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Call for applications: Join the Network of Afghan and Iranian Water Scholars

Helman River Basin

Are you an inspired water scholar from Afghanistan or Iran? The Network of Afghan and Iranian Water Scholars (NAIWS) invites you—researchers, academics, scientists, graduate students, and other scholars—to apply and become a member of this growing community.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative network of scholarly minds, working together to address shared water-related challenges within the Helmand (Hirmand) Transboundary River Basin. The basin is experiencing heightened natural and human pressures that contribute to ongoing tensions and conflicts between the two riparian nations. Your expertise, experiences, local knowledge and perspectives are needed in fostering shared understanding and advancing scientific cooperation to address the complex issues faced by communities in the basin.

Network members will engage in various activities including, capacity development, exchange programmes, joint research initiatives and publications. These activities are funded through the Water and Development Partnership Programme with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are no costs associated with participating in the network activities.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Working on or interested in water resources management or transboundary water conflict and cooperation (preferably related to Afghanistan and Iran)
  • Nationals of Afghanistan or Iran (including those living abroad)
  • Hold at least an MSc degree or currently pursuing one
  • Priority given to early-stage career and those below 40 years old
  • Have a good command of the English language

To apply:

Send your CV, a motivation statement (required format below), and supporting documents to WaterDiplomacy_Project@un-ihe.org. The deadline for applications is 21 March 2024.

Emerging scholars, women, and individuals from marginalised and river basin communities are particularly encouraged to apply! 

Further details on the call for application can be found below. For enquiries, please email the Network Coordinator at WaterDiplomacy_Project@un-ihe.org.

About the programme

Transformations to socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable practices are key to a bright future. The Water and Development Partnership Programme focuses on stimulating and catalysing such transformations within the water sector. Implemented with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme supports organisations in non-European, low- and middle-income countries as they strengthen their capacity to manage water in sustainable and inclusive ways. For more information, click on the link below.