Job Title: Project Manager
Job Location: London, UK
Salary: ÂŁ46,000 – ÂŁ58,000
Benefits: Pension, private medical insurance, travel insurance, 24 days annual leave + bank holidays
Duration: 2 years (fixed term, possible to extend)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
The International Water Association (IWA) is looking to recruit an experienced manager of international water projects to drive critical progress in the sanitation revolution.
This role provides the opportunity to work with world-leading international experts and innovators to transform access to safe sanitation through Reinvented Toilet (RT) technologies.
IWA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have launched a partnership to enhance acceptance of these new technologies, reducing costs and advancing the technological maturity of the reinvented toilet. This will contribute to the development of the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) that are cost-competitive and capable of meeting regulatory standards in these markets by 2026.
As a project manager, this role provides the opportunity to facilitate positive disruption to the status quo, revolutionising how we manage future water and sanitation in our homes. By facilitating innovative and cost-effective sanitation solutions, you will be supporting the critical development of sustainable, resilient systems that are adaptable to the needs of diverse communities and equipped to meet the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation and population growth.
International Water Association
Drawing exceptional professionals from 140 countries, IWA’s membership brings together scientists, researchers, technology companies, and water and wastewater utilities, working to address the world’s most urgent water challenges, from ridge to reef and from catchment to tap.
The IWA has become a highly respected international reference and source of durable water solutions, products and services that are robust and flexible enough to be universally applicable, easily accessible, and locally adaptable.
IWA is committed to the inclusive goals of access for all to water supply and sanitation, recognised as human rights. As the leading international network of water sector professionals, IWA makes a fundamental contribution to progress on these goals, connecting sector actors and facilitating the sharing of knowledge, especially by linking the worlds of research and practice.
IWA & BMGF Partnership
IWA recognises the need for innovative and cost-effective sanitation solutions that can be widely adopted. In this context, the IWA and BMGF Partnership aims to identify and support innovative research and development (R&D) projects that have the potential to reduce the capital and operational costs associated with RT technologies.
To ensure the success of the Partnership, an Expert Panel is established to provide strategic support, guidance and oversee the evaluation and selection of R&D projects with strong commercialisation potential and immediate opportunities for the workshop.
PROJECT MANAGER
The Project Manager is expected to work closely with the Expert Panel to identify and engage potential development partners, leading the Call for Proposals and organising activities. Additionally, the Project Manager will play a key role in advancing IWA’s efforts to foster collaboration among IWA members, as well as with Commercial Partners (CPs), Technical Partners (TPs), researchers, innovators, and industry experts.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will be the main person responsible for the overall management of the project. Your tasks will include, but not be limited to:
- Plan and manage the project, ensuring all established milestones are met within scope and budget.
- Be the focal point of all communications.
- Manage the project team, providing guidance and support for team members.
- Control budget, including expense management and financial control.
- Develop a monitoring and evaluation strategy, including defining and controlling KPIs.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and vendors.
- Organise and run meetings with multiple stakeholders (including the funder).
- Prepare and deliver presentations to multiple audiences and through various channels.
- Write and review documents (e.g., reports, learning outputs, communication pieces, etc).
- Prepare and deliver content and financial reports.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks throughout its lifecycle.
- Ensure that the project complies with relevant laws, regulations, and organisational policies.
To perform the activities above described, you will be supported by a team consisting of two officers.
REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong project management skills (coordination and completion of projects on time, within budget and within scope). Proven application of these skills to water and sanitation-related challenges is essential. Extensive experience in managing cross-functional projects from initiation to completion will be evaluated.
- Strong analytical skills (ability to research and analyse information, problem-solving and decision-making).
- Relationship management skills (ability to develop and build long-term relationships and create and enforce plans that will help sustain these relationships). Evidence of the application of these skills to water-related challenges would be beneficial.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with other people, including in teams or groups, formally and informally.
- Outstanding communication skills in particular listening, effective speaking, and presentation.
- Excellent computer skills at the user level, particularly the MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project).
- Highly motivated and results-oriented individual with the ability to prioritise competing tasks and manage workflow in a high-pressure environment.
- Ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Ability to work across various digital communication platforms.
- Language skills: English (full professional). Proficiency in a second language is a plus.
Qualifications
Minimum of a Master’s degree in relevant areas (e.g., water science, sanitation, environment, engineering).
Formal training and certification in Project Management would be a strong benefit.
Experience Required
- 8+ years’ work experience in managing and coordinating international water projects.
- 5+ years’ experience in developing and maintaining strong partnerships and networks.
- 5+ years’ experience working with multi-stakeholder platforms/communities responsible for addressing water-related issues.
- 2+ years’ experience in the application of tools for benchmarking the performance of water and sanitation utilities would be desirable.
- Experience in commercialisation or technology transfer in a product environment would be desirable.
HOW TO APPLY
Closing Date for Applications: 24/01/2025
Applicants are asked to submit their CV in English and a supporting letter of motivation along with the names and contact details of two referees.
IWA is an equal-opportunity employer.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED