ensuring a balance of perspectives, interdisciplinarity, and inclusion. The consultant will coordinate with the Communications & Knowledge Management team as part of its global systems and workflows.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop strategic and audience-led communications and knowledge management outputs (stories, briefs, factsheets, presentations, reports, infographics, posters, etc.) to advance IWMI’s objectives, focusing on impacts and results.
- Support IWMI’s organization 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, newsletters, and outlets. Liaise with authors and reviewers for edits and approvals.
- Liaise with project leaders, researchers, partners, and stakeholders in Nepal to ensure quality and relevance of content and outreach materials.
- Prepare social media content for IWMI’s global accounts and manage country-specific platforms.
- Liaise with media, organize press conferences, journalist visits, and lead proactive media outreach in Nepal.
- Compile and update media contacts for Nepal in IWMI’s global media lists.
- Increase subscribers to IWMI’s global contact list and develop targeted mailings and newsletters in coordination with the HQ team.
- Coordinate production of video and photographic documentation of IWMI Nepal activities, ensuring standards and guidelines are met.
- Oversee and guide consultants involved in communication-related work to ensure timely, quality outputs.
- Ensure compliance with IWMI branding and funders’ visibility requirements.
- Support internal communication strategies and activities as needed.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of communications activities in Nepal.
- Perform any other tasks as prioritized by the Country Representative or the Global Communications Lead.
Requirements
Educational Qualifications & Experience:
- Master’s degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, International Development, Sociology, Economics, or related fields.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating communication and knowledge management plans.
- Experience organizing policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder engagement platforms.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365, web applications, and digital tools.
- Multimedia skills including photography, video, and audio production.
- Event facilitation and presentation skills.
- Organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to understand and convey scientific concepts.
- Interpersonal skills with sensitivity to cultural diversity.
- Experience working internationally, with knowledge of diversity, inclusion, and gender issues in Nepal.
- Willingness to travel to field locations.
- Understanding of water security, agriculture, environmental, and development issues in Nepal.
- Experience in research organizations or multidisciplinary research-for-development programs.
Language Proficiency:
- Excellent English writing and editing skills.
- Proficiency in Nepali for preparing knowledge and communication products.
This is a nationally hired consultancy. Relevant abilities are encouraged to apply.