The International Water Association is looking for passionate, motivated IWA members (aged 35 and below) to lead the IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Community!

The IWA YWP Community renews its Steering Committee every 2 years (in line with the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition). This is a representative body of young members (35 and below) that will provide advice to the association about the appropriate ways to serve young professionals’ needs, and actively lead its community to contribute to IWA’s activities at the national and global level. The Committee also provides regional representation for young IWA members and actively pursues opportunities to contribute to the IWA network.

Your opportunity to engage!

This is your opportunity to make an impact on YWPs around the world and ensure that members of the IWA YWP Community are highly regarded as a valid part of IWA’s solutions and appreciated in the water sector.

Benefits

You will advance yourself professionally, gaining international exposure – building your network with young and senior professionals and connecting with IWA senior leaders, while developing new skills specific to the positions. You will have the opportunity to influence and lead large meetings, workshops, and forums organised by IWA YWP Steering Committee and YWP members.

Interested? Here’s what to do:

You can read the detailed Terms of Reference and apply for the positions that have been opened:

• Chairperson
• Vice-Chair
• Secretary
• Strategic Advisory (2 positions)
• Specialist Group – YWP coordination (2 positions)
• YWP Chapter Coordination (2 positions)
• YWP Events and Communications (2 positions)
• Career Building (2 positions)

Eligibility

Here are the minimum requirements to be eligible for the Committee:

• Have been an IWA Member with an active membership for at least 1 year
• 35 years old or younger upon election
• Fulfil the criteria per role (as per described below)

The specific roles have their additional eligibility. Make sure to check the Guidance Document for more information.

Timeline

• Late February: Call for Nominations opens on Connect Plus.
• End of March: Submission deadline 31 March.
• 7 April: Final extended deadline for submissions.
• Early April: The IWA Secretariat and Nominations Committee checks the eligibility of candidates.
• Mid-April: Nominations Committee puts voting forward (ensuring gender/geographical/age/ background diversity).
• End of April: IWA Secretariat organises online hustings for Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary. For the other roles, IWA will collect videos and disseminate them on social media. Debates will be organised via Connect Plus posts.
• Early May: end of the voting period.
• Mid-May: The Nominations Committee presents voting process outcomes to the Governance and Nominations Committee and a recommendation is presented to the IWA Board.
• Mid-June: A new committee is presented (online announcement).

How to Apply

• Individuals that want to be considered should prepare an up-to-date CV (2 pages) detailing education, work experience, voluntary experience, and skills;
• Prepare and submit a letter of support from your organisation (i.e. workplace or university) and another letter of support from the IWA Community that you are part of.
• Complete the online application;
• Only personal applications will be accepted (i.e. you cannot nominate someone else);
• Apply before 31 March 7 April 2024.

This is a volunteer position and does not include any form of work agreement. We will only accept applications via the official online application form.

If you have any questions regarding this volunteer opportunity, please contact Isabela Espindola, IWA Membership Engagement Senior Officer.

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