Call for Applications: Fellowship in the water sector

The International Water Association (IWA), in collaboration with Grundfos, is excited to announce the opening of applications for the next IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship. Established in 2022, this initiative has gained global recognition as a significant contributor to youth engagement in the water sector.

Fellowship Overview

The 2025-2026 Fellowship aims to build on the success and momentum of its predecessor, addressing the evolving needs of the water sector in our rapidly changing world. This upcoming Fellowship will involve fourteen IWA Young Water Professionals (YWPs) in a series of exclusive online and in-person events. Participants will co-develop a publication focused on locally-led solutions that promote resilience and adaptation in the water sector.

Key Dates

• Fellowship Start: February 2025
• Fellowship End: September 2026 (Launch at IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition, Glasgow, Scotland)

Fellowship Activities

The selected YWPs will partake in various activities, including:

• An in-person gathering at the IWA headquarters in London (April 2025).
• An in-person event at Grundfos HQ in Denmark (April 2025).
• Participation in a high-level water sector event (date and location to be determined).
• Attendance at the 2026 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow (September 2026).
• Support for publication costs related to their projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 35 years old.
• Be an IWA member (membership status will be verified).
• Demonstrate a commitment to enacting positive change in the water sector.
• Exhibit leadership capabilities and a track record of impactful ideas in the water sector.
• Have a working knowledge of English.

Note: Former IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellows are not eligible to apply.

Funding Details

The Fellowship covers:

• Air travel and subsistence costs.
• Accommodation (single occupancy).
• Ground transportation and visa application fees.
• Selected individuals are responsible for their visa applications, insurance, and travel arrangements.

Application Process

Deadline: 14 November 2024.

Applications must be submitted in English through an online form along with the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
2. Motivation Letter (max 2 pages) – detailing relevant experience, motivation for applying, and contribution plans.
3. Letter of Reference (max 1 page).
4. Project Proposal (max 2 pages) – outlining your intended contribution to the Fellowship’s final publication.

Instructions: Compile all documents into a single PDF file named as FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_COUNTRY OF ORIGIN (e.g., JANE_DOE_UK).

Apply here.

Further Information

For FAQs, please visit [FAQs] or contact Dr. Isabela Espindola, IWA Membership Engagement Senior Officer, at ywp@iwahq.org. To connect with the #IWAYWP community, join us on our global platform IWA Connect Plus!