Senior Water & Climate Specialist Global Climate Services & Partnerships

Location: Seconded to the World Meteorological Organization Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland with international travel
Reports to: Global Head – Water & Climate Resilience Investments

Technical Coordination: WMO focal point for joint programmes

Team: Programme Development & Delivery – Climate Resilience Theme

Job Grade Range: P3 - P4

Application Deadline: 27 April 2026 

INTERNAL RECRUITEMENT

BACKGROUND

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is an international institution with a unique model comprising an intergovernmental organisation, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), and a global network of more than 2,800 partner organisations. GWP was founded in 1996 with the support of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency with a mission to support countries in the sustainable development and management of water resources at all levels.

In 2002, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) was established as an intergovernmental organisation with a mandate to serve as the global secretariat of GWP to support and work with the world-wide GWP Network in pursuit of its mission and vision of a water secure world.

For more than two decades, GWPO and the GWP Network have been at the forefront of promoting integrated water resources management and strengthening water governance globally. GWP comprises 13 Regional Water Partnerships and 77 Country Water Partnerships operating in more than 180 countries. Since 2014, GWP has directly and indirectly supported investments and strengthened water governance and policy frameworks in more than 90 countries.

In 2025, GWPO and its GWP Network launched a Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments. Under the GWP Strategy 2026–2030, GWPO is undertaking a profound institutional transformation to accelerate the mobilization and deployment finance at scale, strengthen water governance, and management of water resources for sustainable, climate resilient, and equitable development.
 
This bold new chapter includes strengthened partnerships with G20 countries, MDBs, global climate finance institutions, the private sector, and regional financial and economic institutions, among others, to scale up impact. It also includes establishment of GWPO’s innovative Dual Headquarters anchored in the Global South while offering an opportunity to visionary States and governments around the world to join the organization-a historic opportunity to renew global water cooperation and be part of the world’s first Global South anchored Intergovernmental architecture on water investments.

This transformation includes:

• the establishment of an innovative GWPO’s Dual Global Headquarters anchored in the Global South with decentralized GWPO Technical Support Hubs


• strengthened partnerships with G20 governments, multilateral development banks, global climate funds, and private sector actors


• a One GWP joint delivery model integrating global, regional, and national operations.

Within this transformation, climate resilience and water security are recognised as central pillars of global water cooperation. Climate change is intensifying hydrological variability, increasing the frequency and severity of floods, droughts, and water-related disasters.

Water is the primary medium through which climate change impacts societies, ecosystems and economies. Strengthening climate-resilient water governance, water infrastructure, and investment frameworks is therefore essential for achieving sustainable development and long-term water security.

Climate change is intensifying hydrological variability and increasing the frequency and severity of floods, droughts and water-related disasters. Water is the primary medium through which climate change impacts societies, ecosystems and economies.

Strengthening climate-resilient water governance, hydrological monitoring systems and climate services is therefore essential for achieving sustainable development and long-term water security.

GWPO works closely with the World Meteorological Organization through joint programmes including the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), and the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM).

These initiatives support countries in improving resilience to climate extremes while strengthening integration of climate services into water governance and water investment programmes.

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 Senior Water & Climate Specialist, seconded to the World Meteorological Organization Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland , operates within the GWPO Programme Development & Delivery architecture, under the leadership of the Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security. The Senior Specialist contributes to the implementation of the One GWP joint- delivery model, ensuring that global climate resilience initiatives are translated into programmes implemented through the GWP Network.

Strategic Role of the Geneva Liaison Platform

The Senior Water & Climate Specialist serves as a strategic liaison between GWPO Headquarters and the international water and climate governance ecosystem in Geneva.

Through this platform, GWPO strengthens engagement with international organisations, the UN system, climate finance institutions and private sector actors. The Geneva liaison role facilitates collaboration between global climate initiatives and the operational work of the GWP Network, ensuring that international knowledge, partnerships and financing opportunities support climate-resilient water programmes implemented across the network.

SENIOR WATER & CLIMATE SPECIALIST – GLOBAL CLIMATE SERVICES & PARTNERSHIPS

The Senior Water & Climate Specialist – Global Climate Services & Partnerships leads GWPO’s engagement with the World Meteorological Organization and other international partners on climate resilience, flood and drought management and hydro-climate services.

The role supports development and implementation of programmes addressing:

• flood and drought resilience


• climate services for water management


• hydrological monitoring systems and early warning systems


• climate adaptation in water governance


• climate-resilient water infrastructure and nature-based solutions


• climate-resilient water investment programmes.

The position also contributes to the preparation of climate finance proposals and investment initiatives supporting climate-resilient water programmes across the GWP Network.

STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

The Senior Specialist supports implementation of GWPO’s global climate resilience portfolio through programme development, technical coordination and partnership mobilisation.

The role also supports engagement with global climate initiatives and institutions relevant to water security and climate adaptation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Implementation of Joint GWP–WMO Programmes

Working closely with WMO and global partners:

• support implementation and scaling of the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP)


• support implementation of the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM)


• strengthen collaboration between GWPO, WMO and partners addressing water-related climate extremes


• support coordination of programme activities with WMO technical teams.

Integration of Global Hydrological and Climate Services

Support engagement of the GWP Network in global climate and hydrological initiatives including:

• Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS)


• Early Warnings for All Initiative


• Global Hydrometry Support Facility (HydroHub)


• World Water Data Initiative


• Global Framework for Climate Services


• Alliance for Hydromet Development


• Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative


• WMO Country Support Initiative.

These initiatives strengthen hydrological monitoring systems, climate services and early warning systems supporting climate-resilient water governance.
 
Climate Finance and Investment Programme Development

Working closely with the Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security and Regional Water Partnerships:

• support development of programme proposals addressing climate-resilient water governance and infrastructure


• contribute technical inputs to climate-resilient water investment initiatives


• support preparation of projects for climate finance mechanisms including the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility and Adaptation Fund


• support development of bankable climate-resilient water investment programmes


• support development of climate-resilient water investment pipelines linked to the Global Water Investment Platform and regional investment initiatives


• integrate hydrological data, climate services and climate risk assessments into climate finance proposals


• support development of climate-resilient water infrastructure and nature-based solutions that enhance resilience to floods and droughts.

Knowledge Management and Communities of Practice

• strengthen knowledge platforms supporting integrated drought and flood management


• support operation of HelpDesk services providing technical guidance to stakeholders


• strengthen Communities of Practice on flood and drought management


• support dissemination of knowledge and learning across the GWP Network


• facilitate South-South learning and exchange of experience between regions

Network Coordination and Programme Integration

• ensure integration of the GWP Network into global climate resilience programmes


• facilitate collaboration between WMO initiatives and Regional Water Partnerships


• support regional implementation of climate resilience initiatives


• ensure effective information exchange between the GWP Network and WMO programmes.

Strategic Engagement and Public-Private Partnerships in Geneva

Working closely with GWPO Headquarters:

• represent GWPO in Geneva-based international forums and coordination platforms including those associated with UN-Water


• strengthen partnerships with UN agencies, international organisations and research institutions


• support engagement with Geneva-based private sector actors and foundations active in water and climate resilience


• facilitate partnerships with private sector investors, financial institutions, foundations, philanthropy and impact funds supporting climate-resilient water investments


• facilitate collaboration between GWPO Headquarters and Geneva-based partners


• mobilise partnerships and resources supporting climate resilience initiatives.

Representation and Advocacy

• represent GWPO in regional and international events related to water and climate resilience


• contribute to global policy dialogue on water and climate adaptation


• support international advocacy initiatives on climate-resilient water systems.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The Senior Water & Climate Specialist will contribute to:

• strengthened global programmes addressing flood and drought resilience


• improved integration of hydrological and climate services into water governance


• expanded pipelines of climate-resilient water investment programmes


• strengthened collaboration between GWPO and WMO


• increased access to climate finance for water resilience initiatives


• strengthened partnerships between GWPO and Geneva-based organisations.

Impact of Results 

Effective performance of the Senior Water & Climate Specialist will strengthen GWPO’s global leadership on climate-resilient water governance and climate adaptation.

The role will contribute to translating global climate and hydrological initiatives into programmes implemented through the GWP Network, strengthening the integration of climate services, hydrological data and water governance in climate adaptation strategies.

The work of the Senior Specialist will contribute to:

• strengthening resilience of water systems to floods, droughts and climate variability


• expanding access to climate finance for water-related adaptation initiatives


• improving the availability and application of climate and hydrological data for decision- making


• strengthening collaboration between GWPO and the World Meteorological Organization and other international partners


• advancing the implementation of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030 and the Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments


• supporting global frameworks including the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development Goal 6.

MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION

The Senior Specialist reports to the Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security.
 
The Senior Specialist will:

• lead the IDMP/APFM Climate Resilience projects
  


• supervise IDMP/APFM technical specialists and programme experts


• coordinate floods and drought related projects delivery across RWPs


• promote a One GWP culture of collaboration and joint delivery


• mentor and strengthen capacity within the global network.

The position collaborates closely with the Global Climate Resilience & Water Security hub and works closely with:

• the World Meteorological Organization


• UN-Water and other Geneva-based organisations


• IDMP/APFM Support Base Partners


• Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships


• international development partners and research institutions.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance will be measured against:

• implementation progress of joint GWPO–WMO programmes


• number and quality of climate finance proposals supported


• partnerships established with Geneva-based institutions


• climate resilience initiatives implemented through the GWP Network


• knowledge products and technical guidance produced.

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


• Empowering Others


• Building Trust


• Managing Performance


• Judgement, Agile Decision Making

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced university degree in hydrology, environmental science, water resources management or related field.


• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in water resources management, climate adaptation or hydrological services.


• Demonstrated experience in flood and drought management.


• Experience with programme development, implementation and monitoring.


• Experience in resource mobilisation and climate finance.


• Proven ability to build partnerships with international organisations and stakeholders.


• Fluency in English required; knowledge of additional UN languages desirable.
  

This vacancy is open for internal GWPO candidates ONLY.