Location: GWPO Global Headquarters / Programme Development & Delivery Directorate
Reports to: Director – Programme Development & Delivery
Team: Programme Development & Delivery Directorate
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 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 management.
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.
Environmental and social safeguards, gender equality, youth engagement and social inclusion are critical cross-cutting priorities across all GWPO programmes and investment initiatives.
The Gender, Safeguards, Youth & Inclusion Officer ensures that these principles are systematically integrated across GWPO programmes and the GWP Network.
Programme Architecture and Coordination
The Global Water Partnership Organisation implements its programmes through a thematic programme architecture under the Programme Development & 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 Regional Water Partnerships on programme development and technical delivery
- 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 Gender, Safeguards, Youth & Inclusion Officer functions as a cross-cutting institutional resource supporting all thematic programmes.
The role works directly under the Director – Programme Development & Delivery and collaborates with:
- Global Thematic Heads
- Global Technical Leads
- Thematic Specialists
- Regional Water Partnerships (RWPs)
- Country Water Partnerships (CWPs).
Role of Regional Water Partnerships in Programme Delivery
Regional Water Partnerships remain the primary institutions responsible for programme implementation, stakeholder engagement and regional coordination.
The Gender, Safeguards, Youth & Inclusion Officer provides technical guidance and programme development support to Regional Water Partnerships to strengthen integration of:
- gender equality
- youth participation
- social inclusion
- environmental and social safegaurds.
The Officer operates as a technical support and advisory function to Regional Water Partnerships. The role is intended to strengthen the capacity of Regional and Country Water Partnerships to integrate gender equality, safeguards and inclusive approaches into programme design and implementation.
The position does not replace or override the governance or implementation responsibilities of Regional Water Partnerships, which remain the primary institutions responsible for programme delivery within their respective regions under the One GWP joint-delivery model.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Senior Gender, Safeguards & Social Inclusion Officer ensures systematic integration of gender equality, environmental and social safeguards, youth engagement and inclusive participation across GWPO programmes and investment initiatives.
The role supports the Programme Development & Delivery Directorate in ensuring that all GWPO programmes and investment initiatives are designed and implemented in accordance with international best practices on:
- gender equality
- social inclusion
- environmental and social safeguards
- youth participation
The Officer contributes to strengthening inclusive water governance and ensuring that water investment programmes supported through the GWP Network deliver equitable and sustainable outcomes.
The Senior Gender, Safeguards & Social Inclusion Officer serves as the custodian of the GWPO Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Framework and related policies across the GWP Network, ensuring that GWPO programmes and investment initiatives are designed and implemented in accordance with international environmental and social safeguards standards, gender equality principles, youth engagement and inclusive development practices.
The Officer also supports integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk management principles across the GWPO-GWP Regional programme portfolio, helping ensure that water investment initiatives developed through the GWP Network meet international safeguards and responsible investment standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy Leadership
The Officer serves as the institutional custodian of the GWPO Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Framework, supporting its application across GWPO programmes and the GWP Network.
- Act as custodian of the GWPO Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Framework across the GWP Network
- Support integration of safeguards principles across GWPO programmes and investment initiatives
- Develop safeguards guidance notes, tools and capacity development programmes for Regional Water Partnerships
- Support programme teams and RWPs in applying safeguards screening procedures during programme design
- Contribute to safeguards compliance processes required by development partners and climate finance institutions
- Monitor implementation of safeguards policies across GWPO-supported programmes.
Climate Finance Safeguards and Accreditation Support
- Support alignment of GWPO and GWP regional programmes with environmental and social safeguard standards required by major climate finance institutions, including the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility and Adaptation Fund
- Provide technical guidance to programme teams and Regional Water Partnerships to ensure investment proposals comply with climate finance safeguards policies
- Support preparation of safeguards documentation required for submission of climate finance proposals
- Contribute to strengthening GWPO institutional systems to meet safeguards standards required for partnerships or accreditation with climate finance institutions
- Advise programme teams on integrating gender equality, environmental safeguards and inclusive development principles into climate-resilient water investment proposals.
Integration of Safeguards in Water Investment Preparation
- Support integration of environmental and social safeguards, gender equality and inclusive participation principles into the preparation of water investment programmes and projects across the GWP Network
- Provide technical guidance to programme teams and Regional Water Partnerships to ensure that projects entering the Global Water Investment Platform integrate safeguards, gender equality and social inclusion considerations at an early stage of project design
- Contribute to safeguards screening and risk identification processes for investment pipelines being prepared under the Global Water Investment Platform
- Support preparation of safeguards documentation required for climate finance proposals and investment transactions
- Collaborate with the Blended Finance and Private Sector Investment teams to ensure water investment initiatives meet international environmental and social safeguards
Environmental and Social Safeguards Implementation Support
- Support Regional Water Partnerships in applying the GWPO Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework during programme design and implementation
- Assist programme teams in undertaking safeguards screening and risk assessments for GWPO-supported initiatives
- Support integration of safeguards requirements in programme documentation and project proposals
- Contribute to monitoring safeguards performance across GWPO programmes.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
- Promote gender-responsive approaches to water governance and water investment programmes
- Support integration of gender equality considerations into programme design and implementation
- Contribute to development of gender-responsive water investment initiatives
- Support initiatives strengthening women’s leadership in water governance.
Youth Engagement and Participation
- Promote youth engagement in water governance and water investment initiatives
- Support development of youth leadership programmes in the water sector
- Strengthen partnerships with youth networks and youth organisations
- Support integration of youth participation across GWPO programmes.
Social Inclusion and Equity
- Support development of inclusive approaches to water governance and water investment planning
- Promote inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups in water programmes
- Support development of inclusive policy frameworks for water management
- Contribute to strengthening inclusive decision-making processes
Integration Across Thematic Programmes
- Support Global Heads and Technical Leads in integrating safeguards and inclusion considerations across thematic programmes
- Support development of guidelines and tools for integrating safeguards into water investment programmes
- Contribute to peer review of programme proposals and investment initiatives.
Capacity Development and Knowledge Sharing
- Support development of training programmes on gender equality, safeguards and inclusive water governance
- Contribute to development of knowledge products and technical guidance
- Support learning and knowledge exchange across the GWP Network
- Promote sharing of best practices on inclusive water governance.
Network Coordination and Joint Delivery
- Support coordination between GWPO and Regional Water Partnerships on safeguards and inclusion issues
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and technical collaboration across regions
- Support integration of safeguards and inclusion principles across programmes implemented through the One GWP joint-delivery model.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- Strengthened integration of gender equality and inclusion across GWPO programmes
- Strengthened environmental and social safeguards compliance across programmes
- Increased participation of women and youth in water governance initiatives
- Strengthened inclusive approaches to water investment planning
- Strengthened institutional capacity across the GWP Network on safeguards and inclusion.
IMPACT OF RESULTS
Effective performance of the Senior Gender, Safeguards & Social Inclusion Officer will contribute to more inclusive and equitable water governance systems worldwide.
The role will strengthen integration of gender equality, youth engagement, safeguards and social inclusion principles into water investment programmes and support governments and partners in ensuring that water security initiatives deliver equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION
The Officer reports to the Director – Programme Development & Delivery.
The role collaborates with:
- Global Heads of thematic programmes
- Global Technical Leads
- Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships
- Development partners and financing institutions
- Civil society organisations and youth networks
- International organisations and knowledge institutions.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Number of programmes integrating gender equality and inclusion frameworks
- Number of safeguards assessments conducted
- Number of training initiatives on safeguards and inclusion
- Participation of women and youth in programme activities
- Knowledge products and guidance materials developed.
CORE VALIES AND COMPETENCIES
Core Values
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
Core Competencies
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Planning and Organising
- Accountability
- Client Orientation
- Continuous Learning
Managerial Competencies
- Leadership
- Vision
- Empowering Others
- Building Trust
- Managing Performance
- Judgement and Agile Decision Making
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced university degree in gender studies, social development, environmental policy, international development or a related field
- Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience in gender equality, social inclusion, safeguards or development programmes
- Experience working with international development organisations or multilateral programmes
- Experience integrating safeguards and inclusion into programme design
- Experience working with governments, civil society organisations and development partners
- Fluency in English required; additional languages desirable.
