Associate Director – Investment Development

About Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA)

The Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA) is a non-profit subsidiary of WaterAid, launched in 2021 by the former Prince of Wales (now King Charles III). RWA operates as an independently managed entity within the WaterAid group, focusing on catalyzing capital and transforming investment landscapes to scale financing solutions for water security and climate resilience. RWA’s mission centres on creating a future where water security and climate resilience enable people, nature, and economies to thrive. The organization functions as both a market shaper and deal driver, working to mobilize public and private finance for water-related investments and climate adaptation initiatives. RWA operates with specialist teams and partners across multiple regions including Nigeria (Lagos), Bangladesh, Morocco, Brazil, and South Africa. As part of the WaterAid group, RWA is committed to ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene. The organization combines technical expertise in finance and water security with a deep commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience. RWA works with a range of stakeholders including multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, private investors, and local partners to structure and implement innovative financing mechanisms that address water challenges across different contexts and sectors.

About this Role

As the Associate Director for Investment Development at the Resilient Water Accelerator, you will play a crucial role in designing, structuring, and scaling blended and private/commercial finance solutions for water and water-related investments. This position encompasses water for cities, water for industries, and water for nature, requiring close collaboration with the CEO, Chief Investment Officer, in-country teams, investors, development finance institutions, and programme partners to drive sustainable change across RWA’s portfolio. This is a 2-year fixed-term contract with potential renewal, offered on a full-time basis working 35 hours per week. The role is based in London with a hybrid working arrangement where approximately 40% of working time is spent face-to-face, either in the London office, at external meetings, or travelling to partner locations. The remaining 60% of time can be worked flexibly at your preferred location.

Responsibilities

• Support the structuring of commercially viable investments in water-saving technologies and process improvements for the textiles wet-processing industry in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and scale this work to other garment clusters, countries, and industries.
• Lead the provision of advisory services supporting the evaluation, negotiation, and implementation of mini and mega PPP/concession investments in water supply and sanitation in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Originate, structure, and develop opportunities for private investment in water supply and sanitation across RWA’s target expansion markets.
• Work with consortium partners in the FCDO-funded Just Transitions for Water Security (JTWS) programme to mobilize public and private finance for climate resilience interventions outlined in National Adaptation Plans and other partner engagements.
• Support the scaling of finance mobilization under the Water Forward initiative launched by the World Bank Group and eight partner multilateral development banks addressing Water for People, Water for Food, and Water for the Planet.
• Lead the conceptualization and scaling of innovative financing instruments including blue and nature-linked outcomes-based bonds, blended finance facilities, and guarantees.
• Develop newly structured services such as Wastewater as a Service, leasing models, and vendor financing.

Requirements

• A graduate degree in economics, business administration, finance, engineering, or a related field, or a first degree in one of these fields combined with specialized experience in project development or within a financial institution.
• At least 10 years of professional experience, including substantial transactional experience gained with a developer, within a financial institution, or in transaction advisory.
• At least five years of experience in the financing of private sector infrastructure (project finance, PPPs) and/or the financing of corporate water stewardship investments.
• Ability to investigate complex problems and propose innovative financing solutions, adapting structures thoughtfully to a wide range of country contexts.
• Experience leading teams and managing consultants, developing collaborative relationships and mentoring others with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong presentation skills across audiences ranging from funders to in-country partners.
• Self-starter who manages projects and deliverables to a high standard, working to deadlines and under frequently changing circumstances.
• Ability to demonstrate eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
• Must be able to pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as required for UK-based roles.

Benefits

• 36 days’ holiday annually (including 8 bank holidays).
• Option to buy an additional 5 days of annual leave.
• Employer pension contribution up to 10%.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Season ticket loan.
• Free annual eye tests.
• Give as You Earn charitable giving scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental, and paternity).
• Sabbaticals.
• One paid volunteer day each year.
• Three additional days of annual leave designated for UK office closure between Christmas and New Year.