Consultant - PPPs and Business Models for Water Innovations

International Water Management Institute (IWMI) fosters innovation through partnerships for collective action that advance the transformation of water systems toward sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient development.

IWMI in Nepal co-designs and implements applied research programs that address socio-technical, institutional, financial, and environmental challenges of water management within the country’s rapidly evolving climatic and socio-economic contexts.

This assignment outlines the engagement of a national consultant with proven experience in public–private partnerships (PPPs) and business plan development for scaling socio-technical innovations in the development sector in general, and in the water and agriculture sectors in particular. The consultant will lead efforts to scale irrigation and water management interventions; facilitate strategic dialogues with private sector actors, government agencies, development partners, and user groups; and co-design business models and scaling pathways that promote water solutions for productive and domestic uses, benefiting smallholder farmers, women, youth, and marginalized groups.

The consultant will also contribute to creating an enabling environment, such as financing mechanisms, market linkages, policy support, and partnership strategies, necessary for scaling water and energy nexus solutions to support agri-food systems transformation. The position involves close collaboration with IWMI researchers and local partners to ensure the effective delivery of project outputs.

SCOPE OF WORK:

1.       Technical Support:

• Analyze the enabling environment for promoting public–private–community partnerships (PPCPs) in irrigation services.
• Lead the business ecosystem analysis and demand signaling for scaling socio-technical innovations, including irrigation services, lift and solar irrigation, micro-irrigation technologies, multiple-use water systems (MUS), and agricultural knowledge hubs.
• Lead, in collaboration with partners, the development of PPCP strategies and business plans for Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) and irrigated agricultural value chains.
• Develop, validate, and finalize financial models that ensure the affordability, sustainability, and scalability of WaaS solutions.
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality project outputs, including technical reports and knowledge products, to share insights and promote the uptake of socio-technical innovations.
   

2.      Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management for Scaling Innovations:

• Collaborate closely with government agencies, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations to integrate tested and scalable water and agricultural solutions into national and sub-national policies, strategies, and investment frameworks.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships with private sector actors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, financial institutions, and development partners to co-design, pilot, and upscale successful innovations in irrigation and irrigated agricultural value chains.
• Collaborate with organizations and networks representing women and youth to ensure that socio-technical innovations and business models are inclusive, gender-responsive, and tailored to local needs.
   

3.       Knowledge Management, Co-Learning, and Communication:

• Support the preparation of technical reports, impact stories, briefs, and other communication materials on socio-technical innovations and their scaling for both internal and external audiences.
• Organize and facilitate strategic dialogues, stakeholder meetings, workshops, and learning events focused on scaling irrigation, solar-powered water systems, and climate-smart agriculture.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

Essential:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Business Management, Business Administration, Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, or other closely related disciplines relevant to water and energy resource management and agricultural innovation systems and scaling.
• A minimum of 5–7 years of practical experience in public–private partnerships, agricultural value chain development, and/or business plan co-development with partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in facilitating investment and resource mobilization for scaling tested solutions related to water/irrigation services and micro-irrigation technologies.
• Prior experience working with international organizations, private sector entities, financial institutions, or multilateral development institutions.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proven ability to co-develop and operationalize business models with project partners and stakeholders for scaling tested innovations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to review literature and produce high-quality technical reports.
• Excellent networking and partnership-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders at both national and sub-national levels.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English and Nepali.
• Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and experience working within multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational and facilitation skills, with the capacity to work independently while coordinating across teams.
• Sound understanding of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) principles in the context of Nepal’s water and agricultural sectors.

Benefits

This is a nationally hired consultancy; therefore, only Nepalese nationals will be considered for this position. Individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive monthly rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be for a period of six (6) months.

How to Apply: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. Applications will be accepted until 24:00 (IST) on November 18, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references. All applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity fuels our innovation, enhances our excellence, and is essential to our mission. We offer a multicultural, multicolor, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary working environment. We are committed to creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our dedication to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applications from individuals of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities.