The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international non-profit, research-for-development organization that works with governments, civil society, and private sector organizations to address water-related challenges in developing countries and scale up solutions. IWMI is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is a CGIAR research center with offices in 15 countries and a global network of researchers operating in approximately 56 countries.
Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) supports the delivery of a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture.
AICCRA works to make climate information services and climate-smart agriculture more accessible to millions of smallholder farmers across Africa.
By improving access to technologies and advisory servicesโlinked with information on effective response measuresโfarmers are better able to anticipate climate-related events, take preventative action, and protect their livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.
AICCRA has teams in six countries: Senegal, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia. Its work is organized around four thematic areas:
- Priorities and Policies for Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Climate-Smart Technologies and Practices
- Gender and Social Inclusion
- Climate Services
While country teams focus on accelerating impact within AICCRAโs six focus countries, several regional initiatives complement these national efforts, delivering benefits to a broader range of stakeholders across East, West, and Southern Africa.
AICCRA is supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, which strengthens the research and capacity-building activities of CGIAR centers and initiatives, as well as their African partners.
We are seeking a short-term (3 months) Communications Consultant to support the AICCRA Zambia team in developing and delivering communications products as part of the legacy communications campaign for the second phase of the project.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Story Writing and Content Development:
- Coordinate with the Zambia team to draft and deliver 3โ4 high-quality blogs, focused on specific Outcome Impact Case Reports (OICRs) from AICCRA Zambiaโs portfolio.
2. Document Management
Edit and proofread short- and medium-length documents for publication, ensuring clarity, accuracy, plain English writing, and compelling messaging. Format documents in line with AICCRA templates and branding guidelines. Upload publications and knowledge products to CG Space, the CGIAR knowledge repository. Coordinate with editors and graphic designers on the preparation of larger publications and documents for release.3. Team Coordination
Actively participate in team meetings and engage colleagues for input to strengthen communications outputs. Provide regular updates to the cluster lead and Global Communications and Knowledge Manager. Support additional related tasks and projects as assigned.DELIVERABLES:
By the end of the 1st month - 2 x blogs and related social media content, outline for the legacy story, storyboard for the legacy film. By the end of the 2nd month - 1 x blog and related social media content, first draft for the legacy story, first draft for the legacy film. By the end of the 3rd month - 1 x blog, final draft for the legacy story, final draft for the legacy film and related social media content.Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Experience: 3โ5 years in communications, digital marketing, or knowledge management. Proven experience delivering communications products across different media formats for diverse audiences.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Essential:
Consultant must be based in Zambia. Familiarity with key issues in agriculture, food systems, climate change, or development in Africa. Excellent written and oral communication skills (native English standard). Ability to design engaging content for social media platforms to a high standard using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent. Strong talent for interpreting complex subject matter and synthesizing it into accurate, engaging, and accessible content.Desirable:
Knowledge of local Zambian languages (particularly Bemba, Nyanja, or Chewa) is an advantage. Ability to be flexible, respond positively to change, and work effectively under pressure while managing conflicting priorities. Ability to work diplomatically, collaboratively, and impartially in multicultural and international settings. Experience managing projects and working effectively as part of an international team. Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work independently in a remote setting while demonstrating creativity and initiative.Benefits
This is a nationally recruited consultancy position, therefore individuals with relevant qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. Applications will be accepted until 24:00 IST on September 05, 2025, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Your application must include a CV, cover letter, two writing samples that demonstrate the skills outlined in this job advert (please ensure that all documents are clearly titled as \"AICCRA Zambia Communications Consultantโ). If the pieces are supported by social media posts, please include the relevant links and contact information for three (3) references, who may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical to our mission. We offer a multicultural, multicolored, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary working environment. We are committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and prioritizes gender equity. We therefore strongly encourage applications from individuals of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Apply Now