The WASH Governance Group at the Swedish Environmental Research Institute - IVL - is looking for an Expert to work on different water and sanitation programs in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region from our office in Amman, Jordan.

Background

About IVL and the team

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is an independent research organization headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with around 500 experts working across environment and sustainability. The WASH Group is a global team of nearly 20 colleagues based in Stockholm, Bogotá, Amman, Mumbai, and other locations. The WANA office in Amman consists of a small team on site, working in a shared co-working environment. Together, we combine research, technical expertise, and international collaboration to strengthen sustainable and resilient water and sanitation services.

About WASH and related programs

The WASH Governance Group implements a number of major programs in the areas of water and sanitation service delivery, with the aim to contribute to achieve sustainable and resilient water and sanitation services. One key programme is Accountability for Sustainability, a partnership with UNICEF aimed to improve governance as a means to increase sustainability of water supply and sanitation services. The partnership has a dedicated program for the WANA Region, which provides support to all UNICEF country offices in the region on aspects related to the governance of water and sanitation services and climate change. Through this project, the Group has been supporting several countries in the Region, such as Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, State of Palestine, or Libya among others. The Group has also active collaborations with UNDP, such as a current project for climate resilience in Yemen.

In addition to these, the Group is implementing a number of research and capacity building oriented initiatives in the Region.

Job Description

Description of the position

The Expert will be responsible for implementation and development of water governance related projects in relation to resilient water supply and sanitation. This includes knowledge development and research functions, as well as capacity building, technical support and advice on governance related to water supply and sanitation issues; responsible for project development and development of methodologies, tools and knowledge products, the position also include project management, when required. The position is a full-time role.

The main duties of the Expert will include the following:

• Support the implementation of programmes for the WANA Region, in coordination with the rest of the team in WANA and Stockholm. (Approx. 80% of the time), focused on climate resilience and systems strengthening for water and sanitation services.

• Contribute to the implementation of other programs in the water and sanitation department outside the WANA Region (Approx. 20% of time).

Within the assignment, the Expert will:

• Contribute to the thematic development of IVL´s portfolio in the areas of resilient water supply and sanitation governance.

• Provide technical support and advisory services to support water governance processes to countries and to IVL partners as per demand.

• Develop and/or contribute to the development of knowledge products, training materials, methodologies, tools and research.

• Organize and facilitate workshops/trainings as needed.

• Oversee programme finances, administration, and results reporting for assigned programmes.

• Identify and develop relationships with national and regional partners.

• Identify and develop project proposals and strategic partnerships.

• Represent IVL in international fora, as appropriate.

• Contribute to internal knowledge management and collaboration with other IVL groups.

The Expert will work within the Water and Sanitation Group and collaborate with other IVL groups. The Expert will be supervised by the Senior Manager for the WANA office, jointly with the Head of Group, who is based in Stockholm.

Image of the office in Amman, Jordan. Click on the image to learn more about the office.

Job Requirements

Required skills and competencies

• Expertise in global climate change and disaster risk reduction processes. Solid understanding of environmental and climate policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations. Experience in applying knowledge to climate policy-related decisions and advice.

• Proven experience of working with water governance in relation to water supply and sanitation at local, national and international level, particularly in the WANA Region, including in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

• Expertise in governance and systems strengthening for water and sanitation, including policy and legislative processes, planning, regulation, sector coordination, and sector reform.

• Experience of integrating water scarcity into water and sanitation programming. Solid understanding of water resource management, including drought management will be an asset.

• Experience of program/project development and implementation, particularly in the WANA Region.

• Experience of working with capacity development, stakeholder facilitation, institutional strengthening and policy development in relation to water and sanitation services.

• Expertise in translating research into actionable knowledge products (e.g., policy briefs, technical guides, or methodologies).

• Familiarity with global and national water-related policies, processes, and key water agencies in one or more WANA countries (e.g. Jordan, Iraq, Syria) will be an advantage.

• Proven ability to advocate for WASH governance at regional and global events, such as climate weeks, water summits, and policy dialogues is an advantage.

• Proven capacity to develop and implement technical solutions, such as tools, methodologies, and knowledge products, tailored to the unique challenges of fragile contexts.

• Strong managerial skills, including planning, budgeting and risk management; managing external and internal relations; coordinating a number of programme partners;

• Experience in other regions will be an asset.

• Experience in applied research and excellent written communication will be required.

• Ability to work autonomously and to function effectively as part of a team.

• Commitment to, and agreement with IVL´s core values and vision.

Education and work experience

• At least 10 years of experience working with policy development and implementation of water services in emerging and developing economies contexts, including direct experience (at least 4 years) of working in the WANA Region.

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline, such as Water Resources, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Water Governance, Public Policy/International Development, or a related field.

• PhD in relevant topic will be an asset.

Language skills

• Proficiency in Arabic is required.

• Proficiency in English is required.

• Good level of French will be a strong asset.

Availability to travel

• Ability and willingness to travel and be part of short-term missions, particularly within the WANA Region and outside, is required (up to 30% of time).

Image of the WASH Group meeting in Stockholm, Sweden. Click on the image to learn more about IVL's focus area and the team behind WASH – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

Position details

Duty Station and duration of contract

• The full-time position will be based at the IVL office in Amman, Jordan.

• The position is a 15 month contract, subject to renewal upon good performance and availability of funds.

• Planned starting date: October 2026.

How to apply for the position

• Please submit your CV and a cover letter by clicking 'Apply here'.

• Applications shall be send in English no later than 31st July 2026.

For more information about the position, contact Manal Shraideh, Legal Representative Regional Office WANA Region, manal.shraideh@ivl.se