About the job
Job Title: Project Officer – Next Generation Sanitation System (NGSS)
Job Location: London, UK
Salary: 35,000 – 40,000 GBP
Benefits: Pension, private medical insurance, travel insurance, 24 days annual leave (in addition to public holidays)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration: Till the end of 2026 (fixed term, possible to extend)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Report to: Project Manager – NGSS Initiative
INTERNATIONAL WATER ASSOCIATION (IWA)
IWA is the global network, drawing exceptional professionals from 140 countries. IWA’s membership brings together scientists, researchers, technology companies, and water and wastewater utilities, working to address urgent water and sanitation challenges across the full water cycle, from catchment to tap and back to the environment.
IWA promotes robust, flexible, and locally adaptable solutions to help deliver sustainable water and sanitation services. It is vital in advancing human rights to water and sanitation through knowledge sharing, innovation, and capacity building at global and local levels.
NEXT GENERATION SANITATION SYSTEM (NGSS) INITIATIVE
The Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) Project is an initiative led by IWA in collaboration with the Gates Foundation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WSH) programme, aiming to shape the future of inclusive, high-performing sanitation.
The project is focused on identifying and supporting technological solutions, either fully integrated systems treating all household wastewater (blackwater and greywater), or sub-systems that contribute to the functionality of such systems.
The project targets non-biological wastewater treatment technologies, encouraging bold, modular, and cost-competitive innovations that can meet the requirements of ISO 30500 by 2026, an international benchmark for non-sewered sanitation systems.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Project Officer will support the NGSS Project Manager in coordinating the technical and strategic delivery of the project. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of pioneering sanitation technologies through collaboration with global experts, innovators, and institutions.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) Technical & Project Coordination
· Support the planning and execution of technical workstreams and partner activities.
· Review and analyse data and documentation from technology developers and research institutions.
· Assist in evaluating proposed technologies, particularly with respect to cost, compliance, and operational robustness.
· Help manage project documentation, milestones, and communications.
(2) Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Coordinate communications among international partners, grantees, evaluators, and the Expert Panel.
- Prepare technical summaries, briefing notes, and presentations for meetings and workshops.
- Support logistics and materials preparation for stakeholder events and technical sessions.
(3) Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Track technical and financial milestones in line with project KPIs.
- Assist with the preparation of internal and external reports, synthesizing inputs from multiple partners.
- Contribute to the development of learning materials, dashboards, and impact summaries.
REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
(1) Education:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, Chemical Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or a related technical field.
(2) Experience:
- 1–2 years of relevant experience (including internships or academic research) in sanitation, wastewater treatment, environmental technology, or related areas.
- Exposure to decentralised wastewater and sanitation systems, water reuse, or performance benchmarking is desirable.
- Experience on research is desirable.
(3) Key Skills & Competencies
- Solid technical understanding of wastewater treatment processes (e.g., physical, chemical, thermal).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with technical documents and performance data.
- Strong analytical skills (ability to research and analyse information, problem-solving). Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- 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.
- Fluency in English required; Proficiency in a second language is a plus.
How to apply:
Applicants are asked to submit their CV.
Applications should be submitted before 31 August 2025.
Applications will be considered as they arrive, so applicants may be approached prior to the deadline.
IWA is an equal opportunity employer.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
