Job Description

The International Water Management Institute ( IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a creative and collaborative Graphic Designer to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

The Graphic Designer will produce designs and layouts for scientific publications, communications materials and other documents of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). In addition to delivering communications and publications products, the role contributes ideas that strengthen IWMI's visual communications by identifying emerging design approaches, improving existing products and helping address visual and branding gaps in the organization’s communications portfolio.

The Graphic Designer will work under the overall guidance of the Head of Publications, within the Communications and Knowledge Management team.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Study relevant information and materials related to requests and determine requirements to determine the best approach.
• Prepare design plans and develop creative concepts, based on requirements.
• Prepare rough drafts of design concepts (including different options for art arrangement, size, font types and style) and present ideas to obtain feedback.
• Produce page layouts for IWMI’s scientific publications (Research Reports, Working Papers, research papers, books, etc.), communications materials (annual reports, fact sheets, brochures, flyers, booklets, posters, exhibit displays, etc.), administrative documents, manuals, and other outputs, to advance institutional knowledge sharing.
• Develop graphic elements for publications, including the selection of suitable photos, to enhance visual appeal and clarity.
• Coordinate comments, corrections and approvals. Work with team members and researchers to implement changes based on feedback.
• Track progress in project management tools, and keep clients updated, to ensure transparency and timely communication.
• Update and finalize designs according to schedule to meet deadlines and project objectives.
• Create web-ready and print versions of scientific publications and communications materials to facilitate dissemination.
• Check machine proofs received from printers to ensure the quality of graphics and layout, and coordinate approvals for printing.
• Create modern and eye-catching illustrations and infographics. Apply artistic talent to a variety of styles, maximizing impact, usability and value.
• Ensure layouts and graphic design materials comply with IWMI branding guidelines to maintain consistency and institutional identity.
• Follow quality management procedures and provide input for improvements to maintain the standard of the outputs.
• Provide guidance on design-related issues and advice on new approaches to ensure IWMI is up to date on the latest design innovations.
• Perform other duties as required to support the broader objectives of the team and the organization.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in visual communications, graphic design or related discipline.
• At least 3 years of practical experience in graphic design.
• Demonstrable graphic design skills with a strong portfolio.

Desirable:

• Experience with branding development and implementation.
• Experience with the design of office signage and promotional items.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential:

• Excellent working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Acrobat Distiller and other desktop publishing tools.
• Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and other vector-based and raster graphics software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365: Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Creative flair and strong visual sense.
• Ability to interpret data to create striking graphics and illustrations.
• Ability to grasp clients’ needs and find practical solutions, paying close attention to detail.
• Confidence to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues.
• Strong service orientation.
• Ability to set priorities, plan, organize and monitor assigned work.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure, for multiple projects running in parallel.
• Excellent command of the English language (written and oral).
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multicultural environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to quickly gain a command of new software.

Desirable:

• Strong freehand drawing skills.
• Experience setting up Adobe InDesign projects for collaboration with Adobe InCopy.

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 July 20, 2026 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, portfolio links 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.