Job Details

Consultancy Service

Module Facilitator: Critical Hydropolitics and Applied Water Diplomacy

Background

The Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, dedicated to fostering regional cooperation through water diplomacy, seeks to engage a Module Facilitator for the Critical Hydropolitics and Applied Water Diplomacy component of the Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP) 2nd  Cohort. This intensive module combines critical analysis of power dynamics in water governance with practical application of water diplomacy skills, serving as a cornerstone for developing innovative regional cooperation frameworks.

Contract Details

• Type of Contract: Short-term Consultancy
• Duration: 14 days intensive facilitation (July 8-21, 2025) plus preparation time
• Location: Amman, Jordan (in-person delivery)
• Expected Start Date: July 8, 2025 (with preparation beginning June 2025)

About Blue Peace Middle East

Blue Peace Middle East is a non-governmental initiative dedicated to promoting cooperation through sustainable water management in the Middle East. Established in 2010, the initiative transforms water from a potential source of conflict into a catalyst for cooperation through dialogue, capacity building, and concrete actions. The initiative operates through a regional mechanism with members from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye, and engagement with Iran and Syria to a certain extent.

With its Coordination Office hosted by INWRDAM, the initiative is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

About INWRDAM

The Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) is an autonomous intergovernmental think-tank based in Amman, Jordan. It was established in 1987 under the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. 

With 20 member countries, the organisation focuses on promoting cooperation in water resources management through research, actions on ground, dialogue and policy development. 

About the Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP)

The Blue Peace Middle East Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP) is a transformative initiative empowering young leaders in the region to address water-related challenges through cooperation and innovation. The programme offers a unique blend of academic learning, cultural immersion, and practical engagement, focusing on transboundary water cooperation and the WEFE Nexus.

Six fellows from Blue Peace ME countries engage in field visits, mentorship with leading experts, and collaborative projects. Upon completion, they become Blue Peace ME Youth Ambassadors, equipped to drive impactful regional change.

Scope of Work

The Module Facilitator will deliver a transformative learning experience that bridges critical analysis with practical application through three integrated components:

Part A: Critical Foundations 

• Hydropolitics and transboundary dynamics analysis
• Historical narratives and memory politics in water conflicts
• Foreign policy and external influences mapping
• Power constellation analysis in Middle Eastern basins

Part B: Applied Diplomacy Bridge 

• Framework integration and strategic thinking
• Interactive conflict transformation techniques
• Mini-simulations on power-aware negotiations
• Decolonising water diplomacy approaches

Part C: Framework Development Practicum 

• Innovation workshops for designing power-balanced mechanisms
• Coalition-building strategies for weaker riparians
• Translation of critical insights into practical frameworks
• Development of counter-hegemonic cooperation elements

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver 14 days of intensive, interactive learning sessions
• Guide fellows through the journey from critical analysis to practical application
• Facilitate mini-simulations and role-play exercises on regional water conflicts
• Mentor fellows in developing power-aware cooperation mechanisms
• Coordinate with the Lead Facilitator to ensure module integration
• Assess fellow progress using established performance indicators
• Provide written feedback on assignments and framework contributions
• Ensure an inclusive, culturally sensitive learning environment

Required Qualifications

Academic Background:

• PhD in relevant field (International Water Law, Political Geography, International Relations, or related discipline with focus on water governance)
• Specialization in critical hydropolitics or political ecology of water
• Published research on transboundary water governance, preferably in Middle Eastern contexts

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in water governance, hydropolitics, or water diplomacy
• Proven expertise in critical analysis of power dynamics in water contexts
• Demonstrated experience in interactive teaching and facilitation
• Track record of working on Middle Eastern water issues
• Experience in designing and facilitating simulations and role-play exercises

Specific Expertise Required:

• Deep understanding of hydro-hegemony theory and framework
• Knowledge of decolonial approaches to water governance
• Familiarity with water conflict transformation methodologies
• Understanding of Middle Eastern geopolitics and water challenges
• Ability to bridge theoretical frameworks with practical application

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory
• Knowledge of Arabic, Persian, or Turkish is highly advantageous
• Ability to work with fellows from diverse linguistic backgrounds

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

1. Comprehensive CV highlighting relevant expertise in critical hydropolitics and water diplomacy
2. Cover letter (max 2 pages) addressing: 
   • Your approach to bridging critical theory with practical application
   • Experience with participatory and simulation-based teaching
   • Understanding of Middle Eastern water challenges
3. Two relevant publications on water governance or hydropolitics

Application Submission

Applications should be submitted via email to recruitment@inwrdam.net with the subject line: "Your Name – Critical Hydropolitics Module Facilitator"

Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Midnight, Jordan time, UTC+3)

INWRDAM is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, with particular interest in experts from the Middle East region who bring lived experience of transboundary water challenges.