The Junior Riparian Professionals (JRP) project is a six- to 12-month training programme for young professionals from the Lower and Upper Mekong Regions that focuses on strengthening knowledge and skills in the domain of Integrated Water Resource Management.

Young professionals selected for the programme are trained in different IWRM-related disciplines, including:

  • IWRM principles
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Basin development planning
  • Strategic planning
  • Project cycle management
  • Gender equality
  • Communication
  • Monitoring and evaluation
  • Climate change adaptation

The project’s overall aim is to develop and strengthen IWRM expertise and professionalism in the Mekong region.

The JRP project is open to nationals from the Mekong countries below the age of 35, with excellent command of English, a Master’s degree in relevant subjects and professional experience in a water-related discipline. Young professionals eligible for the programme include young men and women from government agencies, universities and river basin organisations from the four Member Countries and the Dialogue Partner Countries.

Some Junior Riparian Professionals go on to work at the MRC Secretariat after completing their training course. Others return to their positions at the National Mekong Committee or government ministry where they worked before joining the project.