News from the Secretariat

From the Editor

INPIM is quite a dynamic organization and this issue proves it. It straddles two international seminars for it contains the abstracts of three key-note papers presented at the Bali event as well as an official invitation for the exciting fifth seminar planned in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, December 14-21, 1999. It bristles with information on the reform in Andhra Pradesh, or AP as this south Indian state is often called. Those who wish to know more about it should look for the Bank Technical Paper that is under preparation.

In this issue INPIM also roams into areas of the world where it has been less active so far: Eastern Europe, China and the Andes. The articles on Eastern Europe and China discuss reforms and the one on the Andes training for engineers to provide support to farmers. Egypt and Yemen appear under Country Updates where one finds reports on seminars held there.

Issue number 9 is accompanied by INPIM's first Membership Directory. It will be mailed individually to all members along with a questionnaire on INPIM that we hope all of you will return.

The editor of this issue is Geert Diemer, assisted by Lawrence Markowitz.

News from the Secretariat

New: INPIM Membership Directory

This directory lists the names and contact information of INPIM's members, who now number over 1000 spread over 44 countries. Based on the most up-to-date information, the Membership Directory seeks to facilitate the exchange of ideas, training materials, and experiences on participatory irrigation management. The Directory will be sent separately to each member, along with a questionnaire regarding your appreciation of INPIM's services and your interest in continuing your membership.

An Improved Website

If you have not visited INPIM's Website lately, please go web surfing and visit us at www.inpim.org ! INPIM's new webmaster, Bryan Bruns, has redesigned the webpage and updated it with electronic versions of the PIM Electronic Handbook and the latest issues of the INPIM newsletter. He has also made additions including: current INPIM news, notices of upcoming courses and seminars, an announcements page, INPIM training documents, and country case studies. Finally, you can log on and read about the Fifth International Seminar on PIM coming up in December of 1999!

In the future, Bryan will be initiating and developing two new items: a discussion forum and a consultant registry . The discussion forum will be a site at which INPIM members and website visitors will be able to post questions, comments, and pieces of information. The consultant registry will serve as a source of background information on consultants and other individuals who are specialists in topics related to irrigation reform and PIM. The registry promises to support the exchange of ideas, expertise and experience on PIM-related issues among INPIM members as well as with the broader irrigation community.

New and Old Staff

Last but not least, Kelly Briscoe has joined INPIM again to replace her replacement Lawrence Markowitz who has been accepted at the University of Wisconsin to enter its Ph.D. program in the Department of Political Science. Thank you, Larry and welcome back, Kelly!

Job Description: Director of INPIM

The International Network for Participatory Irrigation Management (INPIM) is a not-for-profit organization of irrigation professionals and farmer leaders. The organization's objective is to implement institutional reforms that make irrigation development sustainable by promoting the involvement of users and other private stakeholders in system management. INPIM was founded in 1995 by staff of the World Bank and is a legally registered NGO in Washington, DC, USA. The network now numbers 1000 members in 44 countries and its national chapters disseminate the concept of PIM and link up with the international debate and the international development organizations through INPIM DC.

The Director's primary responsibility will be to turn INPIM into an independent entity. He or she will implement a business strategy to raise both grant and fee income. The incumbent will act as the Executive Secretary of the Board of Directors and be appointed formally by the INPIM Chair. The main duties and accountabilities of the position include:

Detailing and implementing a development plan

Managing the budget and accounting system- reporting to the Board of Directors and to the granting agencies

Editing the INPIM Newsletter and overseeing the INPIM website

Developing and delivering products and services that generate income to INPIM

Organizing the annual International Seminar

Setting up and managing a register of national and international consultants

Publishing a yearly inventory of members of national chapters

Establishing new INPIM chapters and assisting them in drafting and monitoring action plans

Iinvolving national chapters in the appraisal and implementation of irrigation loans

Supervising a program assistant.

Qualifications include excellent English writing/communication skills, prior professional experience in water (preferably with irrigation); familiarity with irrigation management and stakeholder participation; knowledge of database software; strong interpersonal and networking skills and creative energy. Fluency in Spanish or French and a masters degree preferred. Salary will be commensurate with responsibility and experience. The initial appointment will be for one year and be renewed upon satisfactory performance.

Additional information can be obtained from INPIM.