Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) Regional Technical Committee Roster Experts

ABOUT GWPSA

Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) is one of 13 regional networks that make up the Global Water Partnership (GWP), an international network established in 1996 to promote the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximise economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

GWPSA provides practical support for sustainable water resources management across 16 countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The regional network convenes stakeholders and implements activities at national, regional, and pan-African levels to address water security challenges.

In addition to regional coordination, GWPSA hosts the Africa Coordination Unit on behalf of the GWP regions in Africa and serves as the Secretariat for the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP). The AIP seeks to mobilise USD 30 billion annually by 2030 to close Africa’s water investment gap. It is backed by the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa and focuses on accelerating water-related investments to drive growth, climate resilience, and social development across the continent.

GWPSA advances water security and climate resilience through a wide range of initiatives. These include strengthening governance and institutional capacity for IWRM and transboundary cooperation, enhancing access to climate finance and develop national programmes plans driving investments through resource mobilisation strategies and innovative financing mechanisms. GWPSA also implements demonstration projects that pilot practical solutions aimed at building livelihoods and promoting environmental sustainability. Across all interventions, gender equality and social inclusion are prioritised to ensure women, youth, and marginalised groups actively contribute to and benefit from more water-secure and climate-resilient societies.

REGIONAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

To strengthen technical leadership across its programmes, GWPSA maintains a Regional Technical Committee (RTEC) Expert Roster.

In line with Article 11(4) of the GWPSA Constitution, the RTEC may be engaged for technical review, quality assurance, and on-demand support to deliver specific outputs under programme and project implementation. This flexible modality enables GWPSA to mobilise expertise rapidly for technical backstopping and in-country and regional assignments in accordance with programme needs and available resources.

RTEC roster experts are pre-approved for engagement which will be governed through defined Terms of Reference and agreed fee structures. Roster experts will report to the Executive Secretary, RTEC Chair, or any other designated GWPSA staff, depending on the assignment.

The RTEC roster is refreshed every three years. Placement on the roster does not guarantee employment or any other engagement with GWPSA.

This call invites new applications and nominations for inclusion in the updated roster.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE SOUGHT

GWPSA is interested in receiving nominations and applications from candidates in the following functional clusters of the RTEC areas of expertise:

1. Water Governance and Institutional Strengthening

Focus Area: Transboundary cooperation, basin planning

Sub-Themes: Legal frameworks, IWRM, water rights, basin management, hydrological modelling

2. Environmental Management

Focus Area: Ecosystems, pollution control, hydrological modelling

Sub-Themes: Source protection, land degradation, biodiversity

3. Climate Resilience and Water Investment

Focus Area: Climate adaptation, finance

Sub-Themes: Vulnerability assessments, NDCs, project prep, Investment plans, funding proposal preparation, mobilising resources

4. WEF Nexus and Infrastructure

Focus Area: Integrated infrastructure design

Sub-Themes: Irrigation, storage, hydropower, nature-based

5. Gender, Youth, & Social Inclusion

Focus Area: GESI mainstreaming

Sub-Themes: Youth employment, inclusive planning, Social Safeguards

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the coordination of the GWPSA Secretariat and in line with specific Terms of Reference, RTEC roster experts may be called upon to:

• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance on programme design, project implementation, and strategic planning
• Review and advise on concept notes, technical proposals, Terms of Reference (ToRs), policy documents, and investment frameworks
• Offer subject-specific advice aligned with international best practices in water governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development
• Support the development of innovative approaches and strategic initiatives across GWPSA’s thematic areas
• Participate in technical missions, workshops, or virtual engagements as required
• Contribute to knowledge management, capacity building, and peer learning across GWPSA’s regional and country programmes
• Collaborate with the GWPSA Secretariat in preparing technical reports, strategy documents, or programme reviews
• Deliver clear, timely, and evidence-based recommendations, feedback, or inputs in line with GWPSA’s programme priorities
• Perform other relevant tasks or assignments as requested by the GWPSA Secretariat within the scope of the expert’s profile and the specific engagement

EXPECTED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g. water resources, engineering, climate, law, policy, governance, social sciences, economics, etc.)
• At least 10 years of professional experience in areas relevant to IWRM and GWPSA’s thematic focus, gained through work as a consultant, researcher, or practitioner; Exceptionally qualified candidates with less than 10 years of experience may also be considered, particularly where they bring specialised expertise in emerging areas of strategic relevance (e.g., artificial intelligence, digital water solutions, or climate modelling).
• Proven technical leadership and practical experience in project or programme design, implementation, and/or policy support
• A high level of independence, integrity, and impartiality
• Strong analytical, evaluative, and writing skills, with ability to present complex information clearly and concisely
• Demonstrated ability to produce targeted assessments, recommendations, or reviews that inform strategic decision-making
• Experience working with multistakeholder settings, including governments, NGOs, communities, and regional institutions
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines under pressure, and maintain a high level of attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, including sensitivity to gender and equity issues
• Experience working in developing countries, preferably in Southern Africa
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in one or more SADC languages (e.g., Portuguese, French, Swahili, or indigenous languages relevant to programme areas) is a distinct advantage.

CONTRACTING

A framework contract will be signed with selected experts.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should submit application package in English through the online application system and not via email. The application package must include:

• Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages), clearly indicating areas of expertise and relevant project experience
• A cover letter outlining your motivation, availability, and preferred area(s) of engagement
• A minimum of two references (name, affiliation, contact details);
• Proposed daily professional rate (in USD), indicative only and subject to negotiation based on task complexity and duration

The application must be submitted on Bamboo, using this link: https://gwpsanpc.bamboohr.com/careers/118

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted within 4 weeks after the application deadline.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Questions can be directed to mark.naidoo@gwpsaf.org

Deadline: 15 November 2025 – 00:00 (midnight) Pretoria.