The number of professionals in the water sector with real international experience is declining in the Netherlands, as well as in Europe and other continents – while the problems with too much, too little and too-dirty water are increasing. The Netherlands needs to maintain its reputation for water management. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Netherlands Water Partnership have initiated the Young Expert Programme Water (YEP Water) with the objective of providing assurances for the continued availability of international professionalism and expertise in the water sector.

This programme offers Dutch young professionals an opportunity to acquire professional experience abroad and young local professionals an opportunity to take their first steps in an international work environment via Dutch organisations. In adopting this approach YEP Water makes a contribution to a dynamic international water network and makes this network open to a new generation of water experts.

Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and social organisations that are involved in the policy for and implementation of development cooperation activities outside the Netherlands can submit a project proposal for the deployment of a Young Expert for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years.

The deployment of Young Experts is related to one or more of the following three themes:

The Young Experts participate in a special training and coaching programme and receive intensive and external coaching during the period of their secondment. The programme offers scope for the deployment of about 25 Dutch and 25 local Young Experts a year.