About H2O People
Throughout our capacity building, societal impact and collaboration projects we support the engagement of new and experienced professionals within in the water sector.
Celebrating 5 Years of Innovation and Impact
The European Junior Water Programme (EJWP) is the flagship initiative and official trade name of H2O People. Since our establishment in 2019, H2O People has been at the forefront of fostering personal and professional growth through unique programmes that connect talent and unlock potential at every career stage.
Our mission is to engage and empower young professionals and employees, enabling them to thrive in their roles as we collectively create a new water world. We achieve this by guiding, training, and challenging our clients with innovative ideas, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, embark on new projects, and expand their networks. This positive approach not only enhances talent retention within organizations but also strengthens the entire water sector.
H2O People is a trusted partner in designing tailor-made strategies for participation and funding within EU and other collaborative projects. We place a strong emphasis on human capital, empowering individuals to develop their potential and generate solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. Our team is ready to engage in project partnerships, facilitating comprehensive training programs or practice based learning projects such as summer schools, integrated training programs and community building with a focus in the European ‘water’ world.
Our challenging programs support the ambitions of managing future natural and technical transformations in the water sector. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we remain committed to driving social impact and innovation through the EJWP, the Blue Innovation Track, and our tailor made programs ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Our philosophy
Why we do what we do?
At H2O People, we believe in the transformative power of human potential. Our philosophy is rooted in the conviction that by nurturing talent and fostering collaboration, we can drive meaningful change in the water sector. We are passionate about creating opportunities for (young) professionals to grow, innovate, and lead. Through our tailored programs and strategic partnerships, we aim to empower individuals to tackle the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. Our commitment to personal and professional development is not just about career advancement; it’s about building a sustainable future where everyone can thrive. This is why we do what we do – to inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Who we work for and with?
At H2O People, we are dedicated to supporting (young) professionals, organizations, and stakeholders within the water sector. Our target group includes emerging talents, industry leaders, and collaborative partners who share our vision of a sustainable and innovative water future.
We consider the water world to encompass all aspects of water management, from resource conservation and infrastructure development to policy-making and community engagement. The water sector is a dynamic and interconnected field that addresses critical challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and environmental protection in all types of the water cycle; drinking water, waste water, ground water, rivers, oceans and its surroundings. By working with diverse individuals and organizations, we strive to foster a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can thrive and make a lasting impact.
Meet the H2O People
Naomi Timmer
Director
Naomi Timmer is director of H2O People in which she created the European Junior Water Programme and Blue Innovation Track for Advanced Water Leaders as flagship programmes in the European Water sector. She holds a BA in Religious Studies and MA in Political Science at Leiden University (NL). She is active for more than 10 years in the water sector as a trainer and programme manager for several personal leadership societal impact and collaboration programmes.
She applies her unique multidisciplinary vision to develop the European Junior Water Programme and started many collaborations to create and share our knowledge within a European context. She is (lead) partner in divers European projects leading the work on capacity building and societal impact, member of the Stakeholder Advisory Board of Water4All Partnership, leads the capacity building activities for the COST Action NEXUSNET and the Working Group on Human Capital for Water Europe.
She is focused on making connections and bring the water sector a step forward in supporting the human factor in working in the water industry.
Chrysoula Papacharalampou
Social Impact Advisor
Chrysoula Papacharalampou, PhD, is passionate about water research that involves societal actors and addresses today’s challenges. With an interdisciplinary background, she has pursued a dual career in research and research administration.
Her research focuses on integrated sustainability impact assessment and socio-hydrology, developing methods to conceptualize complex systems like catchments and value chains. As Executive Director of the Erasmus Research Institute of Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam, she leads changes in research policy, quality assurance, open science, and inclusion.
On Social Impact
As Social Impact Advisor at H2O-People and through EU-funded projects, Chrysoula aims to drive sustainable societal change through research and co-creation. She believes in educating future water professionals to lead lasting societal impact. For her, the social impact of water research means affecting society in tangible ways, such as changes in awareness, policy-making, and strategy. She emphasizes the importance of tracking both short- and long-term impacts.
Chrysoula holds a BSc in Geology and an MSc with Distinction from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and a PhD from the University of Bath.
Jennifer Cronick
Trainer & Coach
Filip Grisar
Trainer & Coach
As a dynamic EJWP trainer, Filip brings expertise in human relations, communication, change, management, and leadership. His training methods emphasize mutual exchange, debate, and practical exercises.
Based in Belgium, Filip holds a degree in economic sciences from Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve, specializing in management. He started his career as an event organizer and founded a promotional items and clothing company while still studying.
With 15 years of experience in team coaching, conflict management, and change, Filip focuses on unlocking people’s potential. He uses a direct approach with clear objectives and is an expert in Neurocognitive (INC) and behavioral methods, effective in multilingual and multicultural groups.
After traveling the world for over 10 years, I’ve seen how important it is for people to find meaning in their work, especially regarding environmental impact. It’s not just a trend or a generational issue; it’s about our legacy for future generations and the leadership needed to make real change.
Mark Goos
Strategic Communication & Project Advisor
Mark Goos is a strategic communication advisor, specializing in crafting communication plans and social media campaigns from inception to execution. With a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, he excels in developing concepts and seeing them through to production and implementation. Mark’s expertise lies in leveraging various communication channels to effectively convey messages and engage audiences. Whether it’s drafting comprehensive strategies or executing targeted campaigns, Mark’s holistic approach ensures impactful communication outcomes.
Within H2O People Mark supports next to the general communication European collaboration projects, such as iMERMAID and Skills4Water.
Lenie Maas
Support Officer
With over 20 years of experience in various industries, mostly in commercial roles, Lenie Maas has crafted her ideal position where versatility, creativity, and online work come together. In this role, she applies her knowledge and experience across different companies, with a preference for the green sector.
Beyond her broad skill set, Lenie is the key person connecting all the moving parts. Her value can be summed up as: organized, communicatively strong, detail-oriented, analytical, proactive, result- and service-driven, and eager to learn. She is adept at handling the fast-paced nature of daily work, effortlessly managing multiple tasks at once.
Lenie is dedicated not only to her clients but also to her colleagues. She thrives on variety, problem-solving, and inventiveness. She excels at coordinating, organizing, structuring, and figuring things out. Her motivation comes from high-quality standards, detailed tasks, and complete commitment to projects. Whether it’s research, relationship management, or sales administration, all the intricate work is in capable hands with Lenie.
Contact us!
Do you want to create a specific programme for your organisation, project or other collaboration? Get in touch to schedule a free consultation.