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Programme Manager (Strategic Communications & Knowledge Management)

  • Company

    WASSANIndia

  • Location

    Hyderabad(Telangana)

  • Employment Type

    Full-Time

  • Functional Category

    Communications & Marketing

  • Experience

    12 - 13 years

About WASSANIndia

Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN) Hyderabad is a network-based organization focusing on improving the quality of mainstream programs in natural resources management and livelihoods. It engages actively in policy advocacy initiatives at state and national level mainly related to rainfed areas. WASSAN has contributed substantially to development of watershed policies in various states and at Government of India. WASSAN is also working with various partners in different States as part of RRA Network on rainfed agriculture related agenda.

Overview of the Role

The Programme Manager – Strategic Communications & Knowledge Management will play a strategic role in shaping how WASSAN learns, positions itself, and engages externally. The role goes beyond dissemination to actively inform organisational strategy, partnerships, and growth by translating grassroots experience and research into knowledge products, narratives, and influence pathways. The Programme Manager will lead an integrated communications and knowledge management function that supports three core objectives: Strengthening WASSAN’s strategic engagements with policymakers, networks, funders, and allied institutions Deepening organisational learning and institutional memory across programmes and geographies Building a coherent public narrative that reflects WASSAN’s values, evidence, and long-term vision Reporting to the Executive Secretary, the role works closely with Directors and Team Leads to ensure that communication and knowledge outputs directly inform strategic decision-making, programme evolution, and policy influence. WASSAN values curiosity, collaboration, and respect for grassroots knowledge. The role requires comfort in non-hierarchical settings and a commitment to co-creating narratives with field teams.

Job Description

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Lead WASSAN’s organisation-wide communications and knowledge management strategy, ensuring that field experience, research, and networks actively inform WASSAN’s strategic engagements, partnerships, and growth.
• Narrative, Influence, and Positioning: Shape and steward WASSAN’s public narrative and thought leadership in ecological security, rainfed agriculture, and rural livelihoods across policy, civil society, and media platforms.
• Knowledge Synthesis and Organisational Learning: Build systems to synthesise programme learnings and grassroots insights into clear, usable knowledge that strengthens programme design, policy engagement, and institutional memory.
• Leadership Advisory Role: Work closely with the Executive Secretary, Directors, and Team Leads as a strategic partner, identifying emerging themes, evidence, and narrative opportunities to support organisational decision-making.
• Team and Capacity Building: Build and mentor a multidisciplinary communications and knowledge team, and strengthen internal capacities for documentation, research communication, and media engagement.
• External Engagement and Digital Presence: Provide strategic oversight to media engagement, key publications, events, and digital platforms to ensure coherence, credibility, and impact.
• Planning and Stewardship: Develop annual work plans and budgets for the function and ensure effective implementation.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Skill

• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills across popular formats.
• Proven media relations and digital communications experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams and geographies.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong interest in farming systems, rural transformation, and public policy.

Experience

Minimum 12 years of experience in communications, public engagement, journalism, or related fields, preferably within development, sustainability, or public policy, sectors. At least 3–5 years of experience in a leadership or senior coordination role.