Project Manager YEP Water & Tailor-made (32-40 hours p/wk)

Organisation

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is the foremost network organisation for the Dutch water sector. The Netherlands has a rock-solid reputation in water management, and we believe this expertise can make a global difference. We help the Dutch water sector share its knowledge, connect with key partners, and engage in opportunities related to exports, international cooperation, and promotion.

NWP has around 180 members, including profit and non-profit organisations, covering areas from water technology to infrastructure, as well as NGOs and government bodies. We bring our members together to create a positive global impact. Through projects, programmes, events, and activities, we create visibility for the Dutch water sector, helping our members expand market opportunities on the international stage. Our ambition is to double the international reach of the Dutch water sector while working on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

YEP Programmes is one of the main programmes implemented by NWP. The mission of YEP Programmes is to create a young, renewed, inspiring international network and build expertise in the field of Water and Agrofood (nexus) through Dutch organisations.

Your role

As Project Manager, you coordinate the YEP Water Programme and maintain regular contact with representatives of Dutch organisations, Young Experts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant partners. You ensure a strong pool of high-quality YEP Water submissions for each batch and make sure participants have a smooth and well-facilitated development journey. You work closely with colleagues within the YEP Programme Bureau and throughout NWP, reporting to the YEP Programme Manager and acting as his sparring partner.

Acquisition

• Identify and develop new opportunities, including tailor-made programmes;
• Contribute to acquisition across the Water sector including info sessions;
• Onboard new Dutch organisations and organise introduction meetings.

Project Implementation

• Assessment of submissions for new YEP positions and coordinate the contact with the submitting organisation;
• Recruitment and selection of candidates through CV reviews and interviews;
• Contribute to kick-off and kick-out sessions, mentor and supervisor sessions;
• Provide input for news articles and social media publications;
• Coordinate changes in the YEP Water programme in our CRM system.

Stakeholder management 

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key partners such as sector stakeholders, government bodies and international organisations;
• Participation to the YEP Advisory Board on behalf of YEP Water;
• Support in contact with contact persons at MoFa for water and finance;
• Represent YEP and NWP at events, conferences, and promotional activities, in NL and if opportunities arise, abroad;
• Develop and maintain an active network of YEP alumni and organisations.

Financial management 

• Assess and review narrative and financial reports from participating partners;
• Coordinate YEP subsidy payments and financial closure of YEP positions;
• Contribute to the financial management of the YEP programme;
• Oversee Tailor-made programme planning, implementation, and reporting.

Team leadership 

• Lead and support a few Project (Support) Officers in the YEP team through regular check-ins, performance reviews, and development conversations;
• Act as Deputy YEP Programme manager including responsibilities towards YEP, NWP, YEP Advisory Board, MoFA, NFP and other programme partners.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Closely monitor YEP positions by meeting Young Experts bi-annually (online);
• Carry out evaluations and closure calls with Young Experts;
• Contribute to the annual plan and annual report and the YEP Mid-term Evaluation.

Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and people-oriented professional who has the right to work in the Netherlands (i.e. a valid working permit) at the time of applying. The role also requires to be based full-time in the Netherlands. You have:

• Affinity with and/or experience in working with young professionals, early-career talent or other target groups in learning and development programmes;
• A relevant degree (e.g. international development, watermanagement, or related);
• Excellent organisation, planning, financial reporting and project management skills;
• Proven ability to manage budgets, contracts, and reporting processes;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both the Dutch and English, and able to communicate to a wide variety of target groups;
• Accuracy and analytical skills;
• Familiar with the Dutch water sector, the development sector and international, multi-stakeholder environments;
• Proactive attitude to work, someone who is taking initiative and decisions;
• Someone who enjoys standing out and networking;
• An open and learning mind, and the ability to work well with a variety of people and cultures.

Additional preferred qualifications:

• Basic experience in line management;
• Experience with capacity development, training, or talent programmes;
• Additional language skills (e.g. Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese);
• Experience with public-private partnerships or international funding structures;
• Having lived and worked abroad is an advantage.

What we offer

• A full-time position of 32-40 hours per week;
• A dynamic and impactful role within an international network organisation:
• Competitive salary, depending on experience;
• Hybrid working environment;
• Access to a broad international network and high-level stakeholders;
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth;
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment;
• And above all, you will contribute to a programme that empowers young professionals and contributes to solving global challenges.

Application

Send your CV and motivation letter by 16 September at the latest to mrs. Lonneke van Klei: yeprecruitment@nwp.nl. 

For any questions regarding this vacancy, please call +31 70 304 3700 and ask for Lonneke van Klei or Jelmer Klinkenberg.

Take this opportunity to grow your skills and make a difference in the global water sector!