Deadline: 28 June 2024

Applications are now open for the IWA Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals 2024 . This programme will mobilise a group of 12 high-potential young water professionals from different regions, genders and areas of the water sector to take on the challenge of leadership.

The 12-month programme will provide a solid foundation for building professional networks within the global water community. The International Water Association's (IWA) LeaP will offer unique opportunities for participants to delve deeply into their leadership potential and elevate their ability to effect change. Challenging, rewarding and experiential, this will be a learning programme, not a teaching one. The journey will significantly change each participant's clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capacity, and increase their ability to lead in their organisations and communities.

Successful candidates will be expected to dedicate an average of 10 hours per month to the programme's activities. In addition, IWA LeaP will include a 4-day immersive retreat in a remote environment to allow individuals to reflect as leaders, as well as discuss a collaborative project that will then be shared at the end of the programme. Finally, participants will be invited to attend the IWA 2026 World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE) in Glasgow, Scotland.

Financing

The Programme will cover travel expenses for successful applicants to attend the immersive retreat and the IWA 2026 World Water Congress and Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland, including: 

• Economy class flights; 
• Single accommodation; 
• Daily subsistence; 
• Ground transport to and from the airport and to and from the venue; 
• Travel insurance; 
• Visa application fees. 

Eligibility

• Open to people aged between 18 and 35. Applicants must be at least 18 at the time of enrolment and no older than 35 at the end of the programme (September 2025).
• Candidates must have a proficient working knowledge of the English language.
• Applicants must have maintained active membership of the IWA for at least one year at the time of application. Membership status will be verified by the IWA Secretariat.
• Candidates must demonstrate their leadership ability through various avenues, such as professional achievements, experience in leadership roles within the IWA or their organisation, volunteer experience, etc.
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting positive change in the water sector. This commitment should be underpinned by a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas in the field.

Application

The application period will be open until 28 June 2024. Applications will be accepted in English.

After filling in  this preparation questionnaire candidates must fill in  this online form Applicants must submit the necessary documents and accept the terms of the selection process. It is recommended that candidates provide as much detail as possible to support their application. Applicants must provide:

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page);
• Reference letter from the candidate's organisation (maximum 1 page);

All documents must be in English.