Temporary Senior Market-Based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor – US or UK

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

The Department

Mercy Corps alleviates poverty, suffering, and oppression and works to build secure, productive, and just communities in over 40 countries around the world. Our Program Department supports field-led work that delivers measurable impact.
 

Mercy Corps’ Technical Resources and Quality (TRaQ) Tam is a key part of the Program Department. TRaQ subject-matter experts help set agency strategy and provide consultation – from assessment and design through project implementation and results measurement – to field offices worldwide, in some of the world’s toughest places. TRaQ team members lead research, foster organizational learning, represent Mercy Corps to external audiences, and develop partnerships. The TRaQ team is also integral to global business development and revenue.

Within TRaQ, there is a team committed to safeguarding water resources, promoting sanitation, and ensuring hygiene practices – the Water Security, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WSSH) team. Comprising a dynamic mix of professionals, this team unites the realms of water security and WASH to address the diverse facets of water-related challenges. The WSSH team is a mosaic of dedicated individuals, each contributing unique skills and expertise to tackle the multidimensional aspects of water security and WASH. At its core, the team is driven by a shared vision: a world where communities and economies thrive with access to clean water, safe sanitation services, and hygienic practices, while ensuring sustainable development and environmental management, and resilience to water-related hazards.

The Position

In 2022, Mercy Corps completed its new 2030 Global Strategy. The new strategy elevates Water Security to one of four key outcome areas for the agency, along with Food Security, Economic Opportunity, and Peace and Governance. This new focus combines Mercy Corps’ historical strengths in emergency WASH programming, with a desire to further build upon our impact in water resource management, productive water, and market-based water supply and sanitation service provision as part of the agency wide mission to build resilient and inclusive communities. In close collaboration with the Climate & Water Security Senior Director, Senior WASH and Water Security Advisors, country and regional teams, and other TRaQ members, the Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor is responsible for executing and further shaping the water security strategy.
 

As a Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor, you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative global projects and programs aimed at strengthening water security and WASH in diverse contexts worldwide. You will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop water supply and sanitation delivery approaches and models in both fragile and non-fragile contexts, promote water demand management, and strengthen water supply and sanitation governance systems.

The Senior Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Advisor will be responsible for helping country and program teams design and conduct assessments, analyze their water security and WASH issues, and identifying opportunities and solutions for intervention. Initial efforts will focus on helping country teams develop and operationalize water security strategies and build their portfolio of water security and WASH programming. This will involve supporting the development of country- or region- specific water security and WASH approaches, proposals, concept notes, donor engagement, producing influence-oriented research and writing products, and leading knowledge and capacity strengthening initiatives. As a technical expert, you will have the expertise to advise and guide project teams, partners, and program participants on at least two of the following areas of WASH, including:

• Market-based water supply and sanitation service delivery
• Utility management and performance optimization
• Sanitation marketing and business services development
• Financial and economic analysis of water and sanitation services
• WASH policy, governance, and regulations
• Sustainable WASH financing
• Digital innovation in water and sanitation services

Additionally, the Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor will actively contribute to policy development and advocacy initiatives related to water security and WASH at global, regional, and national levels.

Success in this role will require a deep understanding of global water security and WASH challenges, along with proven experience in facilitation of global water security and WASH program design and implementation. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and facilitation abilities. The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities, will be crucial. Moreover, the Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor should demonstrate a commitment to promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability in all water security interventions.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM DESIGN

Program design is a key influence point for the global TRaQ. The Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor will look to align technical leadership with donor priorities, engage in strategic prepositioning, and support the identification, tracking, and analysis of opportunities and proposal development. Key tasks include:
 

• Serve as a lead writer and/or technical lead on 1-2 strategic, high-profile proposals. This includes leading pre-positioning efforts, capture trips, design workshops, designing and conducting needs assessments, and developing the concept notes and/or proposals.
• Lead the development of capability statements and discussions with potential primes for new opportunities (anticipated 1-2 opportunities)
• Review concept notes and proposals as requested.
• Advise and collaborate with country teams on strategic pre-positioning, including designing assessments, engaging in strategic donor interactions, and positioning projects.
• Work intentionally with country, regional, and funding teams to identify, track, and prepare for donor-funded opportunities.
• Support country and project teams in designing and conducting needs assessments, feasibility studies, and context analyses to inform program design. Lead the design and implementation of these assessments where needed.
• Ensure compliance with design and construction standards in collaboration with the Infrastructure team, as appropriate.
• Ensure WASH programs incorporate principles of inclusivity, gender sensitivity, and community engagement.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY
Focusing on local leadership, the Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor’s role will be to support program implementation through accompaniment, emphasizing capacity strengthening, knowledge sharing, and maintaining an ongoing relationship with key program teams. Key tasks include:
 

●        Support the implementation of WASH and water security programs and projects, ensuring technical quality and strong program performance. Specific programs of focus include:

○        USAID/Ethiopia RIPA-N Water Security Add-on

○        USAID/Indonesia Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (IUWASH) Pasar

○        Hilton Ethiopia RISE

○        USAID/DRC SWASSA

○        Fragile Waters buy-ins (as awarded)

●        Support and provide technical contributions to Mercy Corps’ Fragile Waters core and buy-in activities as requested by the Fragile Waters PM. This may include:

○        supporting the development and/or review of technical deliverables and contribute to subsequent learning;

○        managing an individual buy-in and/or the development of a core product

○        liaising with implementing partners to ensure proper M&E data capture and data quality contribute to overall Fragile Waters project M&E reporting; and

○        in tandem with the Fragile Waters PM and relevant technical staff, generate buy-in scopes of work and budgets as needed.
 

●        Provide technical guidance and support to project teams, partners, and partner communities on water security-related issues, including market-based water and sanitation services delivery, water governance, and water finance.

●        Aggregate and disseminate technical knowledge, guidance and lessons learned from Mercy Corps’ global, regional, and country teams and other partners in the industry.

●        In collaboration with country teams, establish the foundational technical skills needed for specific roles, and support recruitment of people with those skills.

○        This will include the development of a Field Recruitment Guide for Water Security.

●        Support the technical strengthening of program teams and local partners through encouraging and facilitating spaces for team members to share their technical expertise, and through in-person and remote training, guidance, and mentorship.

●        Co-develop practical and accessible (as defined in collaboration with Program teams) knowledge products, tools, and resources, and supporting their dissemination and use. This will include the development of two critical documents including:

○        Water Security Guide for Mercy Corps Corporate and Foundations Team (CFT) and Communications Team, and

○        Learning note or Guidance note on private sector engagement in WASH with an accompanying webinar. 

●        Promote learning and knowledge sharing among project teams and partners, documenting and disseminating best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches.

●        Facilitate spaces for reflection and adaptive management with program teams. Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the organization and among project teams.

●        Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team and the field to ensure that monitoring and evaluation is practical, reflects best practice, and is aligned with the new Water Security Theory of Change and the Organizational Outcome Measurement (OOM).

●        Take leadership in identifying and addressing program quality needs. Collaborate with field leaders to problem solve.

TECHNICAL INFLUENCE

As part of the technical influence pillar, the Senior Market-based Water Supply and Sanitation Services Advisor will actively participate in external technical working groups, collaborating with communities of practice, partnering with evidence and learning teams, raising donor awareness, and developing external learning products to showcase Mercy Corps' innovations and technical expertise.
 

●        Lead technical leadership efforts, including development of thought pieces and other knowledge products, and participate in sector activities and events;

●        Serve as lead on co-developing the Water Security Policy and Advocacy Strategy with the Climate Senior Policy Advisor;

●        Develop external learning products that highlight Mercy Corps innovations, advance cross-sectoral technical thinking and capitalize on collaboration across technical teams and country/regional offices;

●        Raise donor awareness and interest around cutting edge approaches where investments are needed to further improve the quality and impact of programming;

●        Facilitate opportunities for program team members and technical leaders across our global portfolio to participate in and present Mercy Corps’ work at public events, forums and conferences. This will include supporting the development of panel proposal submissions for World Water Week and the UNC Water & Health Conference;

●        Stay updated on emerging trends, research, and policy developments related to WASH and water security and integrate them into technical influence and advocacy efforts.

●        Ensure technical resources are accessible for local partners and civil society organizations.

Supervisory Responsibility

The position has supervisory responsibility over interns and/or volunteers.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Senior Director, Climate & Water Security

Works Directly With: Senior WASH and Water Security Advisors

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

●        Bachelor's degree in economics, business, environmental economics, environmental management, hydrology, environmental engineering, or a related field.

●        At least 5 years of progressive experience in WASH that includes:

• Designing, implementing, and/or evaluating water security and WASH programs and projects.
• Preparing writing and analysis for proposal development.
• Producing and publishing influential articles and blogs.
• Leading all aspects of large and complex proposals and managing integrated proposal teams.
• Demonstrating strong theoretical and applied knowledge of the field of expertise.
• Using integrated approaches and applying systems thinking.

●        Strong business development experience and track record with major donors, such as USAID, FCDO, EC, BHA, ECHO, among others.

●        In-depth understanding of global water security and WASH challenges and relevant global frameworks, policies, and guidelines related to WASH, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" (2018-2028), the UN Resolution on Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP), the Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS), the WASH in Health Care Facilities Global Baseline Report, UN-Water GLAAS, Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), and Sphere Standards for humanitarian response.

●        Strong technical knowledge and practical experience in at least two of the following areas of water security and WASH, including:

• Market-based water supply and sanitation service delivery
• Utility management and performance optimization
• Sanitation marketing and business services development
• Financial and economic analysis of water and sanitation services
• WASH policy, governance, and regulations
• Sustainable WASH financing
• Digital innovation in water and sanitation services

●        Practical field experience in diverse geographic settings, typically over the course of 2 years, that includes:

• A combination of successful temporary duration field assignments (under two weeks), longer-term field assignments (two or more weeks), and/or living in a field location for an extended period to work in a country or field office.

●        Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating WASH and water security programs and projects.

●        Understanding of social inclusion, gender equality, and environmental sustainability principles in water security programming.

●        Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.

●        Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

●        Master's degree in economics, business, hydrology, environmental engineering, or a related field.

●        Strong business development experience and track record with non-traditional donors, such as foundations or corporations.

●        Managing and implementing successful programs in the field.

●        Delivering capacity building curriculum or other processes for field teams

●        Working-level proficiency in French, Arabic, Spanish, or other relevant language.

●        Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, community groups, and private sector partners.

●        Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies.

Success Factors

The successful candidate with be able to demonstrate the ability to think strategically and translate ideas into practical actions. They will possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and across various organizational levels. The candidate will have a level of emotional intelligence that quickly builds and maintains productive relationships across teams. They will have a proven ability to influence donors, partners, and peer organizations toward innovative programs and best practices. They will be comfortable adapting and have resilience to working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
 

To be successful the candidate will be results-orientated with a commitment to delivering high quality work within established timelines. Moreover, they will have excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with a keen attention to detail and be able to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to the organization's mission and values. Lastly, they will have commitment to promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability in water security programming.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position has locations in Washington, D.C., OR Portland, Oregon; Bogota, Colombia; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and London/Edinburgh, UK. The position requires travel at least 30% time to the field where living conditions may be exceptionally rugged or in volatile environments where security protocols will need to be strictly followed. Team members must be ready to deploy to field environments on short notice in response to any emergency or crisis. When in the field the team member must able to work in remote settings, over weekends and/or evening as required by the schedule, and in settings with limited infrastructure, food options, and living conditions.
 

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.