Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Specialist

Job Title: Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Specialist
Location: Global Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Technical Support Hub

Reports to: Global Technical Lead – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development 

Technical Oversight: Global Head – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development

Team: Programme Development & Delivery – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Theme

Job Grade Range: NOB - NOC 

Duty Station: Windhoek, Namibia

Application Deadline: 12 June 2026

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.

Knowledge, innovation and capacity development are central pillars of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030. Accelerating progress on water security requires stronger knowledge systems, improved access to water data, innovation in water management approaches and strengthened institutional capacity across countries and regions.

Through its global network, GWPO works with governments, academic institutions, research organisations and development partners to strengthen knowledge exchange, promote innovation and support capacity development in water governance and water investment planning.

 

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.

 

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 Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Specialist provides technical support and programme development assistance to Regional Water Partnerships while respecting their governance mandates and leadership roles within their respective regions.

All programme implementation activities are undertaken in partnership with and through Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships.

 

INNOVATION, KNOWLEDGE & CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Specialist supports development of programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening knowledge systems, promoting innovation and building institutional capacity for water security across the GWP Network.

 

The Specialist contributes to the Global Water Investment Delivery System of the GWP Network by supporting development of knowledge platforms, innovation initiatives and capacity development programmes that strengthen water governance and investment planning.

The position supports GWPO and the GWP Network in advancing:

• Development of global water knowledge platforms and knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Strengthening innovation in water governance and water management approaches
• Supporting digital transformation and improved access to water data and information
• Strengthening institutional capacity for water investment planning and programme development
• Promoting knowledge exchange and learning across the GWP Network
• Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, research organisations and development partners.

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting development of programme concepts and proposals related to knowledge, innovation and capacity development
• Contributing to development of knowledge platforms supporting water investment and water governance
• Supporting development of training programmes and capacity development initiatives
• Assisting Regional Water Partnerships in strengthening institutional capacity and knowledge systems
• Contributing to preparation of programme proposals submitted to international financing institutions and development partners
• Support knowledge generation and analytical work informing development of water investment programmes and policy reforms
• Supporting partnerships with universities, research institutions and innovation platforms. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development and Knowledge Initiatives

• Support preparation of programme proposals addressing knowledge and innovation for water security
• Contribute to development of global knowledge platforms supporting water investment and governance
• Assist in development of initiatives promoting innovation in water management
• Support development of programmes strengthening institutional capacity in water governance

 

Development of Knowledge Platforms and Digital Water Data Systems

• Support initiatives promoting open access and democratisation of water data to strengthen evidence-based water governance
• Support development of global water knowledge platforms and digital data initiatives
• Contribute to development of tools supporting water data access and analysis
• Support dissemination of knowledge products and technical guidance
• Strengthen knowledge-sharing mechanisms across regions. 

 

Innovation in Water Governance, Democratisation of Data and Management

• Support development of innovative approaches to water governance and management
• Promote innovation and democratisation of water data in water investment planning
• Support engagement with research institutions and innovation partners
• Contribute to development of pilot initiatives demonstrating innovative water management solutions.

 

Capacity Development and Training

• Support development of training programmes and capacity development initiatives
• Contribute to development of learning platforms for water professionals
• Support training initiatives for governments and regional partners
• Strengthen technical capacity within the GWP Network

 

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Support development of global knowledge products and analytical reports
• Contribute to documentation of lessons learned from GWP programmes
• Contribute to development of global analytical reports and flagship knowledge products supporting implementation of the GWP Strategy 2026–2030
• Promote knowledge exchange and learning across regions
• Strengthen collaboration between knowledge partners and development organisations

 

Network Coordination and Joint Delivery

• Support collaboration between Regional Water Partnerships on knowledge initiatives
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and technical collaboration across regions
• Support integration of global knowledge initiatives into regional programmes

 

Partnerships with Academic and Research Institutions

• Support partnerships with universities, research organisations and innovation platforms
• Contribute to development of collaborative research initiatives on water governance and water investment
• Support engagement with global knowledge networks and academic institutions
• Strengthen collaboration between policy, research and practice.

 

Strategic Knowledge Partnerships and Innovation Platforms

• Support development of strategic partnerships with global knowledge institutions and innovation networks
• Contribute to development of global innovation initiatives supporting water security
• Support collaboration with international organisations promoting innovation in water management
• Assist development of partnerships supporting knowledge generation and dissemination. 

 

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Strengthened knowledge systems supporting water governance and water investment
• Expanded innovation initiatives in water management
• Strengthened institutional capacity for water governance and programme development
• Improved knowledge exchange across the GWP Network
• Strengthened partnerships with research institutions and innovation platforms. 

 

IMPACT OF RESULTS

Effective performance of the Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Specialist will contribute to strengthened knowledge systems supporting water security initiatives worldwide.

The role will support development of innovative solutions, knowledge platforms and capacity development programmes that strengthen water governance and investment planning across the GWP Network.

The Specialist will also contribute to strengthening the global knowledge and innovation ecosystem supporting the Global Water Investment Delivery System, enabling governments, partners and investors to access the knowledge and capacity required to accelerate water investments and water security initiatives.

 

MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION

The Specialist reports to the Global Technical Lead – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development.

The role collaborates with:

 

• Global Head – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development
• Regional Water Partnerships and Country Water Partnerships
• Academic institutions and research organisations
• Innovation networks and knowledge platforms
• International development partners
• Global knowledge institutions. 

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Number of knowledge products developed
• Number of capacity development initiatives supported
  Number of innovation initiatives launched
• Partnerships established with research and academic institutions
• Knowledge platforms developed or strengthened
• Participation of partners in knowledge and training programmes

CORE VALUES 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, Agile Decision Making

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced university degree in water resources management, environmental policy, knowledge management, public policy or related field
• At least 7 years professional experience in knowledge management, innovation programmes or capacity development initiatives
• Experience working with research institutions, universities or knowledge platforms
• Experience supporting programme development and proposal preparation for international development programmes
• Experience working with governments, development partners and international organisations
• Open to Nationals of Namibia or Permanent Residents within Namibia
• Fluency in English required; additional languages desirable.