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; and implementation of the One GWP joint delivery model integrating global, regional and national operations.
Digital transformation and data innovation are essential enablers of this agenda. Modern digital platforms, artificial intelligence and advanced data systems can significantly strengthen programme delivery, knowledge exchange and investment intelligence across the GWP Network.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Digital Transformation, Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer supports the CEO and senior leadership in advancing the digital transformation of the Global Water Partnership Organisation and the wider GWP Network.
The role promotes the development and application of digital platforms, data systems and artificial intelligence tools that strengthen:
* programme development and delivery
* knowledge generation and exchange
* monitoring of programme results
* identification and tracking of water investment pipelines
* global communication and knowledge dissemination
The position contributes to advancing GWPO's digital innovation agenda by strengthening data systems, artificial intelligence applications and digital platforms that support global water cooperation and investment mobilisation.
The role also serves as the custodian of GWPO's digital integrity and cybersecurity governance framework, ensuring that digital systems across the organisation and the GWP Network operate with high standards of security, resilience and trust.
ROLE IN THE GWPO ARCHITECTURE
The Digital Transformation, Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer operates within the Office of the CEO and provides cross-cutting support across GWPO's global institutional architecture. The role provides strategic oversight of digital architecture, data governance and cybersecurity standards, while operational IT infrastructure and system administration remain the responsibility of the IT Specialist.
The role collaborates closely with:
* the Programme Development & Delivery Directorate
* the Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Technical Hub
* the Results & Portfolio Management Officer
* the IT Officer
* the Communications Unit
* the Strategic Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation fuction.
The position works closely with the Global Head – Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development, who provides strategic leadership for innovation and knowledge systems across the GWP Network. While the Global Head leads the thematic programme, the Digital Transformation Officer supports the development of digital infrastructure, knowledge platforms and artificial intelligence tools that enable these initiatives.
The role collaborates with the Innovation, Knowledge & Capacity Development Technical Hub to strengthen digital knowledge systems and learning platforms supporting collaboration across the GWP Network.
The Digital Transformation Officer also works closely with the Results & Portfolio Management Officer to strengthen digital systems supporting programme monitoring, results reporting and analysis of water investment pipelines. These digital tools contribute to evidence-based programme management and investment intelligence supporting the Global Water Investment Platform.
The role collaborates with the Communications Unit to strengthen the use of data analytics, dashboards and visualisation tools supporting communication of programme results and water investment opportunities.
Through these functions the position contributes to strengthening digital systems supporting GWPO's global architecture including the Windhoek headquarters providing global leadership and governance and the Cape Town Global Water Investment Platform hub supporting investment mobilization.
In performing these functions, the Digital Transformation Officer provides organisation-wide leadership on digital architecture, data governance and cybersecurity standards across GWPO and the GWP Network.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Digital Transformation Strategy
Support the development and implementation of GWPO's digital transformation strategy aligned with the GWP Strategy 2026–2030.
Responsibilities include:
* Identifying opportunities to strengthen programme delivery through digital innovation
* Promoting adoption of modern digital technologies across the GWP Network
* Supporting integration of digital tools into programme management systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation
Promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics tools supporting water governance and investment planning.
Responsibilities include:
* Exploring AI-enabled tools supporting water data analysis
* Strengthening digital analytics supporting programme monitoring and investment pipeline identification
* Advising programme teams on innovative uses of AI and data platforms.
Digital Systems for Programme Delivery
Support programme teams in applying digital technologies that strengthen programme development and delivery.
Responsibilities include:
* Developing digital tools supporting programme management and monitoring
* Strengthening digital dashboards supporting portfolio management
* Supporting digital platforms that enhance collaboration across the GWP Network.
Global Water Data Observatory
Support development of the Global Water Data Observatory, a digital platform that strengthens data-driven decision-making across the GWP Network. The Observatory contributes to strengthening investment intelligence supporting the Global Water Investment Platform.
The Observatory supports:
* Tracking of water investment pipelines emerging from GWPO programmes
* Monitoring climate-resilient water investments addressing floods, droughts and water security
* Knowledge sharing across the GWP Network
* Collaboration with universities and research institutions
* Engagement with technology partners developing digital innovation tools.
Digital Knowledge Platforms
Support development of digital knowledge systems that strengthen learning and innovation across the GWP Network.
Responsibilities include:
* Developing digital learning platforms
* Supporting knowledge exchange across Regional Water Partnerships
* Strengthening online communities of practice.
Digital Innovation Partnerships
Support development of a digital innovation ecosystem for the GWP Network.
Responsibilities include:
* Building partnerships with universities and research institutions
* Engaging technology companies and innovation platforms
* Promoting collaboration on digital water data systems and AI solutions.
Digital Integrity and Cybersecurity Governance
Serve as custodian of GWPO digital integrity and cybersecurity governance across the organisation and the GWP Network.
Responsibilities include:
* Promoting cybersecurity awareness and digital risk management practices
* Strengthening policies protecting digital platforms and data systems
* Collaborating with the IT Officer to ensure resilience of digital infrastructure
* Supporting protection of digital knowledge systems from cyber threats.
Digital Data Products and Global Communications
Support the Communications Unit in producing data-driven knowledge products.
Responsibilities include:
* Developing digital dashboards visualising programme results and investment pipelines
* Supporting analytical knowledge products emerging from the Global Water Data Observatory
* Strengthening digital storytelling through data visualisation.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Digital Transformation Officer will:
* Collaborate with programme teams across GWPO
* Coordinate with the IT Officer responsible for system infrastructure
* Work with the Results & Portfolio Management Officer on programme monitoring tools
* Support digital innovation initiatives across the GWP Network
* Coordinate with consultants and technology partners supporting digital platforms.
EXPECTED RESULTS
* Strengthened digital transformation across GWPO and the GWP Network
* Improved programme monitoring and digital analytics
* Strengthened knowledge exchange through digital platforms
* Strengthened cybersecurity and digital system integrity
* Improved digital intelligence supporting water investment mobilisation.
CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES
Core Values
* Integrity
* Professionalism
* Respect for Diversity
Core Competencies
* Digital Innovation
* Strategic Thinking
* Technology Integration
* Collaboration
* Problem Solving
Managerial Competencies
* Vision
* Driving Change
* Building Partnerships
* Innovation Leadership
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
* Advanced university degree in information technology, data science, digital innovation or related field.
* Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience in digital transformation, data systems or technology innovation.
* Experience working with international organisations or global networks desirable
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Fluency in English required - additional languages desirable.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://gwp.bamboohr.com/careers/116
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply through Job Openings (https://gwp.bamboohr.com/careers)