Position Title: Deputy Director
Organization: Millennium Water Alliance
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary Range: Competitive, based on qualifications and experience
Location: Washington, D.C. (remote USA options possible)
Education and Experience: Minimum 10 years in WASH Sector; Technical expert with a relevant advanced degree
Reports To: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Knowledge Management & Learning Officer; Programs & Partnerships Officer; Country Directors (Ethiopia and Kenya)
Language(s): English (fluency required); proficiency in additional languages (e.g., Amharic, Swahili, Spanish) a plus
Travel Requirement: Approximately 20% international travel, primarily to East Africa and Latin America
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
Contact Email: MWA.jobs@mwawater.org
Introduction to the Millennium Water Alliance (MWA)
The Millennium Water Alliance (MWA) is a global network of leading humanitarian, research, and private sector organizations dedicated to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6): ensuring sustainable and equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for all. Established in 2002, MWA serves as a trusted hub for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy within the global WASH sector.
MWA and its members collectively serve 50 million people annually across 100 countries, advancing sustainable WASH systems and climate resilience. Through innovative models like results-based financing and integrated water resource management, MWA has positioned itself as a catalyst for sector-wide change. For more information, visit www.mwawater.org.
Position Overview
MWA is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director with expertise in WASH, resilience, and international development to lead its global programs, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director will play a critical role in driving program excellence, resource development, and knowledge sharing across MWA’s global network.
This position requires a strategic thinker and experienced leader who can collaborate across diverse teams, design and secure funding for innovative programs, and represent MWA’s mission on global platforms. The Deputy Director will directly supervise key staff and Country Directors and serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence global WASH and resilience priorities while contributing to transformative initiatives that impact millions of lives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Program and Resource Development (30%)
- Design and Innovate: Lead the development of cutting-edge WASH and resilience program models, including results-based financing (e.g., carbon credits) and integrated water resource management approaches.
- Identify Funding Opportunities: Proactively identify, assess, and pursue funding opportunities from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, and private sector actors.
- Lead Proposal Development: Oversee the preparation of high-quality concept notes, proposals, and responses to funding opportunities (e.g., RFAs, RFIs), ensuring alignment with MWA’s strategic priorities.
- Cultivate Donor Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with key donors, partners, and stakeholders to secure funding and expand MWA’s influence.
- Support Members: Ensure timely sharing of relevant funding opportunities with MWA members and strengthen their ability to access resources through collaborative initiatives.
- Consortia Development: Foster and coordinate consortia that position MWA and its members competitively for large-scale funding opportunities.
2. Global Program Leadership (30%)
- Supervise Field Programs: Provide direct oversight and supervision to Country Directors (currently in Ethiopia and Kenya), ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with donor requirements.
- Ensure Quality Standards: Establish and enforce robust quality assurance mechanisms for all MWA-convened programs and activities.
- Foster Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with members, governments, donors, and private sector stakeholders to enhance program impact.
- Monitor Performance: Track program spending and key performance metrics, ensuring compliance with donor policies and organizational goals.
- Manage Team Performance: Lead performance planning, monitoring, and appraisals for direct reports, including coaching and development to build team capacity.
- Direct Implementation: Take personal responsibility for assignments and initiatives led by MWA Global.
3. Knowledge Management and Learning (15%)
- Strategic Oversight: Provide leadership for MWA’s knowledge management and learning agenda, supervising the Knowledge Management & Learning Officer.
- Generate Evidence: Oversee applied research initiatives and ensure actionable insights are generated to inform programs and policies.
- Disseminate Knowledge: Develop and promote knowledge-sharing products (e.g., reports, case studies, webinars) to amplify MWA’s impact and inform sector-wide practices.
- Stay Current: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of WASH, resilience, and climate trends, leveraging emerging insights to enhance program design.
- Learning Services: Seek opportunities to position MWA as a leader in providing knowledge-sharing services for the sector.
4. Representation, Networking, and Executive Duties (15%)
- Represent MWA: Serve as an ambassador for MWA’s mission, representing the organization at global forums, conferences, and strategic meetings.
- Engage Donors and Stakeholders: Build and maintain relationships with USAID, foundations, businesses, and INGOs to advocate for sustainable WASH and resilience investments.
- Membership Engagement: Strengthen relationships with MWA members by enhancing value-added services and fostering collaboration.
- Interim Leadership: Act as the Head of Office in the absence of the Executive Director, overseeing daily operations and providing leadership as needed.
- Board Interaction: Prepare and present materials for MWA Board meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and organizational planning.
5. Operations and Organizational Support (10%)
- Operational Oversight: Ensure global and country offices are equipped with the resources and tools required for effective program implementation.
- Resource Efficiency: Monitor and optimize the use of financial and operational resources to ensure value for money.
- Procurement and Contracting: Oversee procurement processes and finalize contracts for services, office spaces, and other operational needs.
Qualifications and Skills
Required Qualifications
- Experience: At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in international development, including a minimum of 5 years in field-based WASH or resilience programs.
- Sector Expertise: Strong knowledge of WASH, resilience, and climate adaptation, with practical experience in systems strengthening and results-based programming.
- Program Leadership: Proven ability to manage large, complex field programs, including program design, implementation, and financial oversight, ensuring high-quality delivery.
- Resource Mobilization: Demonstrated success in securing funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, and private sector partners.
- Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to build trusted personal and organizational relationships and networks across diverse stakeholders, including donors, governments, private sector actors, and community organizations.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of fostering collaboration, motivating multicultural teams, and driving results.
- Reliability and Accountability: Proven ability to self-direct priorities, manage multiple deadlines under pressure, and consistently deliver high-quality results on time.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex concepts to donors, boards, and global audiences.
- Education: Master’s degree in international development, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in MS Office 365, SharePoint, MS Teams, and other content management tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Global Experience: Experience working in or with countries in East Africa or Latin America.
- Languages: Proficiency in Amharic, Swahili, Spanish, or other relevant languages.
- Innovation: Familiarity with emerging models in WASH financing (e.g., carbon credits) and integrated water resource management.
Application Process
To apply, submit the following documents to MWA.jobs@mwawater.org by February 7, 2025:
- Cover Letter detailing your suitability for the role
- CV/Resume
- List of at least three professional references, including name, contact information, and nature of the relationship
Subject Line: “Deputy Director Application”
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Millennium Water Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Position Closing Date
February 7, 2025
For a copy of the job description, please click here.