Human Resources & Procurement Specialist

Location: GWPO HQ, Windhoek, Namibia

Reports to: Finance & Administration Director (Chief Finance Officer)

Team: Finance & Administration

Job Grade Range: NOB-NOC

Application Deadline: 12 June 2026

BACKGROUND

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is an international institution with a unique model comprising an intergovernmental organisation, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), and a global network of more than 2,800 partner organisations. GWP was founded in 1996 with the support of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency with a mission to support countries in the sustainable development and management of water resources at all levels.

 

In 2002, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) was established as an intergovernmental organisation with a mandate to serve as the global secretariat of GWP to support and work with the world-wide GWP Network in pursuit of its mission and vision of a water secure world.

 

For more than two decades, GWPO and the GWP Network have been at the forefront of promoting integrated water resources management and strengthening water governance globally. GWP comprises 13 Regional Water Partnerships and 77 Country Water Partnerships operating in more than 180 countries. Since 2014, GWP has directly and indirectly supported investments and strengthened water governance and policy frameworks in more than 90 countries.

 

In 2025, GWPO and its GWP Network launched a Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments. Under the GWP Strategy 2026–2030, GWPO is undertaking a profound institutional transformation to accelerate the mobilization and deployment finance at scale, strengthen water governance, and management of water resources for sustainable, climate resilient, and equitable development.

 

This bold new chapter includes strengthened partnerships with G20 countries, MDBs, global climate finance institutions, the private sector, and regional financial and economic institutions, among others, to scale up impact. It also includes establishment of GWPO’s innovative Dual Headquarters anchored in the Global South while offering an opportunity to visionary States and governments around the world to join the organization-a historic opportunity to renew global water cooperation and be part of the world’s first Global South anchored Intergovernmental architecture on water investments.

HR & PROCURMENT SPECIALIST

The HR & Procurement Specialist supports the Director of Finance & Administration in ensuring that GWPO human resource management and procurement functions operate in accordance with GWPO procurement rules and GWPO Staff Regulations and Rules and other applicable policies, including the principles and practices of the United Nations Common System. The position is responsible for effectiveness of GWPO human resource development and talent management, GWPO staff training and leadership development, workforce planning and organizational development and administering HR processes. This  includes HR recruitment, staff contracts, salary and benefits management, and personnel policies, while also ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in compliance with GWPO procurement rules and regulations. The Specialist provides guidance to the Secretariat and the global network to ensure transparent, efficient, and compliant HR and procurement processes.

 

STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Proposed responsibilities and Tasks:

 

1.1   Human Resource Development and Talent Management

• Develop and coordinate implementation of the GWPO Human Resource Development Strategy, aligned with the GWP Strategy 2026–2030.
• Design and administer the annual staff performance management system, including goal setting, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Coordinate the preparation and implementation of annual staff development plans for the GWPO Secretariat and support presentation of relevant updates to the Steering Committee.
• Provide guidance to managers on staff supervision, performance assessment, and professional development planning.

 

1.2   GWPO Staff Training, Leadership Development and GWPO-GWP career development

• Design and implement GWPO staff training and capacity development programmes, including technical, leadership, and management training.
• Develop GWPO-GWP Network global career development and secondment programme
• Coordinate leadership development programmes for GWPO-GWP Network senior and mid-level staff to strengthen institutional leadership capacity.
• Support the design and implementation of coaching and mentoring initiatives to support professional growth within the Secretariat and GWP Network

 

1.3   Workforce Planning and Organizational Development

• Support the CEO and senior management in workforce planning and organisational development, ensuring alignment between staffing capacity and institutional priorities.
• Conduct periodic skills assessments and capacity gap analyses across the Secretariat and the GWP Network.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and institutional excellence.

1.4   Human Resources Management

• Administer HR policies, procedures, and systems in alignment with international organizational standards and relevant UN Common System principles.
• Coordinate and manage recruitment and selection processes, including preparation of vacancy announcements, advertising positions, screening of candidates, organization of interview panels, reference checks, and preparation of recruitment documentation.
• Ensure recruitment processes are conducted transparently and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and ensuring fair and unbiased selection processes.
• Manage the GWPO Internship Programme, including advertising internship opportunities, coordinating candidate selection, preparing internship agreements, and ensuring effective onboarding, mentoring, and supervision arrangements.
• Administer staff contracts, contract extensions, and separations in accordance with HR policies and applicable legal frameworks.
• Provide guidance on job classification, salary scales, benefits, and employment conditions in accordance with GWPO policies and UN Common System.
• Maintain personnel records and HR databases ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new staff members, consultants, and interns.
• Advise management on HR matters including performance management, staff development, workforce planning, and HR policy implementation.
• Support the development, implementation, and periodic review of HR policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide guidance on HR matters to the Secretariat and the GWP regional network as required
• Coordinate administrative arrangements related to staff onboarding and off-boarding logistics, including liaison with host country authorities where relevant.
• Support the maintenance of administrative staff records and official documentation required for institutional and host-country compliance.

 

PROCUREMENT

• Administer procurement processes in accordance with GWPO procurement policies, rules, and procedures.
• Provide guidance to staff on procurement planning and procedures and the use of the procurement platform eu-supply.
• Prepare and manage procurement documentation including requests for quotations, requests for proposals, and tender documentation.
• Coordinate procurement evaluation processes using the procurement platform eu-supply and ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with procurement procedures.
• Maintain procurement records and contract documentation in accordance with organizational requirements.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with donor requirements, internal regulations, and principles of transparency and value for money.
• Contribute to improvements in procurement procedures, systems, and internal controls.

 

HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE GWP NETWORK

• Provide guidance and support to Regional Water Partnerships on human resource management practices, including recruitment processes, staff performance management, and professional development approaches.
• Implement GWPO-GWP Network global career development and staff secondment programme
• Support the development of capacity development initiatives for staff across the GWP Network, including leadership training, mentoring, and institutional learning programmes.
• Contribute to the development of global training programmes and learning platforms that strengthen professional capacity across the GWP partnership.
• Support exchange of HR best practices and learning across regions, promoting consistent professional standards and institutional culture across the GWP system.
• Contribute to strengthening institutional capacity of Regional Water Partnerships in areas such as staff development, leadership skills, and organisational effectiveness
• Support the design and implementation of leadership development and professional training initiatives across the GWP Network, including collaboration with universities, training institutes, and international partners.
• supporting global training initiatives aimed at strengthening water leadership, institutional capacity, and professional development across the partnership system.

DUTY OF CARE AND ETHICAL CONDUCT

• Support the implementation of GWPO policies related to duty of care, staff well-being, and safe working environments.
• Promote a respectful workplace culture based on integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
• Ensure HR processes and workplace practices uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and prevent discrimination, harassment, or abuse.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive HR matters with professionalism and discretion.

 

SUPPORT TO GWP FINANCE TEAM ON HR AND ADMINISTRATION RELATED MATTERS

• Provide backstop support other members of the GWP Finance Team on HR administration
• Other duties, as assigned by the Head of Finance and Administration.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

The HR & Procurement Specialist will be evaluated against:

• Effectiveness of GWPO human resource development and talent management
• Quality of GWPO staff training and leadership development
• Successful workforce planning and organizational development
• Effectiveness and transparency of recruitment processes and HR administration
• Successful management of the GWPO Internship Programme including recruitment and onboarding and support to GWP RWPs HR functions.
• Successful implementation of GWPO-GWP Network career development and secondment programme
• Compliance of HR practices with GWPO policies and relevant UN Common System principles
• Accuracy and timeliness in managing staff contracts, salary administration, and HR records
• Quality, efficiency of procurement processes, adherence to procurement rules and procedures
• Timely preparation and management of procurement documentation and contracts
• Strength of internal controls, compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements
• Contribution to improvements in GWPO HR within and procurement systems and procedures
• Promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and duty of care within HR practices
• Quality of guidance and support provided to Secretariat and network teams

CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

1. Core Values

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

2. Core Competencies

• Communication
• Teamwork

• Planning & Organizing

• Accountability
• Creativity
• Client, Partner Orientation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Technological Awareness

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

 

• A university degree or similar qualification in Human Resource Management, business or public administration, social sciences, education or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in human resource management and procurement in an intergovernmental organisation.
• Experience working with HR systems and practices within the United Nations Common System is highly desirable.
• Conscientious, socially skilled, and service-minded attitude, as well as high attention to detail and well-being of staff.
• Experience working in multicultural and international environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. French and/or Spanish proficiency an advantage
• Citizen of Namibia or permanent resident
• Ability to work independently and multi-task.
• Committed to meeting deadlines and producing high-quality work.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office programs and HR and procurement platforms.