The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international research-for-development organization that works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to solve water problems in developing countries and scale up solutions. Through partnerships, IWMI combines research on the sustainable use of water and land resources, knowledge services and products, capacity strengthening, dialogue, and policy analysis to support the implementation of water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change, and inclusive economic growth. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, IWMI is a CGIAR Research Center with offices in 15 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 55 countries.
IWMI has an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to demonstrate their science communications skills to support the Solar Irrigation for Agriculture Resilience (SoLAR) project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), as well as other projects implemented by IWMI in India.
The successful candidate will support all communications-related tasks of the SoLAR project, as well as other projects implemented by IWMIโs office in India. With support from CGIAR and other donors, IWMI works closely with government partners to achieve its vision of a water-secure future. IWMI in India aims to intensify and strengthen its communication and outreach activities; therefore, it seeks to appoint a communications Consultant to provide specialized, dedicated, technical, and multimedia support to all its science communications activities.
The Communications Consultant will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance the visibility, outreach, and advocacy efforts of the organization and selected projects. The position supports knowledge sharing in alignment with IWMIโs overall strategy and project-specific goals. The Consultant will be working on multiple bilateral and CGIAR projects. One of the key projects implemented by IWMI in India is a multi-year, multi-country project (Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, and Kenya) titled Solar Irrigation for Agriculture Resilience (SoLAR), under the aegis of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The incumbent will work closely with the SoLAR Project Leader, researchers, IWMIโs Country Representative in India, and the communications teamโboth in India and at HQโto co-create, design, and ensure alignment with IWMIโs global communications strategy and adherence to IWMIโs branding requirements.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The general duties and responsibilities of the position will include (but will not be restricted to) the following:
1. Strategy Development and Implementation:
Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for the SoLAR project (and other projects as applicable) that aligns with IWMIโs overall vision and the projectโs specific objectives. Maintain regular contact with the IWMI Communications and Knowledge Management (CKM) Team at HQ, following guidance provided through policies and guidelines issued by the team and advice provided by the Global Communications Lead for Water Systems, to ensure strategic alignment and a coordinated approach for content and upcoming events. Compile media contacts related to the SoLAR project and add them to global media lists for targeted national, regional, and global outreach.2. Content Creation and Dissemination:
Write and edit articles (news, features, press releases, op-eds, success stories, profiles, case studies, reports) for IWMIโs global websites, global newsletters, and other outlets. Liaise with authors and reviewers for edits and approvals, following IWMIโs style guide. Support the creation of multimedia content (videos, infographics, social media posts) for campaigns and outreach efforts. Coordinate with IWMIโs CKM team at HQ for photographic documentation of IWMI activities related to the SoLAR project to ensure images are high-quality, capture areas of strategic interest, include complete caption information and metadata, and are ingested into the global photo library. Coordinate with photographers for editorial guidance, ensure guidelines are followed, and confirm that contract conditions are met before payment to consultants. Develop project reports, presentations, fact sheets, briefs, and other publications based on existing templates and guidelines, including brochures, pamphlets, and other communications materials for all SoLAR regional and national events, as well as other IWMI India projects. Coordinate with IWMIโs CKM team at HQ for the engagement of consultants (for video production, photography, graphic design, or other communications-related work) and provide guidance to ensure the timely delivery of quality outputs. Draft TORs and, once approved, initiate contracting procedures in consultation with the SoLAR Project Leader. Support the Communications Specialist, Project Leader, and other SoLAR research colleagues with relevant technical inputs for developing content, including multimediaโfrom concept note and script development to production, post-production, and distribution of audio-visual materials. Support the organization of workshops, national forums, press conferences, media briefings, and stakeholder events.3. Digital Communications and Social Media Management:
4. Other:
Carry out any other tasks identified as priorities by the SoLAR Project Leader, the Country Representative, or the Global Communications Lead for Water Systems.
Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Essential:
Bachelorโs or Masterโs degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. At least 5 years of professional experience in communications, preferably within the development sector or related fields.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential:
Proven ability to write, edit, and produce high-quality written content in English, based on scientific outputs produced by the project team, with evidence of having published such content in news media, online portals, etc. High level of proficiency in Microsoft 365 (particularly Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams), Adobe Creative Suite, web applications, and digital tools. Multimedia skills, including photography, videography, graphic design, and audio production. Experience in organizing high-level events, policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder engagement platforms, or similar event facilitation. Proven experience working with government, civil society, international organizations, and donors. Demonstrated organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team. Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and a variety of tasks. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts and communicate them clearly and persuasively to various audiences. A positive team player with strong 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 South Asia. Willingness to undertake travel to field locations with limited facilities and support. Fluency in spoken and written English.Desirable:
Proficiency in Hindi and any regional language will be an advantage. Experience working in research organizations or multi-disciplinary research-for-development programs. Demonstrated understanding of water security, agricultural, environmental, and development issues in India and South Asia.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 twelve (12) months.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at . We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on Sep 29, 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.
Apply Now