Contracting Project Manager for WASH governance team

The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is a policy institute that generates knowledge and informs decision-making towards a water wise world. SIWI performs research, builds institutional capacity and provides advisory services in developing countries in areas related to water governance, transboundary water management, water and climate change, water-energy-food nexus and water economics. SIWI also cooperates with public and private actors in Sweden and organises the World Water Week in Stockholm – the leading annual global meeting place on water and development issues – and hosts the Stockholm Water Prize, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Stockholm Industry Water Award.

Within the governance team at SIWI, there are a number of major programs. The Water Governance Facility (WGF) is collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). WGF works with the governance aspects of water. It promotes improved water governance reform and implementation in developing countries. The Facility works with multiple water themes that range from integrated water resources management, transboundary water and water supply and sanitation to climate variability, gender, integrity, HRBA and capacity development. One of the programs within the WGF is GoAL WaSH, which aims at supporting governance aspects for better delivery of water and sanitation services in countries around the world.

Accountability for Sustainability is a partnership between UNICEF and the Water Governance Facility at SIWI to provide UNICEF and UNDP WASH staff with the accountability tools and guidance they need to achieve improved governance and thereby help shape programmes to deliver increased sustainability.

A WASH Program Manager is sought to be an enthusiastic member of the WASH team and contribute to the implementation of the WASH portfolio.

Description of Duties

The Manager will play a key role to manage and develop activities on governance of water supply and sanitation services. Besides managerial functions required, the job is focused on the provision of policy and technical support and advice on WASH issues; development of methodologies, tools and knowledge products, promote the exchange of best practices and generate new knowledge through applied research.

Duties of the Program Manager for WASH will include the tasks listed below:

• Support the implementation of the Accountability for Sustainability project through:
• Conduct accountability assessments and/or workshops to help identify governance and accountability gaps at national level.
• Provide technical assistance by reviewing policies, strategies, or plans at country level.
• Collaborate with country offices to incorporate accountability related actions in UNICEF programming for increased sustainability.
• Support technical and financial reporting for the project
• Support the implementation and quality control of GoAL WaSH related projects including follow-up missions when appropriate.
• Provide policy advice and support to various United Nations agencies, governments and other partners related to WASH issues with a focus on governance aspects.
• Liaise with donors and contribute to relevant international processes, such as Water and Sanitation for All, when appropriate.
• Assist in developing research, methodologies and tools to advance governance in WASH
• Organize seminars and workshops at the World Water Week and other events.
• Contribute to the full range of SIWI activities

The WASH Program Manager will work in the WASH team at the Water Governance Unit at SIWI, in close collaboration with other WASH team members. He/she will report to the Water Governance Director at SIWI.

Basic knowledge and skills

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Solid understanding of water governance in relation to sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
• Experience of working with capacity building and facilitation, and institutional strengthening.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and deliver according to agreed time plans.
• Experience in conducting research on the field of social and/or natural sciences will be an asset.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to function effectively as part of a team
• Commitment to, and agreement with SIWI´s core values and vision.

Education and work experience

• MA/BA degree in Social or Natural / Engineering Sciences. PhD degree in water, sanitation and/or governance issues will be an asset.
• At least seven years of experience working with development issues including direct experience of working in low- and middle-income countries
• Practical expertise in the field of WASH for at least 5 years. Experience in working on governance issues, at either local, regional, national or international level.

Experience in collaboration with UN agencies will be an asset

Languages

• Proficiency in English is required.
• Very high level of written and spoken French is required.
• Portuguese, Spanish or African languages will be an asset.

Availability to travel

Ability and willingness to travel and conduct several short term missions per year to provide assistance on site is required. The Manager will travel internationally to up to 35% of time, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Duty Station

The full time position will be preferably based at the main office of the Stockholm International Water Institute, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Duration of contract

The position is a one year contract, subject to renewal upon good performance and availability of funds.

Starting date

1st March, 2017

How to apply for the position

Please submit your CV and a cover letter to applications@siwi.org by 2nd January 2017.

For more information about the position, contact Alejandro Jiménez, WaSH coordinator, by email or phone +46 8 12 13 60 41; or Kerstin Harnesk, HR Manager, phone +46 8 12 13 60 12.