Program description and covered topics

The need to support and enhance the management culture in the water utility sector is undisputed. The State of the Sector reports and the opinions of various stakeholders in the industry repeatedly prove this necessity. Utilizing the already-developed D-LeaP programs and in partnership with leading utilities in Central and Eastern Europe, the Utility Management Training aims to “equip” current and future water-sector managers with tools and techniques to support their decision making. 

The Academic Partner, Sofia University, further brings academic structure and rigour to the program and allows for the collection of ECTS credits, which are equivalent to one semester (30 ECTS) of a potential follow-up Master degree .

The program spans over six topics that, collectively, cover most of the major processes and functions in a water utility. These are*:

• Utility Economics, Finance and Regulation
• Commercial Management and Customer Service
• Asset Management and Investment Planning
• Network Operations and Energy Efficiency
• Efficient Plant Operations
• Water Safety Planning and Business Continuity Management  

*Note: Dates included in the leaflets are cycle 2 dates

Module timeline

Each of the topics is delivered in one module, which is typically organised within a four-month period, resulting in a two-years program duration. In addition, an induction event scheduled at the beginning of the program will provide overall guidance to the UMT participants and clarify overall structure and logistics.

Module structure

Spread over two years the modules combine theory and practice, classroom trainings and field demonstrations. Each module is organized with an introductory webinar, a one-week “residential” activity and some follow-up work typically based around cases that the UMT participants bring from their own work environments.

Learning goals

All major business areas of the water utility business covered – both core and support functions included
Focus on “equipping the managers” – applicable tools and techniques to bridge operations level and management level
Demonstration and site visits by the competence partners (sector practitioners), and utility partners
Each participant will develop a graduation project (to be practically implemented)

Benefits and Deliverables

Participation Fees and Other Costs

The participation fee amounts to €5.000,- for two years covering the following:

• introductory webinars 
• costs of the residential weeks including field trips
• the training material 

Travel and accommodation costs have to be covered by the applicants themselves. 

IAWD members are eligible to a 20% discount.

The UMT participation fee is an eligible cost under the Technical Assistance of investment projects financed by a number of IFIs.  

YWP Scholarships

The World Bank with the support of the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) intends to provide a dedicated UMT Scholarships and invites eligible Young Water Professionals (YWP), who intend to participate in the UMT and who are in need for financial assistance to join the program, to apply for a YWP Scholarship supporting participation!

The scholarship will cover 100% of participation fees including travel and accommodation costs. Please download the Scholarship Flyer for further information on eligibility criteria and how to apply! The deadline for application is 20 January, 2025.

How to apply to the program?

Please download the Application Form to register for the Utility Managment Program.

Are you interested in the program, but not yet sure, if it is the right choice for you? You would love to join, but the registration fee is far too high for you to cover? Drop us an email at office@iawd.at to schedule your personal virtual meeting with us to discuss the program in detail and your options to join!

Become a Corporate Partner

UMT Corporate Partners are businesses offering leading edge technology or services in the water sector. To businesses that fit this profile, UMT offers a structured opportunity to

• provide content to the program,
• get involved in a continuous dialogue with future senior managers of the sector
• pilot-test novel equipment and technologies within a real-business utility environment
• contribute to the improvement of management skills throughout the Danube region and beyond, and to
• have exposure to institutional decision makers in the sector.

Further information on your involvement as UMT Corporate Partner, can be found in the UMT Corporate Partner brochure.

Participating Hubs

The Utility Management Training will be delivered in the regional Danube Hub operated by IAWD.