Global Technical Lead – Transboundary Water Governance

Location: Global Transboundary Water Thematic Hub

Reports to: Global Head Transboundary Water Governance

Team: Programme Development & Delivery

Supervises: Transboundary Water Specialists and Programme Experts

Job Grade Range: P3 - P4

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT

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 2800 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 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 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.

Under the GWP Strategy GWPO is strengthening global cooperation on water investments climate resilience and transboundary water governance.

Over 60% of global freshwater flows occur in transboundary river basins lakes and aquifers shared by multiple countries. Effective governance of these shared waters is critical for regional stability sustainable development and climate resilience.

GWPO is strengthening its work on transboundary water cooperation by supporting basin- level investment programmes regional water diplomacy initiatives and institutional frameworks for cooperative water management.

As part of the Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments GWPO is establishing Global Thematic Hubs hosted by Regional Water Partnerships to serve as centres of excellence supporting programme development and knowledge exchange 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 GWPOs 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 .

POSITION PURPOSE

Global Technical Lead Transboundary Water Governance

The Global Technical Lead leads programme development and proposal preparation for initiatives supporting transboundary water cooperation across the GWP Network.

The role contributes to the development of programmes addressing:

• Transboundary basin governance
• Regional water diplomacy
• Cooperative management of shared water resources
• Basin-level climate resilience investments
• Transboundary water infrastructure planning.

The position works closely with Regional Water Partnerships and basin institutions to develop multi-country programmes and investment initiatives aligned with global water cooperation priorities.

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT ROLE

The Global Technical Lead supports GWPO engagement with international partners involved in transboundary water cooperation including:

• Multilateral development banks
• Regional economic communities
• Basin organisations
• UN agencies
• Bilateral development partners.

The role contributes to preparing programme proposals supporting regional cooperation on water resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development and Proposal Preparation

Working closely with the Global Head and RWPs:

• Develop programme concepts addressing transboundary water challenges
• Prepare proposals for multi-country basin initiatives
• Support development of regional water cooperation programmes

Development of Transboundary Investment Pipelines

Working with RWPs to:

• Support development of basin-level investment programmes
• Identify priority investment opportunities in shared basins
• Support preparation of bankable

Joint Delivery Support with Regional Water Partnerships

• Support RWPs in designing regional cooperation programmes
• Facilitate collaboration among countries sharing water resources
• Strengthen coordination across regions

Basin Governance and Institutional Strengthening

Working with RWPs and basin organisations to:

• Strengthen institutional frameworks for shared water management
• Support cooperative planning for water infrastructure and investments

Coordination of the Global Transboundary Water Thematic Hub

• Support operation of the Global Transboundary Water Thematic Hub
• Coordinate knowledge exchange across regions

Knowledge Development and Learning

• Contribute to development of global knowledge products on transboundary water cooperation
• Support global learning initiatives across the GWP Network.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Development of multi-country programme proposals
• Strengthened cooperation on shared water resources
• Expanded pipeline of transboundary water investment initiatives.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

The Global Technical Lead works under the guidance of the Global Head Transboundary Water Governance.

The position collaborates closely with:

• Regional Water Partnerships
• Global Thematic Hubs
• Programme Development & Delivery Teams

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Number of programme proposals developed
• Funding proposals submitted
• Effectiveness of joint delivery with RWPs.

CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Core Values

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Planning & Organizing
• Accountability
• Creativity
• Client 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 water resources management climate policy environmental science or related field.
• Minimum 1012 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.