BACKGROUND

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is an international institution comprising the intergovernmental Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and a global network of more than 2,800 partner organisations operating in over 180 countries.

GWP was established in 1996 with support from the World Bank, UNDP and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to promote integrated water resources management and strengthen global cooperation on water security. In 2002, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) was established as an intergovernmental organisation serving as the global secretariat of the GWP Network.

Over the past two decades, GWP has supported countries worldwide in strengthening water governance, improving water management systems and developing investment programmes for water security.

In 2025, GWPO and its global network launched a Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments to accelerate the mobilisation of finance for water security and climate- resilient development. Under the GWP Strategy 2026–2030, GWPO is implementing institutional reforms aimed at:

Accelerating mobilisation of finance for water investments
Strengthening climate-resilient water governance
Improving management of water resources for sustainable development
Strengthening cooperation on transboundary waters
Promoting inclusion, gender equality and data-driven water management.

This transformation includes:

Establishment of GWPO Dual Global Headquarters anchored in the Global South
Development of global thematic programmes supporting water investments
Strengthened partnerships with G20 governments, multilateral development banks and climate finance institutions
Implementation of the One GWP joint delivery model integrating global, regional and national operations.

Knowledge, innovation and capacity development are central pillars of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030. Accelerating progress on water security requires stronger knowledge systems, improved access to water data, innovation in water management approaches and strengthened institutional capacity across countries and regions.

Through its global network, GWPO works with governments, academic institutions, research organisations and development partners to strengthen knowledge exchange, promote innovation and support capacity development in water governance and water investment planning.

Programme Architecture and Coordination

The Global Water Partnership Organisation implements its programmes through a thematic programme architecture under the Programme Development & Delivery Directorate. Each thematic programme is led by a Global Head, supported by a Global Technical Lead, and implemented through a team of thematic specialists working in collaboration with Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships.

Within this structure:

The Global Head provides global strategic leadership and policy direction for the thematic programme
The Global Technical Lead coordinates support to Regional Water Partnerships on programme development and technical delivery
Thematic specialists provide technical expertise, programme development support and knowledge services across the GWP Network
Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships lead programme implementation and stakeholder engagement at regional and national levels.

This architecture ensures that global thematic expertise is mobilised across the network while maintaining the principle that programme implementation is undertaken through Regional Water Partnerships under the One GWP joint delivery model.

Role of Regional Water Partnerships in Programme Delivery

Regional Water Partnerships remain the primary institutions responsible for programme implementation, stakeholder engagement and regional coordination.

The Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Specialist provides technical support and programme development assistance to Regional Water Partnerships while respecting their governance mandates and leadership roles within their respective regions.

All programme implementation activities are undertaken in partnership with and through Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships.

INNOVATION, KNOWLEDGE & CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Specialist supports development of programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening knowledge systems, promoting innovation and building institutional capacity for water security across the GWP Network.

The Specialist contributes to the Global Water Investment Delivery System of the GWP Network by supporting development of knowledge platforms, innovation initiatives and capacity development programmes that strengthen water governance and investment planning.

The position supports GWPO and the GWP Network in advancing:

Development of global water knowledge platforms and knowledge-sharing initiatives
Strengthening innovation in water governance and water management approaches
Supporting digital transformation and improved access to water data and information
Strengthening institutional capacity for water investment planning and programme development
Promoting knowledge exchange and learning across the GWP Network
Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, research organisations and development partners.

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Responsibilities include:

Supporting development of programme concepts and proposals related to knowledge, innovation and capacity development
Contributing to development of knowledge platforms supporting water investment and water governance
Supporting development of training programmes and capacity development initiatives
Assisting Regional Water Partnerships in strengthening institutional capacity and knowledge systems
Contributing to preparation of programme proposals submitted to international financing institutions and development partners
Support knowledge generation and analytical work informing development of water investment programmes and policy reforms
Supporting partnerships with universities, research institutions and innovation platforms.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development and Knowledge Initiatives

Support preparation of programme proposals addressing knowledge and innovation for water security
Contribute to development of global knowledge platforms supporting water investment and governance
Assist in development of initiatives promoting innovation in water management
Support development of programmes strengthening institutional capacity in water governance

Development of Knowledge Platforms and Digital Water Data Systems

Support initiatives promoting open access and democratisation of water data to strengthen evidence-based water governance
Support development of global water knowledge platforms and digital data initiatives
Contribute to development of tools supporting water data access and analysis
Support dissemination of knowledge products and technical guidance
Strengthen knowledge-sharing mechanisms across regions.

Innovation in Water Governance, Democratisation of Data and Management

Support development of innovative approaches to water governance and management
Promote innovation and democratisation of water data in water investment planning
Support engagement with research institutions and innovation partners
Contribute to development of pilot initiatives demonstrating innovative water management solutions.

Capacity Development and Training

Support development of training programmes and capacity development initiatives
Contribute to development of learning platforms for water professionals
Support training initiatives for governments and regional partners
Strengthen technical capacity within the GWP Network

Knowledge Management and Learning

Support development of global knowledge products and analytical reports
Contribute to documentation of lessons learned from GWP programmes
Contribute to development of global analytical reports and flagship knowledge products supporting implementation of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030
Promote knowledge exchange and learning across regions
Strengthen collaboration between knowledge partners and development organisations

Network Coordination and Joint Delivery

Support collaboration between Regional Water Partnerships on knowledge initiatives
Facilitate knowledge exchange and technical collaboration across regions
Support integration of global knowledge initiatives into regional programmes

Partnerships with Academic and Research Institutions

Support partnerships with universities, research organisations and innovation platforms
Contribute to development of collaborative research initiatives on water governance and water investment
Support engagement with global knowledge networks and academic institutions
Strengthen collaboration between policy, research and practice.

Strategic Knowledge Partnerships and Innovation Platforms

Support development of strategic partnerships with global knowledge institutions and innovation networks
Contribute to development of global innovation initiatives supporting water security
Support collaboration with international organisations promoting innovation in water management
Assist development of partnerships supporting knowledge generation and dissemination.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Strengthened knowledge systems supporting water governance and water investment
Expanded innovation initiatives in water management
Strengthened institutional capacity for water governance and programme development
Improved knowledge exchange across the GWP Network
Strengthened partnerships with research institutions and innovation platforms.

Please see full job description here.

Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Specialist