Communications Fellow

Host Organization: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Focus Area: Environmental Sustainability
Number of Fellows: 1
Length of Fellowship: One Year

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

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 partnership, IWMI combines research on the sustainable use of water and land resources, knowledge services and products with capacity strengthening, dialogue and policy analysis to support implementation of water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change and inclusive economic growth. IWMI has hosted Fellows in Sri Lanka since 2012. To learn more about IWMI Sri Lanka, visit their website here. 

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

The Fellow will play a support role in the implementation of IWMI’s communications activities to position the institute in the reformed CGIAR. Under the overall guidance of IWMI’s Director of Partnerships & Knowledge Management and the Communication and Knowledge Management (CKM) Specialist, the Fellow will assist in developing visual and written communications materials; and develop materials for international days, events, conferences, webinars including social media. In addition, the Fellow will support the CKM team in general communication tasks. There will be a necessity to translate science outputs into content suitable for broader audiences.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Expected outcomes

• Visual and written communications materials, including for social media

• Science outputs translated into content suitable for broader audiences. 

• Support to the CKM team in general communication tasks.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND OR INTERESTS THAT ARE DESIRED/REQUIRED FOR THE FELLOWSHIP POSITION: 

• Ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts and communicate them clearly to various audiences. 

• Multimedia skills are not a requirement, but would be helpful.

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• Excellent English language skills, including good writing skills.

• Organized and detail oriented and with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and a variety of tasks.

• Interest in and understanding of social media.

• Positive team player with good interpersonal skills, and interest and ability to work with people from a wide variety of cultures.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Adaptability and affability 

• Compassion, understanding and empathy

• Someone who is reliable and dependable

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• Laptop during duration of fellowship

• Assistance in finding suitable housing