Climate Specialist – Water & Climate Resilience

Location: GWPO Climate Resilience Technical Support Hub

Reports to: Global Technical Lead – Water & Climate Resilience

Technical Oversight: Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security

Team: Programme Development & Delivery – Climate Resilience Theme

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT 

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

 

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.

 

Through its global network of Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships, GWP works with governments, development partners, research institutions and private sector actors to strengthen climate-resilient water governance and mobilise investment for water security.

 

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 Climate 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.

 

Role of Regional Water Partnerships in Programme Delivery

In line with the One GWP joint delivery model, Regional Water Partnerships remain the primary institutions responsible for programme implementation, stakeholder engagement and regional coordination.

 

The Climate Specialist provides technical support, programme development assistance and knowledge exchange 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, ensuring that GWPO technical support strengthens regional ownership and delivery capacity across the network.

POSITION PURPOSE: CLIMATE SPECIALIST - WATER & CLIMATE RESILIENCE 

The Climate Specialist – Water & Climate Resilience supports the development and implementation of programmes addressing climate resilience, flood and drought management and climate adaptation in water governance.

 

The role contributes to the preparation of climate resilience programmes and investment proposals and supports implementation of global initiatives related to climate services, hydrological monitoring and climate risk management.

 

The position supports GWPO’s work on:

 

• 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
• Nature-based solutions for water resilience
• Climate-resilient water investment programmes
• Supporting integration of water security and climate resilience priorities into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT 

The Climate Specialist supports preparation and implementation of climate resilience programmes across the GWP Network.

 

Responsibilities include:

 

• Supporting development of programme concepts and proposals addressing climate resilience and water security
• Contributing to preparation of investment proposals for climate-resilient water programmes
• Integrating climate services and hydrological data into programme design
• Assisting in preparation of climate finance proposals to international climate funds
• Supporting development of bankable climate-resilient water investment projects. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Programme Development and Proposal Preparation

Working under the supervision of the Global Technical Lead:

 

• Support preparation of programme proposals addressing climate-resilient water governance and infrastructure
• Contribute to preparation of climate adaptation projects and investment programmes
• Assist in development of concept notes and project proposals for development partners
• Support preparation of investment proposals for climate-resilient water programmes. 

 

Climate Finance Support

Support development of climate resilience programmes, projects eligible for financing from international climate finance mechanisms including:

 

• Green Climate Fund
• Global Environment Facility
• Adaptation Fund
• Loss & damage fund
• And others 
  

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting preparation of bankable project concepts
• Integrating climate risk analysis into investment proposals
• Supporting development of climate-resilient water investment pipelines
• Support governments and Regional Water Partnerships in integrating water security priorities into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), strengthening the role of water in national climate strategy
• Collaborate with the Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security and relevant GWPO investment initiatives to support the development of climate-resilient water investment pipelines linked to the Global Water Investment Platform and associated investment matchmaking initiatives. 

 

Flood and Drought Resilience Programmes

Support implementation of global initiatives addressing climate extremes including:

 

• Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP)
• Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM).

Responsibilities include:

• Contributing technical expertise to drought and flood resilience initiatives
• Supporting regional drought and flood management programmes
• Assisting RWPs in implementation of resilience initiatives. 

 

Climate Services and Hydrological Systems

Support integration of climate services and hydrological monitoring systems into water management programmes.

 

Responsibilities include:

 

• Supporting implementation of initiatives related to hydro-climate services
• Integrating climate and hydrological data into programme development
• Supporting application of climate information in water governance and planning. 

 

Knowledge Management and Capacity Development

Support knowledge sharing and capacity development across the GWP Network.

Responsibilities include:

• Contributing to knowledge products on climate resilience
• Supporting communities of practice on climate adaptation and water management
• Assisting with development of training and capacity development initiatives
• Supporting dissemination of lessons learned and best practices. 

 

Network Coordination and Joint Delivery

Support coordination of climate resilience initiatives across the GWP Network.

Responsibilities include:

 

• Supporting collaboration between Regional Water Partnerships
• Facilitating technical exchange across regions
• Supporting integration of global climate initiatives into regional programmes. 

EXPECTED RESULTS 

The Climate Specialist will contribute to:

 

• Development of climate-resilient water programmes across the GWP Network
• Preparation of climate finance proposals and investment initiatives
• Strengthened flood and drought resilience programmes
• Improved integration of climate services into water governance
• Expanded knowledge and capacity on climate-resilient water management. 

IMPACT OF RESULTS 

Effective performance of the Climate Specialist will strengthen climate resilience in water systems across regions supported by the GWP Network.

 

The role will contribute to development and implementation of programmes that enhance resilience to floods, droughts and climate variability while strengthening integration of climate services, hydrological data and water governance in climate adaptation strategies.

 

The work of the Climate Specialist will contribute to:

• Strengthening the integration of water security and climate resilience into National Adaptation Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions
• Strengthening resilience of water systems to climate extremes
• Improving climate-informed water governance and planning
• Expanding access to climate finance for water resilience programmes
• Supporting implementation of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030 and the Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments
• Contributing to global frameworks including the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development Goal 6. 

MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION 

The Climate Specialist reports to the Global Technical Lead – Water & Climate Resilience.

The role works closely with:

• The Global Head – Climate Resilience & Water Security
• Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships
• International development partners
• Research institutions and climate organisations. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

Performance will be measured against:

 

• Number and quality of programme proposals developed
• Climate finance proposals supported
• Climate resilience programmes 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
• Client Orientation
• Continuous Learning 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Advanced university degree in hydrology, environmental science, water resources management or related field
• At least 7 years of professional experience in climate resilience, water resources management or climate adaptation
• Experience with programme development and implementation
• Knowledge of climate adaptation, hydrological systems and water governance
• Experience working with international organisations or development partners
• Fluency in English required; additional languages desirable.