Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026

Apply here | Terms of Reference

We are excited to launch the call for applications for rapporteurs for the 2nd Islands Water Congress, to take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, 27-29 January 2027.

Background

The Islands Water Congress is one of the leading global forums dedicated specifically to freshwater challenges and solutions in island contexts.

Hosted by IWRA and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) of Jamaica under the theme “Resilient Islands: Securing Water for Sustainable Development in a Changing World”, the 2nd Islands Water Congress brings together stakeholders from around the world to advance practical, island-specific approaches to freshwater management. 

In doing so, the Islands Water Congress also works to amplify island voices in the global water dialogue. 

Find out more on the Islands Water Congress website.

Overview

We are currently seeking ten (10) rapporteurs, aged 18–35, with strong analytical and writing skills and a solid understanding of water resources management to support the documentation and communication of the 2nd Islands Water Congress.

This is a unique opportunity to help contribute to the legacy of an international Congress, engage with leading experts and practitioners, and enhance your skills in science communication, analysis, and professional reporting.

Rapporteur roles

Rapporteurs attend Congress activities to capture key discussions, insights, recommendations, and outcomes. 

Accordingly, they play an essential role in ensuring that the knowledge generated throughout the Congress is accurately recorded and shared.

Rapporteurs are split across four teams:

• Reporting – Attend assigned sessions and prepare concise summaries using a structured reporting template.
• Editing – Review, fact-check, and edit reports for accuracy, consistency, and publication.
• Newsletter –  Turn session summaries and Congress highlights into engaging daily newsletter content.
• Social Media – Capture key Congress moments through photos, videos, interviews, and social media posts.

Together, the rapporteur teams contribute to the daily Congress newsletters, social media content, the 2nd Islands Water Congress Final Report, and help inform IWRA’s and its partners’ future initiatives in water resources management.

How to apply

Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years old and proficient in English. To apply, please submit:

• A short motivation letter (300 words) in PDF format explaining your interest in the role, preferred sub-theme(s) from the Congress Thematic Framework, and preferred rapporteur category (Reporter, Editor, Newsletter, or Social Media);
• A short professional CV (maximum 2 pages);
• Two writing samples;
• One reference letter (1 page) on official letterhead, with a logo and signature.

All materials should be submitted via this Google Form before Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Applicants who are unable to access the Google Form, can submit their application by email in PDF format to the Islands Water Congress team at islands.congress@iwra.org by the application deadline.

For more information, please refer to the Terms of Reference.