Communications Officer
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a creative & competent candidate to join its office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as a Communications Officer.
The Communications & Knowledge Management (CKM) unit leads the implementation of IWMI’s communications strategy, through innovative communications and outreach activities. The team raises IWMI’s profile, increases the impact of research, and engages in global conversations about water systems.
The Communications Officer will support the implementation of IWMI’s global communications strategy in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. He/she will develop content and will support events and campaigns in the region, in accordance with quality standards and guidelines, and with input from project leaders and researchers. He/she will coordinate closely with the Communications & Knowledge Management team, as an integral part of its global systems and workflows.
*DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the
implementation of IWMI’s global communications strategy in Central Asia, in close coordination with IWMI's Communications & Knowledge Management team in HQ. Participate in
weekly meetings of the Communications & Knowledge Management team and update planning tools, to ensure strategic alignment and a coordinated approach for content and upcoming events.
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. Follow IWMI’s style guide. Support IWMI’s presence at
national and regional events (conferences, workshops, webinars, etc.). Prepare communications plans and key messages ahead of events. Provide communications and media support during events. Document event results through newsworthy articles and other materials. Develop audience-led
communications outputs (briefs, factsheets, presentations, reports, infographics, posters, etc.) to advance IWMI’s corporate and project objectives, focused on impacts and results.
Prepare social media content for IWMI’s official global accounts.
Liaise with IWMI project leaders and researchers in Central Asia for potential content and outreach materials, and to ensure technical quality. If required, lead or support the design and implementation of communications plans for IWMI projects.
Liaise with partners and stakeholders for the production of project communications materials. Assist with
donor relations by coordinating with the Business Development team for funder and stakeholder engagement, ensuring strategic alignment. Develop and maintain an updated list of IWMI Central Asia donors and stakeholders. Assist in developing donor visit schedules, brochures, donor gifts, and cards, etc. Support the preparation of background materials, briefs, and information kits for visiting donors and high-profile guests/visitors. This task includes travel planning, logistics, and administrative arrangements.
Liaise with national and regional media, and organize press conferences and journalists visits to the field, as needed. Support proactive media outreach and engagement activities. Coordinate with IWMI’s Communications and Knowledge Management team in HQ for the
production of video according to quality standards and guidelines. Once approved, lead the editorial aspect of video projects, to highlight project impact and results through storytelling. Ensure guidelines are followed and contract conditions are met before payment to consultants. Coordinate with IWMI’s Communications and Knowledge Management team in HQ for
photographic documentation of IWMI activities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, to ensure images are high-quality, capture areas of strategic interest, include complete caption info and metadata, and are ingested into the global photo library. Coordinate with photographers for editorial guidance. Ensure guidelines are followed and contract conditions are met before payment to consultants. Coordinate with IWMI’s Communications and Knowledge Management team in 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. Ensure compliance with
IWMI branding guidelines and funders’ visibility requirements. Support the implementation of
internal communications strategies and activities, as required.
Compile media contacts for Central Asia and add them to global media lists, for targeted national, regional and global outreach.
Help increase global email marketing subscribers (adding partners, workshop participants and other stakeholders) for targeted mailings. Carry out
any other tasks identified as priorities by the Country/Regional Representative or the Global Communications Lead for Water Systems.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Essential:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, knowledge management, media, public relations, or journalism. Alternatively, in the fields of agriculture, natural resource management or environment, but with significant training and experience in communications. A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications-related work. Demonstrated knowledge of communications processes and technologies. Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written and digital materials. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, web applications, and social media outlets required. Excellent English writing and editing skills. Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and a variety of tasks. Ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts and communicate them clearly 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.
Desirable:
Demonstrated understanding of agricultural, environmental and development issues in Uzbekistan. Photography, graphic design, presentation and facilitation skills. Knowledge of Uzbek & Russian. Willingness to undertake limited travel to Asia and other locations as required.
Benefits
This is a
nationally recruited position and only Uzbekistan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at . We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on January 22, 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.
