Our vision is a world where everyone has universal and sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation, while also ensuring the protection of water resources. Since our founding more than 25 years ago, we have worked to create a world where everyone can live with dignity, using water as a lever for development. To achieve this goal, we work from the local to the international level and rely on a wide network of partners across five continents. Whether it’s building infrastructure, strengthening water governance, or mobilizing, connecting, and supporting youth, we approach our work with agility and creativity.
Access to water is a human right. But for a right to be recognized and upheld, it must be defined—and, above all, defended. The actions of our teams in Montreal (head office), Strasbourg (SEE), and in the field (Peru, Moldova, Central Asia, West Africa, etc.) are guided and motivated by this belief.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Executive Director and in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and numerous partners, the Youth Project Officer will contribute to the implementation of our “WaterGeneration” youth strategy, with a particular focus on the following two strategic pillars: 1) Connected Youth and 2) Global Issues. The Project Officer will be responsible for mobilizing an increasing number of young people and partners, managing youth projects, and facilitating networks/platforms dedicated to strengthening the global youth movement for water.
The main responsibilities include supporting the World Youth Parliament for Water and the implementation of the Youth for Water and Climate (YWC) platform.
Connected Youth Pillar (45%):
Animate and strengthen the network of the World Youth Parliament for Water, a global youth-led network for water that includes more than 30 national and regional chapters.
Support the creation and development of national, regional, or basin-level Youth Parliaments for Water and help strengthen their capacity, visibility, and responsibility. Develop and implement a support plan for these Parliaments.
Develop approaches and implement tools to amplify the collective voice of youth for water, particularly that of the World Youth Parliament for Water (e.g., through campaigns, training, etc.).
Support the preparation of joint messages linked to youth-led local actions, and create opportunities for young people to present these messages to decision-makers, notably at key international events such as the UN Water Conference on SDG 6 (New York, March 2023) and the 10th World Water Forum (Bali, March 2024).
Propose relevant tools based on identified needs for training and capacity building (e.g., leadership, advocacy, project management, communication, etc.).
Global Issues Pillar (25%):
Support the facilitation, development, and outreach of the Youth for Water and Climate (YWC) platform, notably through the launch of youth-led project calls and analysis of applications.
Provide guidance to the youth project leaders supported by the YWC platform.
Monitoring & Evaluation / Data Collection (10%):
Assist in the management and compilation of collected data.
Conduct an annual survey among youth and youth partners.
Strengthen and update ISW’s youth database.
Other General Tasks (20%):
Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the youth strategy action plan.
Support communications regarding youth activities (articles, newsletters, press releases, etc.).
Represent ISW with various partners and coalitions (e.g., working groups).
Provide logistical support when necessary.
Qualifications and Experience
University degree in communication, international relations, environment, or any other relevant field.
At least 2 years of experience in project management and network facilitation, with a strong interest in sustainable development (or related fields).
Proficiency in project management tools (timelines, budgets, work plans, etc.) and strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Skills in capacity building and facilitation.
Interest in and ability to work in partnership.
Team spirit, intercultural sensitivity, and tact.
Flexibility, adaptability to change, and stress resistance.
Comfortable with public speaking and engaging with various stakeholders (youth, institutional partners, high-level decision-makers, private sector).
Excellent command of English and French (spoken and written).
It is essential that the Youth Project Officer share our values, including:
Building partnerships with youth through mutually beneficial collaboration.
Being a source of motivation for youth.
Taking risks and innovating.
Encouraging the emergence of new actors.
Valuing diversity.
Working by, for, and with youth.
Terms of Employment
35 hours per week, regular office hours (occasional evening or weekend work may be required).
Salary according to current ISW policy (to be discussed based on experience).
Must be willing to travel internationally for several days or even weeks, particularly to developing countries.
