Project Manager

Vacancy – Water Footprint Network

Position:         Project Manager

Start Date:     Late April 2013

Based in:         Enschede, the Netherlands

The Water Footprint Network (WFN) is a dynamic, international, continuous learning community with hundreds of partners worldwide committed to promoting sustainable, equitable and efficient water use through the advancement of the Water Footprint.  Established in 2008 with partners from academia, NGOs, international organisations and business sectors, WFN is a fast growing organization at the cutting edge of the methodology, data, tools and application of the water footprint concept and Water Footprint Assessment. Currently the Water Footprint Network is seeking a Project Manager (m/f).

Background

The Water Footprint Network is the leading international organization supporting the development of the water footprint concept and the application of Water Footprint Assessment.  This is a rapidly growing and innovative field which requires quick capture and dissemination of advances.  As a small organization seeking to have global impact, the Water Footprint Network must facilitate international, cross-sector application of Water Footprint Assessment and engage key stakeholders – public and private – in transforming the way we use water such that it is sustainable, efficient and equitable.  As a centre of excellence for the water footprint and Water Footprint Assessment, the Water Footprint Network’s work programme consists of:

1. Developing standards, methods, guidelines and criteria for Water Footprint Assessment;
2. Facilitating Water Footprint Assessment research and development;
3. Promoting training, knowledge exchange & dissemination;
4. Developing practical tools for Water Footprint Assessment;
5. Supporting organizations in conducting a Water Footprint Assessment and developing a sustainable and fair water policy; and
6. Reviewing and certifying the use of the Water Footprint concept.

The Project Manager will contribute to the delivery of the work programme as part of the WFN Team, in association with WFN partners and with lead responsibility for specific projects and initiatives. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project procurement and implementation including:
• Developing project concepts, proposals and plans
• Managing administrative aspects of project delivery
• Delivering technical assistance in Water Footprint Assessment
• Reviewing and writing reports
• Sharing and disseminating learning from projects
• Deliver face-to-face and online Water Footprint training and engagement activities including:
• Coordination of training events, webinars, conferences, seminars, workshops
• Preparation of training and presentation materials
• Delivery of training courses and presentations
• Evaluation and follow up from training and engagement activities
• Contribute to WFN partner activities including:
• Maintaining regular communications through email and phone
• Planning and organizing WFN partner meetings
• Facilitating a practitioner’s community
• Facilitating working groups or other ad hoc partner activities
• Building a research and development network
• Represent WFN through:
• Participation in sounding boards, working groups or other contributing groups
• Review and comment on reports, proposals, and papers of strategic importance to WFN.
• Attending and presenting at meetings, conferences and other fora
• Meetings with policy makers, industry leaders, sector groups, etc.
• Responding to various issues and debates in our social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.

Working Relationships

The Project Manager is supervised by the Science Director and is responsible to the Senior Management Team (Executive Director and Science Director).  The Project Manager supervises project contributions from interns, research students and sub-contractors on occasion.  S/he is part of the Water Footprint Network Team which works together to deliver all activities of Water Footprint Network.  S/he is responsive to the Water Footprint Network Partners. 

Profile

For this exciting position, we are looking for an energetic, amiable person, with high professional standards who can handle technical content as well as complex relationships.  S/he can inspire others to take actions in alignment with Water Footprint Network’s mission.  Ideally, s/he will be able to work well with both the public and private sector due to a deep understanding of the environmental, social and economic perspectives of sustainable water use.  By joining the Water Footprint Network Team, the candidate will be a leader in Water Footprint studies and will need to bring critical thinking, excellent people skills and enthusiasm to the position.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree and more than five years of experience in water quality, water resources, environmental sciences, ecology, engineering or related field or advanced experience in sustainability in the private sector or public policy engagement
• Understanding of the water issues related to complex global supply chains
• Experience in capacity building and delivering technical training
• Proven track record of report writing and publishing scientific papers
• Proven experience in fundraising,  project procurement and management
• Excellent communication skills in English – writing, speaking and listening, other languages a plus
• Previous experience with the water footprint strongly desired
• Experience working with NGO’s, international organizations and the private sector at the management level or high level policy engagement is desired
• Experience working in an international context and ability to work well with people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Excellent time management, ability to manage competing demands with grace and to work well under pressure
• Ability to work as part of a close-knit team and to carry projects forward independently
• Willingness to travel frequently and internationally
• Proven commitment to the Water Footprint Network’s mission   

Offer

The position is offered initially for one year, with possible extension. Salary is dependent on the experience and qualifications of the candidate. The salary is based on a work week of 40 hours (1 Full Time Equivalent). Preferred start date of the job is late April 2013. The job will be located in Enschede, The Netherlands.

Information and applications

For more information about this job offer please email info@waterfootprint.org with “Project Manager” in the subject heading. More information about the Water Footprint Network is available at www.waterfootprint.org.

Your written application, provided with a CV and three references should be submitted no later than March 15, 2013 by e-mail to info@waterfootprint.org  with reference to the vacancy ‘Project Manager’.