The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking an experienced and creative leader to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, as the Senior Manager - Publications.
The Communications & Knowledge Management (CKM) team leads the implementation of IWMI’s communications strategy and coordinates research publishing and dissemination. The team raises IWMI’s profile, increases the impact of research, and engages in global conversations about water systems.
The Publications unit, part of CKM, supports researchers and staff with the production and publishing of scientific publications, corporate documents, and branding and marketing materials. The Publications unit provides three types of services: editing and proofreading; graphic design and layout; and printing.
Under the overall guidance of the Global Communications Lead (Head of Communications & Knowledge Management), the Senior Manager - Publications will be responsible for the management and leadership of the Publications team. This position will focus on ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of services, leading a team of editors, graphic designers, and external consultants. In addition to managing processes and systems, this is also a hands-on role, in which the postholder will copyedit and proofread research publications and corporate materials.
Therefore, to succeed in this role, candidates must have both editing and management experience.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Team leadership, management, and strategy
- Define and implement a vision for the Publications team, connected to CKM’s and IWMI's strategic priorities.
- Lead the Publications team and supervise, mentor, and support staff members.
- Build and manage the pool of consultant editors, with support from the Publications Admin.
- Manage the Publications budget and allocate resources efficiently, with support from administrative staff.
- Participate in and coordinate with the Research Publications Committee to develop and implement the strategic approach to publications.
Research copyediting
- Edit and proofread research publications: reports, working papers, etc.
- Edit and proofread corporate materials: fact sheets, briefs, brochures, etc.
- Ensure adherence to IWMI style guide, based on the Chicago Manual of Style, for quality and consistency in format, spelling, grammar, and publication style.
Timely delivery of quality publications
- Ensure high quality standards for all IWMI publications and set high standards for the team.
- Ensure requests are processed timely and request tickets are completed on deadline, following established workflows, and according to standards and requirements.
- Assign and distribute work among staff and consultants, to ensure the production pipeline moves along smoothly, even in periods of high demand.
Optimized processes and systems
- Lead the continuous improvement, optimization, and digitization of publishing processes and systems.
- Lead the adoption of suitable AI tools to expedite editing and reviews.
- Create, update and disseminate policies, guidelines and procedures.
- Train researchers and staff on available services and best practices related to publications, to improve the quality of academic writing and business writing.
- Liaise with leadership, researchers, Library and other teams to collect feedback and make improvements to publishing processes and systems.
- Stay up to date with the latest technologies and standards for publications, so they can be incorporated into the team’s workflows and procedures.
Branding stewardship
- Ensure that IWMI's branding guidelines are followed in all publications and products, with support from Graphic Designers.
- Ensure compliance with CGIAR’s, partners’, and donors’ branding and acknowledgement requirements.
- Update and disseminate branding guidelines and templates regularly, to ensure they stay contemporary while reflecting the objectives and relevance of the organization.
Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential,
- University Degree in English, Communications or Journalism (or equivalent professional experience).
- Minimum of 10 years of editing experience, preferably in an academic or research context.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience managing and leading teams.
- Experience with web-based project management tools and information management systems.
Desirable,
- Experience working in an international setting.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential,
- Excellent knowledge of English grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.
- Excellent skills in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Word, Excel, and collaboration in SharePoint.
- Knowledge of publishing and printing processes.
- Proven self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
- Strong client orientation.
Desirable,
- Understanding of web publishing and metadata standards.
Benefits
This is a nationally recruited position and only Sri Lankan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on August 25, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
