Global Technical Lead Water & Climate Resilience

Location: Global Climate Resilience Hub (Hosted by a Regional Water Partnership)

Reports to: Global Head – Water & Climate Resilience Investments

Team: Programme Development & Delivery

Supervises: Climate Resilience Specialists and Programme Experts

Job Grade Range: P3 - P4

Application Deadline: 27 April 2026 

INTERNAL RECRUITEMENT 

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.

Within this framework, GWPO is establishing Global Thematic Hubs hosted by Regional Water Partnerships to serve as centres of excellence supporting the global network.

These hubs provide programme development support, technical expertise and knowledge coordination across the GWP Network.

Programme Architecture and Coordination 

The Global Water Partnership Organisation implements its programmes through a thematic programme architecture under the Programme Development and 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 RWPs on programme development, technical delivery and joint implementation across regions


• 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.

The Global Technical Lead collaborates closely with RWPs to translate regional priorities into fundable programme proposals aligned with international financing opportunities.

Role within the Global Programme Development Team

The Global Technical Lead is a member of the GWPO Global Programme Development Team, which brings together the Director – Programme Development & Delivery, Global Thematic Heads and Global Technical Leads responsible for designing and coordinating GWPO’s global programme portfolio.

The Global Programme Development Team ensures strategic alignment of thematic programmes, development of high-quality investment initiatives and effective collaboration with Regional Water Partnerships under the One GWP joint delivery model.

Within this structure, Global Technical Leads contribute to the development of programme concepts, preparation of funding proposals and strengthening of global investment pipelines supporting the objectives of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030.

POSITION PURPOSE 

Global Technical Lead – Water & Climate Resilience

The Global Technical Lead – Water & Climate Resilience leads programme development and proposal preparation for climate resilience initiatives across the GWP Network.

The primary purpose of the position is to support the development of high-quality programme proposals and bankable investment initiatives aligned with the GWP Strategy 2026–2030.

The Global Technical Lead supports the development of global and regional initiatives addressing:

• climate-resilient water management


• drought and flood resilience


• climate-resilient water infrastructure


• nature-based solutions for water security


• climate adaptation in water

The position works closely with Regional Water Partnerships to translate regional priorities into fundable programme proposals aligned with donor priorities and international financing mechanisms.

The Global Technical Lead also contributes to strengthening the global pipeline of climate- resilient water investments.

Collaboration with Regional Water Partnerships

Under the One GWP joint delivery model, implementation of programmes and initiatives is undertaken through the GWP Network.

Regional Water Partnerships retain responsibility for:

• regional programme leadership


• stakeholder engagement


• programme implementation 

The Global Technical Lead supports RWPs by:

• assisting in programme design and proposal preparation


• supporting development of bankable investment initiatives


• providing technical inputs to donor proposals


• facilitating collaboration across 

The Global Technical Lead does not exercise line management authority over RWPs.

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT ROLE 

The Global Technical Lead supports GWPO’s engagement with international development partners and financing institutions by preparing high-quality programme proposals aligned with global priorities on climate resilience and water security. The role contributes to GWPO partnerships with:

• multilateral development banks


• climate finance institutions


• bilateral development agencies


• philanthropic foundations


• international research organisations


• private sector 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Programme Development and Proposal Preparation

Working closely with the Global Head and RWPs:

• develop programme concepts and project proposals


• support preparation of multi-country programme proposals


• structure initiatives aligned with donor priorities


• prepare technical documentation for funding proposals 

Development of Climate Resilience Investment Pipelines

Working with RWPs to:

• support development of bankable climate-resilient water projects


• strengthen project preparation for water infrastructure investments


• contribute to development of regional investment pipelines

Joint Delivery Support with Regional Water Partnerships

• Support RWPs in programme design and implementation planning


• Facilitate coordination between GWPO and RWPs in programme delivery


• Strengthen collaboration across regions 

Climate Resilience Programme Design

Working with RWPs to:

• integrate climate resilience into water governance frameworks


• support drought and flood resilience programmes


• support climate-resilient water infrastructure 

Coordination of the Global Climate Resilience Thematic Hub

• Support the operation of the Global Climate Resilience Thematic Hub


• Coordinate technical expertise across the GWP Network


• Facilitate knowledge exchange across regions 

Knowledge Development and Learning

• Contribute to development of global knowledge products


• Support technical learning initiatives across the GWP Network


• Strengthen knowledge sharing across regions

Partnership and Resource Mobilisation Support

• Contribute to resource mobilisation initiatives


• Support preparation of proposals for MDBs and climate funds


• Support engagement with development partners

Monitoring and Results Reporting

• Support monitoring of programme outcomes


• Support reporting to donors and partners


• Contribute to development of programme monitoring systems

EXPECTED RESULTS 

The Global Technical Lead will contribute to:

• development of high-quality programme proposals for international funding


• strengthened climate resilience programmes across GWP regions


• expanded pipelines of climate-resilient water investments


• strengthened joint delivery across the GWP 

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Global Technical Lead works under the guidance of the Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security.

The position collaborates closely with:

• Regional Water Partnerships


• Global Thematic Hubs


• Programme Development & Delivery teams. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

Performance will be measured against:

• number of programme proposals developed


• funding proposals submitted to development partners


• contribution to development of investment pipelines


• effectiveness of joint delivery with RWPs

CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES 

Core Values

• Integrity


• Professionalism


• Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies

• Communication


• Teamwork


• Planning and Organising


• Accountability


• Creativity


• Client and Partner Orientation


• Commitment to Continuous Learning


• Technological Awareness

Managerial Competencies

• Leadership


• Vision


• Building Trust


• Managing Performance

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Advanced university degree in water resources management, climate policy, environmental science or related field


• Minimum 10–12 years professional experience in programme development or international project design.


• Demonstrated experience preparing proposals for international donors


• Experience working with governments and development partners


• Experience supporting climate resilience or climate adaptation programmes


• Fluency in English required; knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.