Work with AGWA: Communications Specialist, Water Initiative for Net Zero (WINZ)

AGWA will now host the secretariat for the Water Initiative for Net-Zero (WINZ). This initiative aims to mobilize investment to reduce and capture emissions through water; reduce water risks and promote win-win opportunities in carbon management; and advocate climate action that enhances water resilience.

To support and enhance the activities of WINZ, AGWA is seeking candidates to fill the position of WINZ Communications Specialist. This is an immediate opening for a limited duration, part-time position through December 2024. See the full posting below.

Company Background

The Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA) is an international members-based NGO working to develop, support, and mainstream climate-resilient water management through technical programs and policy processes. AGWA is made up of over 2000 members, largely professionals from the water community representing utilities, academia, development banks, NGOs, government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector. A small secretariat runs the daily operations of AGWA, while many of its initiatives are crowd-sourced across the network. AGWA’s headquarters are based in Oregon, USA but its activities take place globally. 

Job Summary

AGWA is seeking a motivated, multi-talented individual to take on the role of Communications Specialist for a new program of work called the Water Initiative for Net-Zero (WINZ). In this position, you will work closely as part of a remote team while reporting to AGWA’s COO, based in central USA. Close collaboration is also required with a Water Initiative for Net Zero Coordinator, AGWA’s Executive Director and COO, as well as external NGO and government partners. The consultant will also be expected to contribute to strategic communications for AGWA and additional AGWA programmes as needed. The position is currently configured with a limited duration contract through 31 December, 2024. It is a part time position, funding up to 90 working days, during the contract period (accounting for 25-30% of a full time position).

WINZ was launched at COP26 to ensure that a low-carbon future is considered together with resilient development. It has grown as a global, volunteer-led movement of collaborators including senior government officials, utility networks, investors, UN bodies and global environmental organizations. This project will fund dedicated staff to drive this global network to: (1) Mobilize investment to reduce and capture emissions in the water sector; (2) Mainstream methods to assess water risks and opportunities in carbon management; and (3) Advocate climate actions to enhance, and not undermine, socio-ecological resilience. The communications specialist will support the project coordinator across the key activities defined in the program including (1) building an active and influential WINZ community; (2) expanding outreach and evidence for water resilient mitigation; (3) influencing strategic stakeholders and global processes; and (4) strategy for sustained impact.

A solid background in water management and climate policy issues is desirable. Demonstrated skills in social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, etc.), publicity, outreach, writing and editing, press releases, media engagement, and related areas are important. Experience with visual design, video production, and other media are appreciated. Collaborative support for fundraising is likely.

Communications and outreach will include the following functions: preparation and support of media products in collaboration with AGWA staff and project partners that promote awareness and support of the project as it evolves, promotion of project events and key outputs, publicity coordination with key partners and direct promotion to media sources, support for the WINZ newsletters in regard to project updates, plus ongoing, direct, and regular formal project outreach to project partners and allies.

Specific activities include:

  • Development of communications and marketing strategies, schedules, and work plan

  • Strategic communications and media engagement, including planning and regular contact with targeted media outlets, journalists, and influential individuals

  • Improvement and expansion of WINZ website and regular updates

  • Regular social media updates and marketing plans across platforms

  • Support to the development of the WINZ mailing / membership list and WINZ newsletters

  • Production of a series of action briefs on WINZ issues to be developed in coordination with partners

  • Production of short videos to deliver key messages on Water for Net Zero

  • Regular Engagement of WINZ communications working group

  • Support to the organization and promotion of key events

  • Development of new ideas for communications campaigns on Water for Net Zero issues, in coordination with AGWA and partners

  • Support to the coordination and editing of case studies and best practices 

You will also provide support for communications across a number of key events, including but not limited to UNFCCC COP28 and COP29. These events may involve high-ranking, stressed, and busy partners requiring sensitive, creative, and formal engagement skills. You will work with others on the AGWA team and beyond to create agendas, select and recruit speakers, handle logistics, stage-manage in some cases, and promote the events. Some international travel may be required, and candidates would ideally be fully Covid-19 vaccinated at the time of hiring.

AGWA’s work culture is dynamic and fast moving and requires an independent, self-motivated and self-directed approach, with the flexibility to work across time zones, levels of formality, and culture. We may have more in common with a high-tech startup in our work culture than a more traditional NGO or think tank. You will create your own network of resources and partners over the course of this project. We expect staff to communicate progress, problems, and solutions early and often in a deeply collaborative, practical, and (if possible) humble and even humorous way. We find that investigation, creativity, and learning are critical for successful outcomes for most of our projects. AGWA will stretch you! Given our small size, the ability to troubleshoot is essential. So is the ability to ask for and receive help.

Job Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategies for media and social media to help amplify messaging and advance the project’s objectives.

  • Coordinate project publicity, create content, and engage in proactive media relations. This includes reaching out directly to journalists in traditional and new media (e.g., Twitter, blogs, podcasts).

  • Engage, coordinate, and lead communications and advocacy group on Water for Net-Zero.

  • Manage report releases and announcements, including the preparation of press releases.

  • Communicate complex issues and policies in simple, strategic, and persuasive ways to a wide variety of audiences. Crafting and curating an enticing narrative will be key.

  • Monitor and track metrics to evaluate external communications and measure impact.

  • Assist with production of major project reports and deliverables.

  • Serve as a conduit for communication among the large cohort of partners and countries involved in the Water Initiative for Net Zero.

  • Organize and execute project events and meetings, including some at high-level international climate meetings such as COP28 and COP29, among others.

  • If needed, attend and support international meetings and conferences.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in studies related to water management and/or climate policy issues, or similar field. Familiarity with both water and climate fields is merited.

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant, full-time work experience related to communications and/or project management, particularly around water and/or climate issues.

  • Experience with media management, publicity, and direct media engagement is strongly preferred.

  • International experience is strongly preferred.

  • Ability to effectively communicate and package messaging for a wide range of audiences including high-level political representatives, the finance community, civil society groups, and the general public.

  • Ability to communicate across different categories of media and outlets (e.g., social media posts, flyers, press releases).

  • Experience with visual design, writing and editing, and other media production is appreciated.

  • Candidate must be self-motivated with an ability to handle multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.

  • Ability to work effectively remotely and as part of a team.

  • Strong writing and oral presentation skills in English are essential; fluency in other languages an advantage.

  • Working knowledge of Google Suite products (e.g., Google Docs, Google Calendar).

  • Willingness to take on flexible work hours as needed for an international work program.

How to Apply 

Please submit a cover letter with resume to amauroner@alliance4water.org. Candidate review will begin immediately and the application process will remain open until the position is filled.

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