Category: Full-time
Reports to: Regional Director, Latin America
Location: Peru
About Water.org
1 in 10 people around the world lack access to safe water and 1 in 4 people don’t have access to a toilet. We are working every day to change this. We are Water.org. We’re here to bring water and sanitation to the world. We want to make it safe, accessible and cost-effective because we believe that water is the way to empowering a bright future that we can all share in, worldwide. We are an international nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Missouri that has positively transformed millions of lives around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, we pioneer market-driven financial solutions to the global water crisis. For 30 years, we’ve been providing women hope, children health and families a future.
Summary
The Senior Program Manager within the Global Impact department is responsible for managing and supporting Water.org teams, partner financial institutions, and partner service providers in the launch of partner water and sanitation financial products. This individual will lead and manage partnership programs in topics such as program design and implementation, water and sanitation loans, microfinance operations, and/or WASH. Additionally, this individual will assist the development and establishment of new programmatic and operational procedures, systems and guidelines. The Regional Senior Program Manager will be located in Peru and report directly to the Regional Director and the Regional Partnerships Lead. The selected individual will also work closely with the Latin American Regional Team based in the USA, Brazil, Mexico and Peru providing support for programs and projects in all of our countries of operation in the region.
The Regional Senior Program Manager position will also require frequent interaction with counterparts in financial institutions and WSS suppliers such as municipal governments, district governments and WSS suppliers. Travel within Latin America will be required to accomplish the responsibilities of this assignment, for up to 50% of the time.
This position may be based anywhere within the country of Peru.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management and Partner Capacity Building (30%)
Manage and oversee the Water.org programs in partnership with the Regional Director and Regional Relationships Lead for Latin America. Key tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Manage and oversee implementation of programs/engagements in collaboration with MFI partners, including delivery of funding and technical assistance.
- Develop and manage contracts with and provide support to consultants hired to supplement Water.org’s programmatic work.
- Ensure optimal operational and financial performance of on‐going programs through a combination of in‐country support, monitoring, and technical assistance to address implementation challenges.
- Maintain databases and track partners’ WASH loan performance and financial expenditure on a regular basis.
- Maintain regular contact with Water.org regional and US program managers to evaluate programs, inform about partner progress and report any issues impacting achievement of program deliverables.
- Guide and assist in development and delivery of training modules for partner staff and households on topics such as WASH principles, health and hygiene.
- Support partner exchange visit to Water.org partners in in other countries. Act as a regular liaison between Water.org, partner financial institutions and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate with local governments, NGOs, donors, community groups, and other stakeholders.
Program Design and Development (20%)
Support the Water.org program design and development. Key tasks include support to Project Officer Roles and partners, but are not limited to:
- Support in identification and certification of new partner organizations, including financial and non‐financial institutions.
- Work with partner to determine appropriate program targets and deliverables.
- Assist in the design of partner program work plan and budget. Ensuring they are allocating adequate resources and personnel for successful completion of deliverables.
- Solicit and evaluate new program proposals from partner organizations.
- Contribute to development of new partnership models and innovative approaches to building partner capacity.
- Assist partners in designing appropriate internal monitoring and evaluation protocols.
Program Monitoring and Data Management (20%)
Review data and partner report to monitor whether program performance is on the right track and partners are accountable. Key tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Monitor the regular communications with partners; track and report information related program implementation including partner activities, expenditures and loan portfolio.
- Ensure partner submission of high-quality program reporting, and effective transfer of information to Water.org databases, U.S.-based colleagues, and donors.
- Review data report submitted by partners is accurate during program monitoring visits.
- Maintain regular contact with other Water.org program managers in the Latin America region to evaluate the partner program and reports, inform about partner progress and report any issues impacting achievement of program deliverables.
- Ensure optimal operational and financial performance of on‐going programs through a combination of in‐country support, monitoring, and technical assistance to address implementation challenges.
Water.org Organizational Support (20%)
Participate in assisting with the development of new tools and processes, membership on cross-functional committees as requested, and/or participation at internal or external conferences or workshops. Key tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Participate in cross-functional committees and working groups to support the achievement of group goals.
- Assist in the development of new tools, processes and/or procedures.
- Serve as a knowledge base for Water.org and represent Water.org at events and in written publications to advance the organizational mission and vision.
New Business Development (10%)
Conduct outreach among financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, product manufacturers, utilities, and other related organizations regarding the potential for adoption of WASH loans. Participate in certification of new partner organizations for the implementation of WASH Microfinance programs. Key tasks include but are not limited to landscaping and assisting with identification of additional stakeholders for potential collaboration.
Management Responsibility:
- Individual contributor with no subordinates. Acts as a project manager to external team comprising of individual consultants, trainers and research organizations.
This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required. Some duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Skills and Competencies
- Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
- Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Self-development – Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using other formal and informal development channels.
- Optimize Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Manages Ambiguity – Manages ambiguity by operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.
- Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Financial Stewardship – Demonstrates fiscally responsible decision making as applicable to one’s role.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related field required (Finance, Economics, Public Administration). Masters degree preferred.
- Seven years of relevant experience working with microfinance institutions, water and sanitation organizations or international development organizations.
- Experience in providing technical assistance to financial institutions is a plus.
- Candidates must possess the following competencies:
- Excel in project management, product development, partnership management, and capacity building.
- Demonstrated understanding of and familiarity with development finance models and approaches, including but not limited to SME lending and/or microfinance, financial services, cooperative development, lending methodologies and sector trends.
- Familiarity with microfinance concepts, lending methodologies, and sector trends, particularly financial product development. (Deep understanding and significant experience with microfinance operations and loan product development will be prioritized.)
- Familiarity with basic concepts in water, sanitation and hygiene.
- Advanced computer skills including MS Office products and database software.
- Excellent verbal and written communications in Spanish required.
- Proven track record proactively identifying challenges and developing innovative solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results working in a small team.
- Critical thinking, creativity, good judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and professionalism.
- Strong desire to contribute to increased access to water and sanitation.
- Willingness to travel up to 50% of time.
Travel Requirement
Up to 50% of domestic and global travel.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers country-specific benefits and market-based, competitive salary; as well as periodic review for merit and incentive pay based on organizational and personal achievement.
Water.org is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, military and veteran status, genetic information, and any other status protected by law. We provide qualified applicants and employees reasonable accommodation, when necessary, to enable individuals to complete the application process and/or perform the essential functions of the job.
