Background
The Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, dedicated to fostering regional cooperation through water diplomacy, invites applications for the role of Lead Mentor for the Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP) – 2nd Cohort. This position is instrumental in guiding and empowering young professionals in transboundary water cooperation, negotiation, and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus. The Lead Mentor will oversee the programme’s training and mentorship activities, ensuring a high-impact learning experience for the fellows.
Contract Details
- Type of Contract: Fixed-term Consultancy (Three months)
- Location: Remote (One month) & Amman, Jordan (Two months)
- Expected Start Date: May/June 2025
- Compensation: Competitive consultancy fee (to be discussed with shortlisted candidates). Travel, accommodation, and per diem for the in-person phase will be covered by Blue Peace Middle East. Compensation for the remote period will be included in the total consultancy fee and will be structured accordingly.
About Blue Peace Middle East
Blue Peace Middle East is a non-governmental initiative dedicated to promoting cooperation through sustainable water management in the Middle East. Established in 2010, the initiative transforms water from a potential source of conflict into a catalyst for cooperation through dialogue, capacity building, and concrete actions. The initiative operates through a regional mechanism with members from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye, and engagement with Iran and Syria to a certain extent.
With its Coordination Office hosted by INWRDAM, the initiative is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
About the Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP)
The Blue Peace Middle East Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP) is a transformative initiative empowering young leaders in the region to address water-related challenges through cooperation and innovation. The programme offers a unique blend of academic learning, cultural immersion, and practical engagement, focusing on transboundary water cooperation and the WEFE Nexus.
Six fellows from Blue Peace ME countries engage in field visits, mentorship with leading experts, and collaborative projects. Upon completion, they become Blue Peace ME Youth Ambassadors, equipped to drive impactful regional change.
Job Description
Major Responsibilities:
The Lead Mentor will be responsible for guiding and supporting the fellows throughout the programme, ensuring a transformative learning experience in water diplomacy, transboundary water cooperation, and the WEFE Nexus. The Lead Mentor will oversee the design and delivery of training sessions, facilitate interactive workshops, and provide continuous mentorship and guidance. Will support the coordination office in collaborating with expert speakers, coordinate programme activities, and foster an inclusive, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment. Additionally, the lead mentor will monitor fellows’ progress, provide feedback, and ensure the programme meets its objectives while maintaining a neutral, professional, and unbiased approach.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Coordination Office in enhancing the structure design and learning material of the programme
- Lead training modules on water cooperation, regional and international legal frameworks, and the WEFE Nexus
- Provide strategic guidance to the fellows on the final programme outcome, ensuring the integration of WEFE Nexus principles
- Facilitate Track 1.5 diplomacy preparation, enhancing fellows’ skills in transboundary water discussions
- Supervise daily fellowship activities, ensuring alignment with programme objectives
- Mentor fellows through one-on-one guidance, fostering collaborative learning and peer engagement
- Review policy briefs, agreements, and water cooperation strategies
- Develop and distribute assignments that reinforce key learning outcomes
- Ensure a neutral, bias-free, and inclusive learning environment
- Support the Coordination Office in engaging with guest speakers, experts, and institutional stakeholders to enrich the programme
- Maintain professional neutrality, ensuring no political or governmental biases interfere
Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver:
- Training curriculum & materials for workshops and learning modules.
- Monthly mentorship reports detailing fellow engagement and progress.
- Assessment of fellows’ policy outputs (briefs, cooperation strategies).
- Final report on the mentorship outcomes and recommendations for future cohorts.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Water Diplomacy, Environmental Policy, Hydropolitics, or a related field.
- Proven expertise in the WEFE Nexus, international water law, and legal frameworks for water-related agreements.
- Strong understanding of the regional transboundary water context and relevant institutional frameworks.
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in transboundary water cooperation, water governance, or policy development
- Track record in Track 1.5 diplomacy, legal frameworks drafting, and cross-border water negotiations is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to design and deliver training on water diplomacy and governance.
- Proven experience in mentorship, capacity-building, and youth training programs.
- Experience working in the Middle East on transboundary water challenges is highly preferred.
- Background in international organizations, government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs focusing on water governance.
Technical Skills:
- Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and publications.
- Strong knowledge of Helsinki Rules, UN Watercourses Convention, and regional water governance frameworks.
- Expertise in negotiation strategies, policy drafting, and multilateral cooperation.
- Strong knowledge of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus.
Language Proficiency:
- Fluency in English (written & spoken) is mandatory.
- Proficiency in Arabic, Turkish or Persian is a strong advantage.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to relocate to Jordan for 2 months (in-person phase)
- No conflicts of interest or active governmental/political tensions that may negatively affect the role or the Blue Peace ME initiative.
- A clear legal record with no prior violations or ethical concerns.
- Strong intercultural communication skills and sensitivity to diverse perspectives.
Preferred Regional Affiliation:
- Nationals of Blue Peace Middle East countries (Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye) or those with substantial experience in the region are encouraged to apply.
Qualities:
- Highly diplomatic, neutral, and objective in all discussions and engagements.
- Strong public speaking and facilitation skills.
- Strong commitment to youth empowerment, education, and sustainable water governance.
- Passionate about fostering regional cooperation and conflict resolution.
- Visionary thinker with an ability to engage, mentor, and inspire young professionals.
Applications
Interested candidates should submit their applications via email to info@bluepeaceme.orgusing the subject line: “Your Name – Lead Mentor Application”
Application shall include:
- Updated CV detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
- Cover letter outlining their motivation, suitability for the role, and expected contribution to the fellowship.
Deadline for applications: March, 5, 2025 (Midnight, Jordan time, UTC+3)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We encourage applications from expert candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
