Full job description
Introduction
WaterConnect LLC (“WaterConnect”) is a project development company dedicated to creating opportunities for construction-stage investment in water supply and sanitation (WSS) infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. We bring early-stage financing and technical expertise to complement local partners, develop new infrastructure, and deploy technology that will impact water access, quality, and scarcity, and in turn build water resilience for households and watersheds.
WaterConnect partners with infrastructure developers, utilities, engineering firms, and equipment suppliers to co-develop infrastructure projects, bringing them from concept to financial close and construction. With the goal of accelerating the flow of projects, WaterConnect offers project development funding and expertise, particularly in legal and financial structuring, capital raising, climate resilience, and social and environmental impact, to supplement the pre-existing resources of project co-developers. WaterConnect typically pursues projects ranging from $20M capital expenditure and up, with a priority for projects in the $50-100M range. Projects can focus across the water value chain, from bulk supply through treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, and reuse. WaterConnect coordinates closely with sister organizations, Water.org and WaterEquity, which offer complementary products, including construction-stage project financing.
WaterConnect is in its second year of operations after spinning off from Water.org in 2024. It represents the latest in a series of innovations by Water.org to catalyze investment into water supply and sanitation in pursuit of achieving access for all, as highlighted by UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Summary
The Regional Director, Africa leads the acquisition and development of WSS infrastructure projects in the Africa region, including both public-private-partnerships (PPP) and private projects serving industrial offtakers. The Regional Director is primarily responsible for leading the identification of WSS infrastructure investment opportunities, due diligence on projects, and negotiation of project development agreements. Working closely with WaterConnect’s global team, this role will lead and oversee regional project development activities. This role reports to the Chief Infrastructure Development Officer.
Job Responsibilities
Regional Business Development – pipeline development
- Identify and pursue water supply and sanitation infrastructure project preparation opportunities in the water supply and sanitation sector
- Develop and maintain relationships with various partners in the sector: private developers, technology providers, utilities, and investors
Regional portfolio growth
- Screen and due diligence potential partners and opportunities
- Prepare due diligence reports and present to approval committee
- Negotiate term sheets and development agreements, in partnership with WaterConnect colleagues
Regional project development execution
- Support WaterConnect project management team to oversee project development
- Support engagement and management of third-party service providers and vendors
- Engage with co-developers, offtakers, investors, regulators
Regional portfolio monitoring and management
- Ensure accurate, timely reporting on project progress, risks and related KPIs
- Local stakeholder management
- Identify opportunities to improve WSS infrastructure policy and regulations to promote private sector participation, private investment, and climate resilience
Cross-functional support
- Contribute to strategic projects of WaterConnect and the larger enterprise, as needed from time to time
Requirements
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and/or equivalent related work experience
- 10 or more years of progressive responsibility and experience in infrastructure project development/preparation in Africa, including:
- Proven track record of business development, including high degree of commercial awareness and business acumen as well as demonstrated success in developing and fostering key relationships
- Deep knowledge of private sector participation in the water supply and sanitation or similar sector, including PPP schemes and modalities, such as DBFOT, BOOT, HAM, and concessions
- Experience in pre-financial close preparation of infrastructure projects
- Understanding of infrastructure policy and regulations in emerging markets
- Understanding of infrastructure investor requirements and processes
- Self-driven & proactive problem-solver
- Comfort working in a small, virtual team in a hands-on role
- Multi-country experience in the Africa Region
- Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental impact
- Proficient (written and verbal) in English
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in relevant field
- 15 or more years total experience
- Familiarity with WSS policy environments in emerging markets
Physical Requirements
Role includes regular online collaboration across time zones. Colleagues, partners, and service providers are based in the Americas, Africa, India, and East Asia. This role involves extended periods of sitting and reaching. This role requires the ability to see, talk, and hear. Travel may be required up to 20% of the time.
Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Overall compensation will be commensurate with education and experience and structured to reflect a competitive package for a full-time senior-level team member.
No relocation benefits or visa sponsorship will be offered.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume. Both documents must be in English.
WaterConnect is an equal-opportunity employer and on an intentional journey to determine how we can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our organization but also within our industry. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment that is characterized by engagement, a sense of connection, and respect for the differences and contributions of all our professionals. WaterConnect recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
Don’t meet every single requirement? If you are enthusiastic about this role but find that your experience does not perfectly match every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and perspective could make you the ideal candidate for this position.
