Senior Network Officer

JOB TITLE: Senior Network Officer

REPORTS TO: Head of Network Operations

TEAM MEMBERS: Network Operations

LOCATION: Global Secretariat in Stockholm, with extensive international travel

SALARY CATEGORY: C. Senior Network and Administrative Officers (range 5,600-6,700 EUR)

BACKGROUND

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is a worldwide network and an intergovernmental organisation, which supports countries in the effective management of their water resources through partnerships at local, national, regional and global level. Created in 1996, the network now spans over 80 Country Water Partnerships (CWP) within 13 Regional Water Partnerships (RWP), with a Global Secretariat (GWPO) in Stockholm, Sweden. For more information, see: www.gwp.org

SCOPE OF THE POSITION

GWPO employs a number of Network Officers (NO) who are responsible for supporting the GWP Network activities in 2 or 3 RWPs and for coordinating GWPO’s work around a given set of thematic areas within the Network and beyond. The NO is the link between the Regional Water Partnerships (RWPs), the GWP Technical Committee (GWP TEC) and GWPO Secretariat, and acts as an advisor to the RWPs in the implementation of the GWP Strategy and the associated 3-year Work Programme and annual work plans. The NO works at the interface of the global and regional levels and is a resource person who responds to the needs and challenges emerging in the regions. The NO is also a facilitator of inter-linkages between the RWPs and the global development arena, facilitating collaborative relationships, connecting expertise, funding and projects at the global and regional/country levels.

The ideal candidate for this position will have considerable experience on sustainable development, on developing complex programmes, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and on fundraising. The candidate shall also have experience of working in Asia (South Asia, Southeast Asia and China) as well as experience of transboundary water management programmes.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Within the scope of the NO position, the main responsibilities and areas of work are as follows:

1. Support to the Regional Water Partnerships Facilitate and support the work of the assigned RWPs (incl. the liaison with Country Water Partnerships) to ensure that:

partnerships and alliances at regional and country levels are in place in order to strengthen the RWPs and CWPs Work Programme content and implementation through GWP Partners. It implies coordinating with a wide range of organisations including UN Agencies, bilateral and multilateral funding agencies and knowledge partners at different levels.

• the RWPs are fully integrated within GWP knowledge management system (incl. promotion of South-South exchanges)
• regional efforts (e.g. advocacy, capacity building) in developing a sustainable funding base for RWPs and CWPs are achieved.
• RWPs have full understanding and are implementing the common policies and rules established for the GWP Network, in particular:

               -  The Policy on Partners and the Conditions for Accreditation.
               -  The effective administration of the RWPs though an active participation in the Host Institution (HI) selection process and follow-up on the HI performance.

• RWPs are implementing the GWP work programme management cycle incl. planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting.

               -   Advise, guide and support the development and implementation of regional 3 years Work Programmes and annual workplans.
               -   Monitor RWP reporting (both financial and programmatic requirements) in coordination with the GWPO Finance, Communications and M&E.

• GWPO is represented in the Regional Steering Committees of the assigned RWPs.

2. Support to GWP Network Thematic and Programme Development

Support GWP Network in effectively and synergistically addressing the thematic challenges of transboundary water management within the GWP Strategy by ensuring that:

• A realistic programmatic approach for the assigned theme is developed & maintained which reflects both demand and available and potential human & financial resources.
• tools fostering an improved understanding and consideration by key Stakeholders of the theme are developed as part of an IWRM approach towards water security, contributing to achieving the SDGs.
• specific programmes and projects related to the specific theme which benefit the GWP Network are identified and developed, including the design of project concepts and implementation frameworks, identifying experts and other stakeholders, etc.
• relationships with financing partners for implementation of such programmes and projects in specific regions and/or countries are developed and maintained.

3. Member of Network Operations Team at the GWPO Secretariat

Contribute effectively to activities of the Network Operations Unit and GWPO Secretariat as a whole:

• Contribute with all GWPO Secretariat units in key corporate functional areas, including: (i) resources mobilization, (ii) governance & administration of the GWP Network, (iii) GWP Knowledge Management, (iv) communication and (v) GWP Programme Management.
• Contribute to GWPO and GWP Network learning by sharing key regional and thematic knowledge via available corporate mechanisms and tools (e.g. meetings, liaising with TEC, working groups, collaborative spaces, M&E reporting, ToolBox development)
• Work with the GWPO Communications Unit to enhance strategic communication within the network and beyond.
• Serve as the GWPO´s regional and thematic focal point and coordinator for key stakeholders (Knowledge Partners, UN agencies, Senior Advisors, etc.).
• Represent GWP at regional and international events and activities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Advanced degree in economics, engineering, natural/environmental sciences, social sciences, water law and governance; or equivalent.

• At least 10 years of experience (with at least 3 years at an international level) in-, and good knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach and of the current global trends regarding Water Security and development. Demonstrable knowledge transboundary issues within Water Resources Management is also necessary.
• At least 3 years work experience in an Asian water management context.
• Demonstrated experience in brokering and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and developing and implementing strategies to foster change.
• Experience with programme/project management cycle (from proposal development to implementation, monitoring and evaluation), including results based management.
• Experience with fundraising and a good understanding of the funding prospects for organisations such as the GWP Network.
• Excellent organisational and strategic planning skills to analyse, set priorities, take initiatives and meet deadlines proactively.
• Excellent communication skills with proven ability to communicate effectively in English, in small and large multidisciplinary groups. Mastering of additional languages would be an asset.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, and willing to facilitate change and cooperative working methods.
• A flexible, friendly and cooperative personality with an understanding of various regional, political and cultural environments

APPLICATION

The closing date for applications is 25 February 2017. Please email your CV and a cover letter, in English, to vacancy@gwp.org and specify that you found the position on UNjobfinder.

Please note that due to limited resources, we will only respond to candidates who will be called for interviews.

If you have not received a response within two months of the deadline, you can assume you have not proceeded further in the selection process.

GWPO reserves the right to offer the position at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected candidate.