Exciting opportunity to build a career in water diplomacy: Apply for the Young Water Diplomats Programme
Closing Date: 15 October 2025
Exciting opportunity to build a career in water diplomacy: Apply for the Young Water Diplomats Programme
Are you interested in a career in water diplomacy. Join the Young Water Diplomats Programme and develop your skills to address global water challenges from 8 January 2026 until 10 July 2026 (part-time).
You will
- Study at IHE Delft in the Netherlands, Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan and online
- Learn from experts in water diplomacy and international relations
- Build your network with like-minded professionals
Overview
The Young Water Diplomats programme is designed to enhance an interdisciplinary understanding of transboundary water challenges and advance tools for water cooperation and diplomacy, as well as to strengthen professional networking among the next generation of leading water and environmental diplomats.
For whom?
Early career diplomats and professionals engaged and/or interested in international water and environmental politics with a background in foreign affairs, international law or international relations.
Learning objectives
- 2026
- Start: 8 January 2026
- End: 10 July 2026
- Course fee: € 1400 excl. (partial scholarships available)
The programme is designed to enhance an interdisciplinary understanding of transboundary water challenges, strengthen tools for water cooperation and diplomacy, and foster professional networks among the next generation of leading water and environmental diplomats.
Successful completion of the programme will enable early career diplomats and professionals to strengthen their expertise and skills in contributing to prevention and mitigation of conflicts related to water and environment. Knowledge gained through the programme is relevant for diplomats in national services as well specialists working for regional and international organizations.
After completing the six-month programme, participants will be able to:
- Understand key aspects of water resources and their management including the hydrological cycle, hydrological monitoring and modelling, infrastructure and its effects, climate change impacts, integrated water resources management.
- Evaluate the main challenges that transboundary freshwaters (both ground- and surface water) face under different environmental and socio-political conditions.
- Assess different institutional arrangements for water cooperation and transboundary water governance.
- Understand and apply different tools of water diplomacy.
- Analyse and compare lessons learned from water conflict and cooperation across different basins worldwide.
- Integrate interdisciplinary knowledge in problem-solving and collaborate effectively within intercultural and transdisciplinary teams.
Programme content
The Young Water Diplomats Programme 2026 will be conducted from January to July 2026 (six months). During this period, participants will engage in a combination of online and in-person learning activities consisting of lectures, reading assignments, group work, and expert-led discussions.
Thematic lectures delivered by leading academics will be complemented by insights from practitioners. Interactive sessions with experienced diplomats working in the fields of water and conflict resolution will provide opportunities for sharing experiences and gaining first-hand knowledge.
The programme includes:
- Bi-monthly online webinars throughout the six-month period.
- Two face-to-face workshops to be held in Jordan and The Netherlands.
The first in person workshop in Jordan will be organized in collaboration with the Jordan University of Science & Technology (JUST) in Irbid and will include participation in the 8th Water and Peace Seminar. The second workshop will take place at IHE Delft.
Programme requirements
Participants are expected to dedicate, on average, about 4 hours per week in order to fulfil the minimum requirements of the programme. Bi-monthly webinars will be held on week days during working hours (CET time zone). In addition, attendance at the in-person workshops in April and June will require travel to Jordan and The Netherlands.
The average monthly workload of 16 hours includes the following mandatory activities:
- Active participation in two webinars per month including lectures, discussions, presentations, and other activities.
- Completion of preparatory readings
- Contribution to group work
- Fulfilment of self-paced individual assignments
- Participation in two in-person workshops
Eligibility criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, preferably in international relations, international law or related fields.
- Be at an early stage of their career, priority will be given to applicants under the age of 40.
- Have relevant work experience in international relations, foreign affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and cooperation – preferably in environment or water-related issues
- Demonstrate a strong command of English including ability to read and understand academic literature, and communicate ideas clearly.
Click Here To Apply
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