At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to provide clean water and sanitation solutions globally.
- Company: Join WaterAid, a global leader in WASH development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a diverse team across 17 countries with great career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by driving sustainable change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in WASH development and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 € per year.
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: The role can be based in London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries. UK hybrid working - a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.
Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.
Change starts with water. Change starts with you. Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that - for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people's potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid: We're a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team: The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK's International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world's poorest and most marginalised people.
About the role: As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department's SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.
In this role, you will:
- Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK's programmes
- Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
- Lead programme learning and knowledge management
- Oversee programme support and capacity development
- Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
- Champion WaterAid's commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Requirements: To be successful, you will need:
- Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
- Strong technical WASH skills - e.g. sustainable rural and/or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH
- Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
- Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
- Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
- Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
- Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement
- A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change
Although not essential, we'd prefer you to have:
- Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
- Experience leading or managing applied research
- Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on December 21st 2025. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.
Pre-employment screening: To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid's Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits: As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country's context and policies.
Our Global Commitment: Our people promise: We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose - where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding: We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we'll change the world through water. Join us and be part of the change!
Programme Support & Knowledge Director in London employer: WaterAid
WaterAid is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact in the global WASH sector. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, team members can thrive while contributing to our mission of ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. Join us in a diverse environment where your skills will help unlock potential and create a fairer future for communities worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Support & Knowledge Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to WaterAid. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WaterAid's mission and values. Understand their work in WASH development and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Programme Support & Knowledge Director role. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more about you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WaterAid team and making a difference in the world.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Support & Knowledge Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Support & Knowledge Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in WASH development and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for WASH and how you can contribute to our goals at WaterAid. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities.
Be Authentic:We value your unique perspective, so be yourself in your application. Avoid using AI technology; we want to hear your genuine voice and experiences. Show us what makes you the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Know Your WASH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) development. Be ready to discuss your extensive experience in this field, especially in sustainable service delivery and climate-resilient practices. Show them you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Programme Support & Knowledge Director, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've led high-performing teams and driven impactful initiatives in large organisations. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage diverse groups, as well as your experience in capacity development.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your systems-thinking capability and how it supports transformational WASH programming. Think about specific instances where your strategic insights have led to successful outcomes. This will show that you can think critically and plan effectively.
✨Engage with Their Values
WaterAid values equity, inclusion, and safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with these principles and be prepared to discuss how you’ve championed similar values in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you align with their mission and are committed to making a positive impact.
