Communications & Knowledge Management Coordinator

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is on the lookout for a talented & impact driven individual to join our team in Pretoria, South Africa, as a Communications & Knowledge Management Coordinator.

The Communications & Knowledge Management Coordinator will support the implementation of IWMI’s global strategies, as relevant to the regional operational plan in Southern Africa. Working closely with the Regional Representative, they will develop content and will support events and campaigns in the region, in accordance with IWMI’s quality standards and guidelines, and with input from project leaders and researchers.

The Coordinator will support the team in Southern Africa with knowledge products and forums, keeping a balance of perspectives, interdisciplinarity and inclusion. The Coordinator will provide communications and public relations support to the Regional Representative, Project Leaders, and a team of researchers undertaking various projects in the region.

They will coordinate closely with the Communications & Knowledge Management team, as an integral part of its global systems and workflows.

**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Communications planning and coordination,**
- Support the **implementation of IWMI’s global strategies and the operational plan in Southern Africa**, working closely with the Regional Representative and in close coordination with IWMI's Communications & Knowledge Management team in HQ.
- Define and implement **quarterly and annual workplans**, based on IWMI’s country/regional and global priorities. To be approved by the Regional Representative - Southern Africa.
- Participate in **weekly meetings of the Communications & Knowledge Management team** and/or update related planning tools, to ensure strategic alignment, coherent messaging, and a coordinated approach for content and upcoming events.
- **Liaise with IWMI project leaders and researchers** in Southern Africa 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.
- **Coordinate with CGIAR Communications & Outreach** counterparts as/if necessary.
- **Liaise with partners and stakeholders** for the production of project communications materials.

**Storytelling and content production,**
- **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.
- **Develop strategic and** **audience-led** **communications and knowledge management 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. Manage official country-specific platforms.
- Coordinate the **production of quality video**, according to institutional standards and guidelines. After defining the strategic concept and purpose of the video, lead the editorial aspect of the projects, to highlight project impact and results through storytelling.
- Coordinate **photographic documentation** of IWMI activities in Southern Africa, according to institutional standards and guidelines. Coordinate with photographers for editorial guidance. Ensure images capture areas of strategic interest, include complete caption info and metadata, and are ingested into the global photo library.
- Coordinate the **engagement of consultants** (for video production, photography, graphic design, printing or other communications-related work) and provide guidance to ensure the timely delivery of quality outputs.

**Media relations and outreach,**
- **Liaise with national and regional media**. Organize press conferences and journalists visits to the field, as needed. Lead proactive media outreach and engagement activities in Southern Africa.
- **Compile media contacts for Southern Africa** and add them to IWMI’s global media lists, for targeted national, regional, and global outreach.
- Support IWMI’s organization of and participation in **national and regional events** (conferences, forums, trainings, workshops, dialogues, webinars, etc.). Prepare communications plans and key messages ahead of events in coordination with Project Leaders and researchers. Provide communications and media support during events. Act as emcee or facilitator as needed. Document impact and results through newsworthy articles and other materials.
- Ensure compliance with **IWMI branding guidelines** and funders’ visibility requirements.

**Information management and knowledge management,**
- Support the implementation of **internal communications** strategies and activities, as required.
- Coordinate the collection, storage, analysis, and **sharing of information products**.
- Manage documents, databases and other knowledge