WASH Program Design Specialist

Who is Water Mission?

Water Mission is a nonprofit Christian engineering organization that designs, builds, and implements safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas. Guided by love, excellence, and integrity, we are driven to share clean, safe water and God’s love with all. To date, we have served more than 7 million people in 57 countries. Working at Water Mission is as much a calling as it is a career, and we are searching for people with the courage, passion, and drive to help us change the world. Read more about our Statement of Faith and Christian Mission.

What is the opportunity?

The WASH Program Design Specialist is responsible for expanding Water Mission’s approach to holistic community development, resulting in improved well-being in the areas where the organization is actively engaged. In addition to conceptual development, the position engages in capacity building and project management activities to ensure programs are implemented as designed. This full-time position can be based in North Charleston, SC, or remotely and reports to the Director of Program Development.

A successful WASH Program Design Specialist will:

• Maintain a strong Christian witness to colleagues, donors, volunteers, and the general public.
• Work in a collaborative team environment to identify best practices in asset-based, church-centered program design and development within the context of rural water, sanitation, and hygiene programs.
• Assist in designing and developing relevant WASH models and materials that can be effectively communicated to Water Mission’s Country Programs, Affiliate Programs, and implementing partners, specifically related to service delivery models, financial sustainability models, and behavior change communication strategies.
• Build technical and managerial capacity and monitor incorporation of relevant approaches in Water Mission’s Country Programs, Affiliate Programs, and implementing partners, recommending corrective actions where required.
• Ensure pilot projects are executed according to an agreed-upon scope of work, schedule, and budget.
• Cultivate strategic implementation and funding partnerships, maintaining good communication channels, and coordinating international travel as required.
• Identify and engage in opportunities for collaboration with relevant sector experts.
• Partner cross-departmentally with Water Mission teams, including Engineering Innovation and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL).
• Other duties as assigned.

What is required?

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Master’s degree in international community development, cross-cultural studies, or related field of study.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience within the WASH sector preferred.
• International field experience, especially in East Africa and Latin America, preferred.
• Working familiarity with integral mission.
• Project management experience.
• Written and verbal Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in cross-cultural settings.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Home internet bandwidth strong enough to support video conferencing and other job-related responsibilities required.
• Advanced word processing and spreadsheet software skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10 weeks out of the year, mostly in developing countries. Most international trips are 1-4 weeks in length and require this person to ride in long car rides on rough terrain, stand for extended periods in hot weather, and lift heavy things.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the organization and ending the global water crisis.