Project Description
The Water Leadership Program (WLP) is an award-winning program that helps emerging leaders to develop the ability to exert influence, drive change and advance challenging integrated water management projects – abilities associated with the most effective integrated water management leaders.
The WLP is a feedback-intensive, 10-month professional development program, underpinned by a contemporary definition of leadership, commonly known as the DAC Framework. The DAC Framework views leadership as a process of influence that accomplishes three outcomes:
– direction: a shared understanding of common goals and strategy (e.g. a shared vision for a new water management project or team)
– alignment: the joint coordination of resources and activities (e.g. aligning people, projects, funding and research in a team to deliver a shared vision)
– commitment: a commitment to collective success (e.g. motivating and inspiring others to achieve mutual interests).
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Emerging water leaders across all aspects of the water industry in Australia
Outcomes to Date
28 participants completed the program in 2024, all of whom received a a Certificate of Excellence (micro-credential that is awarded when participants complete all elements of the program).
An example testimonial:
The IWC Water Leadership Program is truly transformative. I’ve become more confident and comfortable in myself as an emerging water leader within my organisation. I now look forward to what the future holds for me in my career with enthusiasm rather than hesitation, and trust in myself and my abilities as a leader, equipped with a variety of tools to help me. The fact that the program is specific to the water industry provides the added bonus of making lasting connections with other water professionals across Australia. I can’t speak highly enough of Andre and the delivery team, they really go the extra mile and get to know every participant individually to help them grow.
Project Significance
Effective water leadership is a key component to successfully achieve SDG 6 Water and Sanitation: The course is aimed at emerging leaders in the water industry; SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities: many participants are directly involved in delivering safe and sustainable water supply to communities and the course promotes an inclusive and sustainable approach to delivering these services; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The course promotes ethical and inclusive leadership that can lead to strengthened institutions.