Background: The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is a multi-disciplinary and multisectoral, international membership-based association established in 1971. It fosters global dialogue, advances interdisciplinary research, promotes knowledge sharing, and strengthens institutional and community capacity to bridge science, policy, and practice for sustainable and equitable water resources management worldwide. For more information, visit: www.iwra.org
Position Summary: IWRA is seeking an experienced Communications Director to lead the Association’s outreach, brand management, and communications strategy across its platforms, networks and activities. This role will support the Executive Office in navigating the fast-evolving landscape of digital communications, publications, partnerships, projects and events.
The Communications Director reports directly to the Executive Director and manages a small team, including the Digital Media Officer, Copy Editor, Graphic Designer, and Webmaster.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of IWRA’s Communications Strategy (2025–2028) to strengthen brand visibility, membership engagement, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Oversee all Association communications related to members and partners, publications, events, and projects.
• Supervise content planning and coordination across all communication channels, materials, documents and platforms.
• Strengthen and manage the branding of IWRA, Water International, the World Water Congress, Islands Water Congress, Online Conferences, webinars, and other IWRA initiatives.
• Manage the Digital Media Officer, ensuring IWRA’s websites and digital platforms (e.g., www.iwra.org, www.worldwatercongress.com, membership platform, etc.) are relevant and impactful.
• Manage part-time and freelance communications staff (Copy Editor, Graphic Designer, Webmaster, etc.).
• Coordinate with hosts of the World Water Congresses and other events to deliver all communications and promotional activities.
• Oversee advertising, email marketing, and outreach for IWRA’s initiatives and outputs.
• Manage IWRA’s communications and events calendars in coordination with the Executive Board, Geographic Chapters, Task Forces, Working Groups, members and partners.
• Draft newsletters, press releases, speeches, media articles, press kits, and promotional materials.
• Provide final review and approval of video, photography, and infographic content.
• Manage IWRA’s promotional presence and branding at physical events, including stands and in-person participation at conferences, meetings and events.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and reporting metrics for content and digital communications while reporting to the Executive Board.
• Ensure compliance with data protection requirements (privacy policy, cookies, etc.) across IWRA’s platforms and publications.
• Coordinate IWRA’s Board Elections process, including candidacies, voting platform, reporting, etc.
• Contribute to IWRA’s broader activities on fundraising initiatives, projects, partner collaborations, and internal Committees. Candidate Profile:
Essential:
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Advanced Degree in Communications, Media, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills
• Experience in developing communication and marketing strategies
• Proven leadership experience managing multicultural teams
• Strategic thinker with project management capabilities
• Experience managing websites and leading digital communication strategies/campaigns
• Experience in content-led marketing, brand positioning, and reputation management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Familiarity with online and in-person event promotion and communications
Desirable:
• Knowledge of the water sector (e.g., natural or political sciences) and international NGO environment
• Proficiency in other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish)
• Experience in organising international online and on-site conferences/events • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)
• Knowledge of integrated marketing platforms (Google Analytics, Mailchimp, GlueUp, etc.)
• Strong visual sensibility, creative, and story-telling communications skills Contract
Duration: 12 months, renewable.
Start date: Mid-August.
Payment & Working Conditions: €3,900/month (gross) on a consultancy basis (~35 hours/week). IWRA operates remotely, with flexible working hours to be agreed upon with the Executive Director. However, candidate must be able to work preferably within Central European Time (CET). A physical workspace is also available in our IWRA Office located in Paris, France, if desired. To Apply:
Please send your CV and a one-page letter of motivation addressed to Mr. Ignacio Deregibus, Executive Director, at office@iwra.org by August 11, 2025.
