Today, water scarcity and water quality issues that exceed national boundaries demand the presence of well-trained diplomacy and development experts who are capable of dealing with issues of global water. With many countries all over the world facing the dilemma of sustainably managing their water systems, it is individuals with a combination of the right expertise and practical knowledge who will play leading roles in the sector of water resource management.
Skills required
1. Cross-cultural communication: Overcoming low efficiency in cross-cultural communication and navigation in a global linguistic environment is the key factor for sustainable water diplomacy at the global level. Professional diplomats should walk smartly in diplomatic negotiation, stakeholder engagements and policy advocacy with due consideration and open mind.
2. Technical expertise: A strong comprehensive base in hydrology, water management principles and environmental science are the pillars that define this profession. The expertise in water modeling, GIS and data analysis is what recruiters usually look for.
3. Policy analysis and development: Analysing water policies, exploring the consequences of their implementation and involvement in the development of better, enduring water resource management strategies is the core of the water sector.
4. Negotiation and conflict resolution: The professionals have to be very strong in their diplomatic skills and they should be able to go for the dispute resolutions so that the water becomes the source of tension and conflict.
5. Project management: A successful infrastructure project on large scales will require leadership, budgeting skills, collaboration, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Courses and training
1. Water diplomacy and governance: Courses which emphasise international water law, transboundary water management, and diplomacy are designed to give students a basic understanding of the intricate issues involved in the management of shared water resources.
2. Environmental policy and regulation: It is imperative to have insight of the regulatory regimes of the fresh water resources nationally and internationally in designing proper laws and strategies.
3. Hydrology and water management: There are technical classes that teach on topics such as the application of hydrological modeling, watershed management, and integrated water resource management which are practical lessons in the sustainable utilisation of water resources.
4. Cross-cultural communication and negotiation: Such training programs tailored to cross-cultural communication and negotiation techniques furnish persons with the ability to interact successfully with the variety of stakeholders in the global water arena.
5. Professional development programs: Organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, and regional development banks often offer professional development programs and training opportunities for individuals working in the field of water resources management and international development.
Salary Structure
a. The remuneration for the global water diplomacy and development sector is truly diverse and gets affected by other factors such as the experience, educational background, location, and the specific sector/organization hired by. The positions that are considered entry-level like research assistants or policy analysts at junior level, can range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
b. Experienced professionals at the mid-to-senior level of expertise with more years of experience and specialised skills can earn between $60,000 to $100,000 or more on an annual basis. Positions like water policy analyst, project manager or foreign policy professional usually come with a salary range around this level.
c. Senior level positions such as directors or senior policy advisors earn annual salaries between $100,000 and $150,000, with the highest somings per year offered in top international organisations, governmental agencies or consulting firms. Besides, people who achieve higher levels of education, including masters and Ph.D. degrees, are likely to occupy high-paying positions and faster career action.
A global water career in diplomacy and development is distinctive with the potential to make a huge difference which is one of the most challenging today. Through honing essential skill sets, taking advantage of relevant courses and training, and understanding the salary scenario, desired workers can take the right map for this field that is of vital importance where the stakes are high but the potential for the positive changes is at its maximum.
(The author Gurmit Singh Arora, is the National President,of Indian Plumbing Association)
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How do I launch a career in the F & B industry?
Do you like food and beverages? Would you like to convert that passion for food and beverages into a full-time career? The food and beverage industry is full of diversity and has ample opportunities waiting for individuals who want to try something out of the box in this industry. Here is the full guide by our expert on how to enter and become a successful name in this field.
1. Define your goal: Before getting into this field, it is very important to find out the style and taste that you would like to take forward in the F&B industry. Whether your passion lies in being a chef, bartender mixologist, or in management or something entirely else,. Identifying your interests will help you make the right connections and make the right decisions.
2. Gain relevant skills: Learn what skills you need to have to do well in your chosen field. Think about the field, whether you want to be a chef or in hospitality. Both fields require different personalities and appearances, so if you want to teach in this field, it’s up to you. This will help you keep updated about your field and what’s new happening in your industry, and it will also help you keep in contact with the appropriate network.
3. Gain experience: Experience is invaluable in the food and beverage industry. Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities at restaurants, cafes, bars, or catering companies to gain hands-on experience and insight into the workings of the industry.
4. Network building: Experience is invaluable in every industry. The more you spend your time on practical work, the more you will learn in depth. This will help you build a professional network by connecting with the top experts in the industry and joining top organizations or communities. Networking helps you create more opportunities, guidance, and valuable advice.
5. Tailor your resume: Prepare a professional and creative resume appropriate to your field, highlighting the top and relevant skills with accurate experience in the industry and highlighting the name of the organisation as it plays a vital role in offering you higher positions if you have worked with a good brand. Before applying for any new job, always go through and customize it as per the trend and relevant keywords, which will increase your chances of getting hired.
6. Ace the interview: Take tips from seniors in your field and prepare for the interview by researching and analysing the company and showcasing your passion, skills, and dedication toward the job. Be ready to answer questions as per the new trends going on in the F&B industry by keeping you updated about the new terms.
7. Stay flexible and open-minded: The F&B industry is very interesting and full of dynamic experiences. Be ready to adapt and try new things when new challenges or trends come up. Keep learning and growing so you can do well in this busy environment.
8. Seek mentorship: Every individual who starts their career in any professional course should always have a mentor or senior who can offer guidance, support, and expert insights. Being more experienced in the field, the same applies in the F&B industry. They can give you advice and support as you figure out your career. Having a mentor can help you learn faster and deal with problems better.
9. Be patient and persistent: It might be challenging to get a job in a new industry, so don’t lose hope. The F&B industry is very dynamic and is always changing, so keep yourself updated. Be patient and consistent with what you are doing. Having faith and trust will help you succeed in this field more.
10. Never stop learning: Every skill needs polishing, so in F&B, always be ready to learn and experiment with new things. So it’s a professional with lifetime learning. Attend expert workshops, social sessions, and events, and try new things to get better and stay ahead.
By setting goals, interests, and decisions with the right strategy, you can turn your career in F&B into a reality. So just try to learn more and more from your practical work experiences and from your seniors, and stay connected to your network.
(The author, Sahaj Chopra, is the co-founder and director of Fat Tiger.)
