Location: Global Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Hub
Reports to: Global Head – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Hub
Team: Programme Development & Delivery
Supervises: Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Specialists, Experts
Job Grade Range: P3 – P4
Duty Station: Beijing, China
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 2,800 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 security. In 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 2026–2030, 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
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 2026–2030, innovation, knowledge exchange and capacity development are recognised as critical enablers for strengthening water governance and accelerating investment mobilisation.
GWPO is strengthening its work on water knowledge systems, innovation and professional capacity development to support countries and regions in addressing complex water challenges.
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, innovation and knowledge exchange across the GWP Network.
Programme Architecture and Coordination
The Global Technical Lead operates within the GWPO Programme Development & Delivery architecture. Within this structure:
- Global Heads provide global thematic leadership and strategic
- Global Technical Leads support programme development and proposal
- Global Thematic Hubs serve as centres of excellence hosted by Regional Water
- Regional Water Partnerships lead programme implementation and stakeholder
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 GWPO’s 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 2026–2030.
GLOBAL TECHNICAL LEAD – INNOVATION, KNOWLEDGE & CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
The Global Technical Lead leads programme development and proposal preparation for initiatives supporting innovation, knowledge systems and capacity development across the GWP Network.
The Global Technical Lead supports the implementation of the GWP Global Knowledge, Innovation and Capacity Development Strategy by translating strategic priorities into operational programmes, knowledge initiatives and fundable programme proposals across the GWP Network.
The role contributes to the development of programmes addressing:
- Knowledge management and knowledge exchange platforms
- Digital water information systems and data-driven water governance
- Professional capacity development for water sector institutions
- Leadership development and training programmes for water professionals
- Innovation and technology adoption in water governance and water
The position works closely with Regional Water Partnerships, academic institutions and development partners to develop multi-country programmes and knowledge initiatives aligned with global water cooperation priorities.
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT ROLE
The Global Technical Lead supports GWPO-GWP Regional engagement with international partners involved in water knowledge and innovation, including:
- Universities and research institutions
- International knowledge networks
- Multilateral development banks
- UN agencies and international organisations
- Bilateral development partners
- Technology and innovation
This role contributes to preparing programme proposals supporting knowledge generation, innovation and capacity development across the GWP Network.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme Development and Proposal Preparation
Working closely with the Global Head and RWPs:
- Develop programme concepts addressing water knowledge and innovation priorities
- Prepare proposals for multi-country knowledge and capacity development initiatives
- Support development of global and regional knowledge programmes
- Identify funding opportunities and support development of funding proposals aligned with global and regional knowledge and capacity development priorities.
Development of Knowledge and Innovation Programmes
Working with RWPs to:
- Support development of global knowledge platforms and communities of practice
- Develop and strengthen GWP digital knowledge platforms and learning systems supporting professional learning and knowledge dissemination, promote innovation in water governance and water management.
Joint Delivery Support with Regional Water Partnerships
- Provide technical advisory support to Regional Water Partnerships in designing and implementing knowledge systems, innovation initiatives and capacity development programmes
- Facilitate collaboration among regions to strengthen knowledge exchange
- Strengthen coordination across regions innovation and learning initiatives.
Capacity Development and Training Programmes
Working with RWPs and partners to:
- Support design and delivery of diverse capacity development approaches including professional training, leadership programmes, peer learning initiatives and fellowship programmes.
- Promote learning and skills development across the GWP Network. Facilitate collaboration with universities, training institutions and professional networks to strengthen learning opportunities across the GWP Network.
Coordination of the Global Knowledge & Innovation Thematic Hub
- Support operations of the Global Knowledge & Innovation Thematic Hub
- Coordinate knowledge exchange across regions
- Facilitate collaboration with research institutions and knowledge partners.
Knowledge Development and Learning
- Contribute to development of global knowledge products on water governance and water management
- Support global learning initiatives across the GWP Network
- Promote dissemination of best practices and innovation.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- Development of multi-country knowledge and innovation programme proposals
- Strengthened global learning and knowledge exchange across the GWP Network
- Improved professional capacity in water governance and management
- Expanded global knowledge platforms supporting water investment programmes
- Enhanced technical support provided to RWPs for development of knowledge, innovation and capacity development programmes.
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
The Global Technical Lead works under the guidance of the Global Head – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development. The position collaborates closely with:
- Regional Water Partnerships
- Global Thematic Hubs
- Programme Development & Delivery Teams
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Number of programme proposals developed
- Success rate of programme proposals developed with Regional Water Partnerships quality and effectiveness of technical support provided to the RWPs in programme development and knowledge initiatives
- Number and quality of capacity development initiatives developed or supported across the GWP Network developed with universities, research institutions and innovation partners
- Funding secured through knowledge, innovation and capacity development programme proposals
- Level of collaboration and knowledge exchange facilitated across regions
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, knowledge management, public policy, environmental management or related field.
- Minimum 10–12 years professional experience in programme development, knowledge management or international project design.
- Demonstrated experience preparing proposals for international donors
- Experience working with governments, research institutions and development partners
- Experience supporting knowledge platforms, innovation programmes or capacity development initiatives.
- Fluency in English required, knowledge of French or Spanish desirable
