Regional Communications and Knowledge Management Coordinator

Position Overview

The Communications and Knowledge Management Coordinator at the International Water Management Institute's Western Africa office will spearhead the creation and execution of a strategic communication plan aimed at maximizing the impact of regional initiatives. This role provides critical communication and public relations assistance to the Country Representative, Project Leaders, and research teams across various projects within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with leadership and communication teams to design and carry out communication and knowledge management strategies, including media relations and social media content development for research projects.
• Create diverse communication materials—digital, print, multimedia—including presentations, press releases, brochures, posters, web and social campaigns, infographics, informational videos, and blogs that align with research insights, donor mandates, and IWMI branding standards.
• Extract essential messages and actionable recommendations from complex research reports and tailor them for dissemination to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Develop news articles and opinion pieces, foster media contacts, coordinate interviews with researchers, and facilitate media attendance at field activities and major events.
• Provide writing, editing, and translation support to research teams.
• Establish and update a comprehensive media contact database for the project.
• Foster public relations and engagement by networking with key clients and partners, maintaining relevant data, and promoting research uptake.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders in development planning and policy-making arenas.
• Compile, edit, and disseminate newsletters to targeted audiences, maintaining updated mailing lists.
• Support the recording and documentation of internal and external meetings and workshops involving clients and partners.
• Offer editorial assistance to researchers to enhance publication quality.
• Develop and promote knowledge sharing, learning, and reflection systems across teams, projects, and partners.
• Coordinate with IWMI headquarters and CGIAR communication and knowledge management coordinators to supply necessary information and materials.
• Contribute communication strategies and activities to project proposals to ensure effective uptake and impact.
• Manage all communication-related contracts and service providers, such as graphic designers, videographers, and photographers for the office and project teams.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in journalism, mass communication, or relevant disciplines connected to IWMI’s mandate, such as natural sciences, physical sciences, or social sciences.
• At least eight years of substantial professional and applied experience.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and evaluating communication and knowledge management plans for multidisciplinary research-for-development programs.
• Skilled in writing and editing content for diverse media platforms.
• Demonstrated success working on international initiatives and within global environments.
• Basic comprehension and commitment to integrating gender and inclusion considerations in communication materials.
• Experience authoring on scientific and development topics.
• Familiarity working within the Western Africa context.

Preferred:

• Additional qualifications in public relations, journalism, mass communication, or related areas.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Fluency in written and spoken English and French.
• Proven capability using various communication platforms, social media, and collaborative tools for disseminating research to broad audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with partners toward shared goals.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to listen attentively, synthesize information, and communicate persuasively.
• Innovative mindset with positive attitude and confidence to take initiative independently.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications, especially Microsoft Office.
• Effective interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Strategic and creative thinker with pragmatic and proactive approach.
• Knowledgeable in photo and video editing software.
• Capable of scripting and producing videos for social media and promotional endeavors.
• Expertise in photo storytelling and graphic design.

Location and Application Details

This role is based in Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

Additional Information

Applications will be considered until 25 August 2022. Interested candidates should ensure submission of all required documents through the specified application procedure. The position involves managing diverse communications contracts and requires interaction with multiple stakeholders within research and development sectors.