Fellowship opportunities

Opportunity details

Who can apply

Ugandan nationals are eligible under the fellowship\'s global application policy. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and no older than 35 by December 2028, hold International Water Association membership and be engaged in water-related study, research, employment, entrepreneurship or professional activities. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, working English proficiency and commitment to improving the water sector. Candidates must already have undertaken tangible activities toward developing or validating a water-related innovation. Previous IWA & Grundfos Fellows, current or former participants in the IWA Leadership Programme, and participants in the IWA Mentorship Programme are ineligible.

Key information

Funding and support provided

other

About this opportunity

The IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship develops young professionals creating practical innovations for the water sector. Fellows participate in an approximately two-year programme combining technical development, professional networking and international collaboration to strengthen solutions addressing water challenges.

Benefits
The programme provides approximately two years of professional development, technical capacity-building, mentorship, peer learning, international networking and access to water-sector experts. Activities include monthly online meetings, planned in-person engagement in London and Bjerringbro, participation in selected professional events and the 2028 IWA World Water Congress in Malaysia. For required travel, the programme expects to cover economy-class flights, meals, single-occupancy accommodation, local transfers, travel insurance and visa application fees, subject to the fellowship\'s travel arrangements. The fellowship does not provide direct project grants, startup investment or implementation funding.

Requirements
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae of no more than two pages, a motivation letter of no more than two pages, one recommendation letter of no more than one page and an innovation proposal of no more than two pages. The proposal must identify the water challenge, proposed solution, intended beneficiaries, current development stage, work already undertaken, barriers to implementation and anticipated fellowship contribution. Applicants must provide their IWA membership information, demonstrate English proficiency and confirm availability for programme activities.

How to apply
Confirm membership in the International Water Association and prepare the required documents. Complete the application through the official IWA fellowship page, providing professional information, membership details and descriptions of the proposed water innovation. Upload the curriculum vitae, motivation letter, reference and innovation proposal in English. Submit by November 5, 2026. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews with representatives of IWA and Grundfos.