Local recruitment: Program Support Manager via DevNetJobsIndia

Organization Water For People India Trust (WFPIT)

Posting Date 3rd May 2025

Location Kolkata, West Bengal/ Assam

Reporting State Lead – West Bengal

Department Program

Last Date 10th May 2025

About Water For People India Trust

Water For People India Trust was established as a non-profit entity in the year 2008 and is committed to undertake actions that enable and deliver universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation to populations in India. WFPIT design and implement programs/projects relating to improving the quality of life of those most in need by providing funding and training for water, sanitation and health and hygiene programmes. In addition, WFPIT works to strengthens the indigenous NGO sector of India by training, funding and building their capacity to perform good development work. Aligned to its ‘Everyone Forever’ approach, WFPIT aims to create and deliver sustainable solutions to WASH. Presently, WFPIT programs are being implemented in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra and Assam.

Workplace Values

• Environmental Stewardship- We are committed to being responsible stewards of the environment. We fight growing environmental inequities and are intentional in our partnerships and decision-making around environmental practices. We believe climate action and protection of water resources is essential for the long-term health of the planet for future generations.
• Integrity- We act honestly and transparently to inspire trust. Our commitment to our values is unwavering in how we relate to each other (we walk the talk) and in how we do our work and what it costs. We construct and support systems that create a fair and decent world and we do what is right in the most efficient and accountable manner.
• Collective Transformation- We believe in the power of collective action. To proactively challenge the status quo, we share our strengths and learnings with partners and embrace new ideas. We believe collaboration leads to richer ideas and more robust solutions.
• Courage- We encourage brave exploration of new ideas and informed risk-taking. We believe being intentional and stepping into the unknown is the cornerstone of innovation. We foster a culture of creative problem-solving and open communication to proactively discuss hard topics for continuous evolution
• Amplify All Voices- By putting people first, celebrating diversity, and pursuing justice, we prioritize our shared humanity. We support the meaningful participation and autonomy of individuals from all backgrounds. We amplify local voices while investing in the well-being, skills, and opportunities of all.

Position Summary

Water For People India is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Support Manager to lead and coordinate the effective planning and implementation of WASH projects in West Bengal, with a primary focus on the ITC-funded project. The ideal candidate will support the Program Support Lead and State Lead in managing program delivery, technical support, proposal development, donor engagement, and strategic planning. The role includes a combination of project implementation, coordination, documentation, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Implementation (30%)
• Lead the execution of ITC-funded and other WASH projects in West Bengal.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure effective planning, implementation, and quality program delivery.
• Develop operational plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor financial resource utilization and implement program M&E frameworks.
• Coordinate capacity-building activities and inter-departmental functions (finance, HR, advocacy).
• Lead donor proposal development and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Represent Water For People India in external forums, stakeholder platforms, and donor visits.

2. Coordination, Documentation & Conceptualization (20%)
• Compile and document project reports, case studies, concept notes, and proposals.
• Support project expansion, technical studies, and partner assessments.
• Act as communication focal point for West Bengal-related projects.
• Coordinate with state-level stakeholders and contribute to execution of urban WASH programs in Kolkata.

3. Knowledge Management (10%)
• Lead submissions for global newsletters, project MIS updates, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Support MEL functions including baseline surveys, diagnostic studies, and annual assessments.
• Represent projects externally and contribute to proposal development aligned with country strategy.

Team Management (20%)
• Oversees team coordination, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and aligned with project goals.
• Facilitates communication among team members to maintain collaboration and resolve conflicts efficiently.
• Sets timelines, monitors progress, and provides guidance to keep the team on track and accountable.
• Motivates the team, encourages professional development, and fosters a results-oriented work culture.

Project Manager in Donor Relations: (20%)
• Serves as the key point of contact for donor, ensuring transparent and timely communication.
• Prepares and presents progress reports, impact assessments, and financial updates to donors.
• Aligns project implementation with donor expectations, compliance requirements, and reporting standards.
• Builds and maintains trust by demonstrating accountability, transparency, and impact-driven results.

Prerequisites for the position
Below are the key qualifications and standards that could be considered:

Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Rural Development, Management, or any related field.

Added diploma / post graduate diploma of Project management will be preferred.

Experience:
1. Minimum 5 to 7 years of relevant work experience in WASH or development sector.
2. At least 3 years of experience working in West Bengal/ Assam or Odisha
3. Relevant experience in managing donor-facing projects and coordinating with multiple stakeholders is a key requirement for this role.

Skills & Competencies:
• Strong understanding of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and its inter-sectoral linkages.
• Proficiency in program planning, monitoring & evaluation, and team leadership.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of policy and implementation frameworks.
• Ability to coordinate across departments and manage donor requirements.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office; GIS knowledge is a plus.
• Fluency in Bengali (speaking, reading, writing) / Assamese and Odiya will be an added advantage.

Personal Attributes:
• Commitment to values of transparency, accountability, partnership, empowerment, and courage.
• A proactive and self-driven professional with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Culturally sensitive with strong team-building and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse settings.

Additional Considerations:
• The role involves extensive travel (up to 40%) to project sites within and outside West Bengal.
• The position may require representation in high-level forums and donor meetings.
• Water For People India Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds, especially women, to apply.

Email ID for CV Submission: hr-india@waterforpeople.org with subject line “Program Support Manager” with a cc to Kashmira Nagar knagar@waterforpeople.org

How to Apply:

Please apply on email id mentioned above on or before 10th May 2025, while mentioning title of the position in subject line.
Water For People India Trust is a certified, Great Place to Work organization and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

Water For People has ZERO Tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment including sexual harassment and gender / racial discrimination. Any selection therefore will be subject to satisfactory reference and background check.