Local recruitment: District Support Officer Howrah

Water for People

Howrah, West Bengal, India 🇮🇳

JOB LOCATION:                   Howrah, West Bengal            

WORK LOCATION:               West Bengal, India

DEPARTMENT:                     Program (TSU)

 REPORTS TO:                      State Support Specialist- West Bengal

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:      NA

POSITION OBJECTIVE or JOB SUMMARY:

The position will play a vital role in strengthening government service delivery and its coverage in the area of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene by providing support in system strengthening.

The position may include techno-managerial support to the government as well as assistance in organizing capacity building programs for community water management, water quality surveillance and behaviour change aspects. The position will be engaged in extensive program support to identify gaps and guide the development interventions based on evidence during different review meetings at district level.

The technical support unit is envisioned to ensure effective WASH service delivery through system strengthening in the selected districts on water security, sustainability, water safety, to ensure equity in water resource management and sanitation including SLWM. The approach envisions establishing a WASH cadre at the District/Block and Gram Panchayat level through capacity building and strengthening initiatives on critical WASH components and exploring ways of mainstreaming them..

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

1. Government Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

·       Maintain effective coordination with district-level government departments and stakeholders to promote convergence and effective implementation of water and sanitation programs.

·       Work closely with District administration in extending support to the Block/G.P for ensuring effective WASH execution support

·       Facilitate engagement of relevant stakeholders in planning, monitoring, and review processes.

2. Program Implementation and Capacity Building

·       Develop and support district-level capacity-building strategies aligned with government guidelines.

·       Support identification and coordination of institutional cadre/ trainers and master trainers for effective training delivery.

·       Contribute to execution of project strategies, work plans, and achievement of program outcomes.

·       Contribute towards development of relevant module and IEC materials for effective capacity building programs.

3. Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Management

·       Strengthen monitoring, review, and feedback mechanisms for tracking program progress and decision-making.

·       Review and improve district-level monitoring systems and indicators.

·       Generate knowledge products, reports, testimonials; case studies, and best practice documentation for sharing and learning.

·       Contribute towards proposal development and evidence-based learning products and impact studies.

4. Technical Support and Collaboration

·       Provide technical support to assigned government departments and district teams for effective program implementation emphasising on sustainability.

·       Support preparation of reports, action plans, and other program-related documents.

·       Participate in WASH networks, meetings, and technical forums to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.

·       Perform other responsibilities assigned by the reporting manager.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

·       Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Rural Development, Management, Engineering, or related fields from a recognized university/institution.

·       Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, capacity building, WASH/development programs, and government engagement.

·       Experience working closely with government departments, partners, and community stakeholders.

·       Strong skills in writing, presentation, communication, coordination, and stakeholder relationship management.

·       Proficiency in Bangla/Hindi/English with good knowledge of MS Office, internet, and digital tools.

·       Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing situations, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

·     Ability to work in Government office and field environments, including coordination with government departments, partners, and community stakeholders.

·     Willingness to travel to project locations, attend meetings, workshops, and training events as required.

·     Ability to manage multiple priorities, field activities, and time-sensitive assignments effectively.

·     Comfortable working in diverse social and cultural settings with flexibility and adaptability.

Behaviors and Competencies

  • Connect to Mission – Demonstrates commitment to Water For People’s mission and values through effective program support, coordination, and quality delivery of assigned responsibilities.
  • Manage through Ambiguity – Adapts to changing priorities, manages multiple tasks, and responds effectively to evolving program requirements.
  • Demonstrate Cultural Awareness – Builds respectful and inclusive relationships with government, communities, partners, and colleagues while valuing diverse perspectives.
  • Action-oriented – Takes ownership, ensures timely completion of tasks, maintains quality standards, and proactively addresses challenges.
  • Sense of Team – Collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders, promotes knowledge sharing, and contributes to a positive and productive work environment.

Note: This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role, but it is not an exhaustive list. Your manager may assign additional duties as needed to support the success of the organization or the success of this position.

Water For People is committed to protecting children encountered during our work and by our employees, preventing sexual abuse and exploitation of all individuals with a particular focus on women and children and other marginalized communities in the performance of our work, preventing human trafficking in the performance of our work and in our supply chain and to having a drug-free workplace.  During the recruitment processes, additional documentation will be requested to comply with our policies and in accordance with the legal requirements in your country of residency, this includes a background check. If you apply for employment, we want you to be aware of our recruitment, selection and hiring processes including important policies regarding employee conduct.

Water For People is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to creating a culture of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Water For People strives to create and maintain a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of race, ethnicity, ancestry, tribal affiliation, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic class, educational attainment, Parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status or other social identities is critical to our ability to have a world where every person has access to reliable and safe water and sanitation services.

Our commitment ensures that we:  

·       Have a different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.

·       Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating each other with dignity, respect, and appreciation enabling us to feel welcome, supported, and valued.  

·       Effectively connect, communicate, and build long-lasting relationships with stakeholders within our diverse communities. 

·       Have diversity of thought, perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and talents that will support our mission to develop high-quality drinking water and sanitation services are available to Everyone Forever.


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