Project Lead \u2013 National Water Compact Delivery Accelerator\u00a0Contract:\u00a018 Months Fixed-term contract, Full-time, contingent upon successfully securing project funding, target start date May 2026.
\nLocation:\u00a0The role can be based in\u00a0London (United Kingdom), Accra (Ghana), Dar es Salaam \/ Dodoma (Tanzania), Lusaka (Zambia), or Lilongwe (Malawi), subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.
\nIn the UK, we support and enjoy a hybrid working environment. A minimum of 40% of working time is spent face to face, either in the London office, for coordination, collaboration and connectivity across the team, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid.
\nSalaries & Benefits:\u00a0Salaries and benefits will vary by country, depending on the successful candidate\u2019s location and experience. See further details below:
\nUK:\u00a0GBP 71,481 per annum with excellent benefits*
\nZambia:\u00a0ZMW 1,373,933 \u2013 ZMW 1,919,714 per annum with excellent benefits.
\nGhana:\u00a0GHS 937,208 \u2013 GHS 1,310,800 per annum with excellent benefits.
\nTanzania:\u00a0TZS 185,654,036 \u2013 TZS 241,350,247 per annum with excellent benefits.<\/p>\n
Malawi:\u00a0MWK 103,443,842 \u2013 MWK 152,809,944 per annum with excellent benefits.<\/p>\n
We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate\u2019s experience, skills, and potential<\/p>\n
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.\u00a0Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that \u2013 for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people\u2019s potential and create a fairer future.
\nAbout WaterAid\u00a0We\u2019re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.<\/p>\n
About The Team\u00a0The role will report into the Programme Design and Management Team Lead, located in the Programme Operations Team, one of three support teams within the International Programmes Department of WaterAid UK.
\nThe Programme Operations Team enables the effective management of the International Programmes Department through ensuring IPD Teams have access to robust high quality management policies, systems, process, tools and capabilities that work to support the delivery of programmes, enable the effective management of risk, and ensure strong financial planning and management.
\nAbout The Role\u00a0The Project Lead will provide overall strategic, technical and delivery leadership for the National Water Compact Delivery Accelerator, a multi\u2011country initiative supporting governments to translate high\u2011level political WASH commitments into credible, investable project pipelines.
\nThe role combines senior project leadership with deep expertise in WASH institutional development and financing, ensuring the Accelerator delivers against its staged milestones, meets the expectations of international financing institutions, and positions partner governments to successfully enter formal investment appraisal pathways.
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\nIn this role, you will:<\/p>\n
Strategic leadership and delivery oversight
\nProvide overall leadership for the National Water Compact Delivery Accelerator across all participating countries
\nTranslate the approved delegated authority, staged approach and theory of change into effective, sequenced delivery
\nWASH institutional development and financing leadership
\nLead the Accelerator\u2019s approach to institutional strengthening, governance reform and financing readiness
\nEnsure robust diagnostics of sector constraints (institutional, financial, regulatory, macro\u2011fiscal and political economy)
\nSupport and guide the establishment or adaptation of the appropriate multistakeholder platforms
\nGovernment and senior stakeholder engagement
\nAlongside country teams, act as the primary senior interface with ministries responsible for WASH, finance, planning and local government
\nSupport and reinforce high\u2011level political ownership of National Water Compacts and project pipelines
\nProject governance, quality assurance and risk
\nEstablish and chair (or participate in) appropriate project governance and decision\u2011making groups
\nMaintain oversight of delivery quality, ensuring consistency and credibility across countries
\nTeam leadership and coordination
\nLead and manage the core delivery team, including technical specialists and country team embedded roles
\nProvide direction and mentorship to senior technical staff, including the WASH Institutional Management Specialist and the Public-Private Financing Specialist
\nLearning, replication and strategic positioning
\nOversee synthesis of learning, guidance and tools emerging from the Accelerator
\nContribute to organisational positioning on WASH financing, national compacts and mission\u2011oriented delivery<\/p>\n
Requirements\u00a0To be successful, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n
Substantial senior\u2011level experience in WASH institutional reform, sector governance and financing
\nDemonstrated track record of leading complex, multi\u2011country projects involving governments and financing institutions
\nDeep understanding of investment preparation processes, MDB appraisal expectations and blended finance approaches
\nProven ability to operate credibly with senior government officials, donors and international finance actors
\nStrong strategic judgement, political sensitivity and leadership presence<\/p>\n
Although not essential, we\u2019d prefer you to have:<\/p>\n
Experience leading or supporting national WASH compacts, sector reform programmes or investment accelerators
\nFamiliarity with World Bank, African Development Bank or similar MDB processes
\nExperience shaping mission\u2011oriented or systems\u2011change programmes<\/p>\n
View Full Job Description Here.\u00a0Closing date:\u00a0Applications will close\u00a012:00 PM\u00a0UK time on\u00a010th April 2026.\u00a0Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore encourage you to apply at an early stage.
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\nHow to Apply:\u00a0Click Apply to answer the pre-screening questions, upload your CV.
\nCan I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?\u00a0At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
\nPre-employment screening:\u00a0To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid\u2019s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
\nBenefits\u00a0As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country\u2019s context and policies. These will be shared during the process
\nOur Global Commitment:\u00a0Our people promise\u00a0We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose \u2013 where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
\nEqual Opportunities\u00a0We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
\nSafeguarding\u00a0We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
\nTogether, we\u2019ll change the world through water.
\nJoin us and be part of the change!<\/p>\n
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