Consultancy: Advocacy Consultant
Organization: Millennium Water Alliance (MWA)
Time: 2 to 3 days of work per week on average
Timeframe: July 2025 to TBD based on the daily rate and available funding
Stipend: Daily rate, to be negotiated
Location: Remote, with frequent meetings in the Washington DC area.
Supervision: The consultant will report to MWA’s Director of Advocacy
Application Deadline: July 22, 2025
Contact Email: jobs@mwawater.org
Background
The Millennium Water Alliance (MWA), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is a permanent, operational alliance of members from NGOs, academia, and the private sector that has helped bring safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to more than 50 million people in more than 100 countries. MWA seeks to improve global practices for sustained WASH services in line with our value proposition: Convening opportunities and partnerships, accelerating learning and effective models, and influencing the WASH space by leveraging the expertise and reach of its members and partners.
We seek a part-time consultant to help improve our communications to the international development assistance sector and the public and assist us in our efforts to shape public policy consistent with the values and goals of our member organizations. We work with a largely US-based coalition and other international organizations, building support for U.S. leadership in accelerating access to WASH in developing nations.
Scope of Work
The consultant should have demonstrated skills in in editing and formatting documents, using various office software programs, organizing materials and research, tracking contacts with policy influencers and decision makers, and organizing materials for use by our many allies in advocacy. Total fluency and writing skills in English are required. This work may require the equivalent of up to three days per week over a period not yet defined. This is funded by a grant that may be renewed annually. The consultant must be flexible in those hours and coordinate closely with the MWA Director of Advocacy. Attendance in person at meetings will be needed from time to time.
The consultant will:
- Organize information resources produced by our organization and others for the purpose of creating new communications online and in print.
- Create documents for print and online using graphics and various design elements.
- Assist in any workflow with a graphic designer that may be hired for more advanced work.
- Review and edit materials for content, accuracy, and grammar, and recommend improvements.
- Help maintain a database of contacts made by MWA with selected officials and influencers, and respond to requests for information.
- Attend meetings online and in person as needed to advance the advocacy program.
- Contact member organizations and others to collect information, schedule activities, and organize events.
- Be able to travel in the Washington DC area, using public transit or private vehicles if practical.
- Be familiar with Microsoft Office programs and similar programs needed to produce and track documents; consultant is responsible for his/her own computer, phone, workspace, paying his/her own taxes, and providing appropriate documents for contracting as requested.
- Conduct research on questions of international development, in particular organizing sources on the role of US government international efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene, and to draft documents to share that information with public officials and others as directed.
- Demonstrate personal support for the overall goals of MWA, and work in collegial, reliable manner consistent with the MWA code of ethics.
- Complete tasks as requested in a timely manner and in clear communication with the Advocacy Director.
- Maintain a professional manner and represent MWA in a way consistent with standards for our officers, employees, and consultants.
- Be willing on occasion to work in an office space designated by MWA but also be able to conduct work routinely from home or some other space not provided by MWA as much as necessary, with a computer and access to phone and internet devices and services not provided by MWA.
- Be available for work beginning in July and through the next six months and possibly beyond, depending on funding and performance, with a flexible weekly schedule as agreed by the Advocacy Director.
MWA Global Hub will:
- Provide access to relevant documents and tools.
- Provide administrative support where needed, including access to members and documentation support when requested.
- Liaise with the consultant frequently about any questions, challenges, updates, etc.
- Provide oversight of the consultant’s performance and deliverables and pay the consultant per the contract.
- Reimburse the consultant for pre-approved local travel expenses, meals, and other necessary costs.
Estimated Time
Depending on the consultancy rate, this project is expected to take 5-6 months but could extend into another year if funds are available, and the consultant’s work product continues to meet the needs of the MWA Global Hub. The consultant will be paid monthly for the work completed for the month. July 2025 will require more time than most months because of pending events.
| Activity/Deliverable | Est. Effort Days | Date: By | |
| 1 | Orientation and current document review | 3 | Second & third week July |
| 2 | Updating lists, drafting and formatting new documents; Attend events in DC, conduct research and communications | 12 | Second through fourth week July
|
| 3 | Continue research and system improvements; no work may be required for one or two weeks of August | 6 | August |
| 4 | Attend events in DC, conduct research and communications; Updating lists, drafting and formatting new documents | 12 | September and as agreed monthly |
Payment schedule
- The payment schedule will be monthly. There is no set period for the entirety of the consultancy yet, but it could extend beyond a year.
- The consultant will keep a timesheet prescribed by MWA that aligns with the assignment activities and be paid for actual hours worked up to the number of days stipulated in this contract by way of an invoice. For payment above the contract days total, prior approval from the CEO is required.
Application process
To apply, submit the following documents to jobs@mwawater.org by July 22, 2025:
- Cover letter detailing your suitability for the role
- CV/resume
Subject Line: “Advocacy Consultant 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
July 22, 2025
