Global Technical Lead – Blended Finance & Private Sector Investments

Location: Global Water Investment & Finance Thematic Hub

Reports to: Global Head Blended Finance & Private Sector Investments

Team: Programme Development & Delivery

Supervises: Water Investment 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:

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

This transformation includes:

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

Under the GWP Strategy mobilising large-scale investment in water infrastructure governance systems and climate-resilient water services is a central priority.

The global water sector faces a significant financing gap requiring innovative financing solutions including blended finance mechanisms that combine public concessional and private capital.

GWPO is strengthening its work on water investment mobilisation and private sector engagement by supporting development of bankable investment pipelines innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships with financial institutions.

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 investment pipeline preparation 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:

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  The Global Head provides global strategic leadership and policy direction for the thematic programme
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  The Global Technical Lead coordinates support to RWPs on programme development technical delivery and joint implementation across regions
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  Thematic specialists provide technical expertise programme development support and knowledge services across the GWP Network
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  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 .

GLOBAL TECHNICAL LEAD - BLENDED FINANCE AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS

The Global Technical Lead leads programme development and proposal preparation for initiatives supporting water investment mobilisation and private sector engagement across the GWP Network. The position also supports structuring of investment-ready water infrastructure initiatives and facilitates engagement with public and private investors to mobilise capital for climate-resilient water systems.

The role contributes to the development of programmes addressing:

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  Blended finance mechanisms for water investments
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  Public-private partnerships in the water sector
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  Development of bankable water investment projects
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  Innovative financing models for water infrastructure
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  Investment pipeline development supporting climate-resilient water systems.

The Global Technical Lead plays a central role in the Global Water Investment Delivery System of the GWP Network translating global investment strategies into fundable programme proposals and multi-country investment initiatives.

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

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT ROLE

The Global Technical Lead supports GWPO & RWPs in structuring financing partnerships supporting investment matchmaking engaging project preparation facilities and international partners involved in water investment mobilisation including:

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  Global infrastructure investment platforms and climate finance mechanisms
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  Project preparation facilities and infrastructure finance platforms
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  Multilateral development banks
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  Development finance institutions
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  Climate finance institutions
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  Bilateral development partners
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  Infrastructure investment funds
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  Private sector investors.

The role contributes to preparing programme proposals supporting mobilisation of finance for water infrastructure and water governance programmes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development and Proposal Preparation

Working closely with the Global Head and RWPs:

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  Develop programme concepts addressing water investment and financing priorities
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  Prepare proposals for multi-country investment initiatives
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  Support development of regional water investment programmes
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  Prepare proposals for Green Climate Fund Adaptation Fund Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and other funds for climate-resilient infrastructure finance

Development of Water Investment Pipelines

Working with RWPs to:

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  Support development of a global portfolio of investment-ready water projects across the GWP Network
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  Support development of bankable water investment programmes
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  Identify priority investment opportunities in water infrastructure
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  Support preparation of investment-ready projects.

Joint Delivery Support with Regional Water Partnerships

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  Support RWPs in designing water investment programmes
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  Facilitate collaboration between regions and investment partners
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  Strengthen coordination across regions in investment pipeline development.

Blended Finance and Financing Mechanisms

Working with RWPs and partners to:

Structuring of blended finance facilities

• • 
    Support structuring of blended finance facilities and project preparation mechanisms for water investments
  • 
    Strengthen risk mitigation mechanisms for water investments
  • 
    Promote innovative financing approaches for water infrastructure.

Investment Structuring

Support development of bankable water investment projects including:

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    Support preparation of investment transactions and structuring processes required to bring water investment projects to financial close
  • 
    Financial structuring
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    Risk allocation frameworks
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    Publicprivate partnership models
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    Bankability assessments for water investment projects
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    Transaction preparation support for public-private partnerships

Investor Engagement

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    Facilitate engagement with infrastructure investment funds pension funds sovereign wealth funds private equity investors and others.

Project Preparation

• • 
    Support development of feasibility studies investment concept notes project preparation pipelines

Blended Finance Facilities

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    Support design of blended finance vehicles guarantee mechanisms credit enhancement instruments and other innovative instruments.

Private Sector Investment Mobilisation

Working with RWPs and partners to:

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  Identify opportunities for private sector participation in water infrastructure
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  Facilitate dialogue between governments and private investors
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  Support development of public-private partnerships
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  Strengthen enabling environments for private sector investment in water

Coordination of the Global Water Investment & Finance Thematic Hub

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  Support operation of the Global Water Investment & Finance Thematic Hub
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  Coordinate knowledge exchange on water finance across regions
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  Investment matchmaking
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  Investor engagement
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  Project preparation

Knowledge Development and Learning

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  Contribute to development of global knowledge products on water finance and investment
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  Support global learning initiatives across the GWP Network
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  Promote dissemination of best practices in water investment and financing

EXPECTED RESULTS

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  Development of multi-country water investment programme proposals
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  Strengthened investment pipelines for water infrastructure
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  Expanded partnerships with financial institutions and investors
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  Increased mobilisation of finance for water investment initiatives.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

The Global Technical Lead works under the guidance of the Global Head Blended Finance & Private Sector Investment.

The position collaborates closely with:

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  Regional Water Partnerships
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  Global Thematic Hubs
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  Programme Development & Delivery teams.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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  Ratio of private capital leveraged through blended finance structures supported by GWP programmes
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  Volume of investment mobilised or leveraged through programmes supported
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  Number of programme proposals developed
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  Funding proposals submitted
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  Effectiveness of joint delivery with RWPs
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  Number and value of investment initiatives supported
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  Number of investment-ready projects developed
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  Value of investment pipelines supported
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  Number of private sector partnerships established
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  Volume of finance mobilised or leveraged.

CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Core Values

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  Integrity
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  Professionalism
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  Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies

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  Communication
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  Teamwork
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  Planning & Organizing
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  Accountability
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  Creativity
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  Client Partner Orientation
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  Commitment to Continuous Learning
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  Technological Awareness

Managerial Competencies

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  Leadership
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  Vision
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  Empowering Others
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  Building Trust
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  Managing Performance
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  Judgement Agile Decision Making

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

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  Advanced university degree in finance economics infrastructure finance water resources management or related field.
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  Minimum 1012 years professional experience in programme development infrastructure finance or international project design.
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  Demonstrated experience preparing proposals for international donors and financial institutions
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  Experience working with governments development finance institutions and private sector partners.
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  Experience supporting water investment or infrastructure financing initiatives
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  Fluency in English required; knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.