Opportunity type: Job opportunity
Organisation: Water Witness
Location: Edinburgh, UK preferred (although flexible working arrangements may be considered)
Deadline: 12 noon 19th August 2024
Salary: £34,073.70 – £39,601.60 (plus benefits including 8% employer pension contribution)

Background
Water Witness is a leading force in the struggle for global water and climate justice. From their Headquarters in Edinburgh, they drive action, research, and advocacy for a future where all people can access the water they need to thrive, and are protected against floods, drought, pollution, ecosystem degradation and water conflict. They stand with those at the sharp end of the water crisis to shine a light on its impacts, understand its root causes and to trigger action. They work with inspirational local partners to demand social justice and to unlock system change so that the world’s most precious resource is managed sustainably, equitably and in ways which build resilience to climate change.

Over the past 15 years their team have been at the frontline, working to improve water security for millions of vulnerable people, reform and implement policy and law, build new approaches, nurture communities of practice, and hold governments and corporations to account. Their hands-on field expertise is backed up by cutting-edge research and analysis, and this provides the knowledge and credibility needed to accelerate delivery of the water-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Their 2030 Strategy builds on this track record and sets out five imperatives for change which will unlock improved water resource governance and shared water security:
1. Accountable governance: to implement effective and equitable water policy and law.
2. Progressive financing: to unlock funding and financial incentives for water security.
3. Redefining corporate responsibility: to transform private sector behaviour on water.
4. Confronting climate chaos: to prevent catastrophic water shocks and build resilience.
5. Activating people power: to trigger political, social and economic change for water
security.

Their strategy is working. By sharing compelling evidence and helping communities to raise their voices, they are changing the way that governments, business, and banks think and act on water. Having secured significant new investment from a range of donors they are now seeking exceptional individuals with the skills, experience and vision needed to guide the next phase of delivery and impact.

Job Summary and Purpose
Over the past 15 years Water Witness, striving for water justice, has carved out a key role in holding governments, business, and investors to account for sustainable water management. They are now seeking an international development practitioner, with a technical background in water and environmental management, to support their growing portfolio of work to secure lasting water security and justice for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. They are looking for a dynamic individual who is has a solid technical understanding of the issues and is experienced in forming effective relationships with international partners, ensuring joint ownership. You will be responsible for ensuring their portfolio of international grants is strategically aligned, delivered to a high standard and results in real impact for greater water justice. Responding to the evolving support needs of partners, you will make sure that the evidence emerging from their work is used effectively to drive system change at scale. Regular extended periods of international travel will be required to support delivery and documentation of high-quality, complex programmes. You will coordinate monitoring and learning, and support programme planning, problem solving and reporting, ensuring delivery is not only on track but results in positive change for those most affected by the water crisis.
You will support the wider team and partners to develop powerful evidence-based stories and narratives to engage media, specific targeted groups, wider networks and new audiences. Important will be the ability to share learning, support capacity building and identify resource gaps. Skilled at thinking critically, you will be able to influence others and able to work in a flexible, collaborative manner.

Duties and responsibilities
The International Programme Officer will report to the Global Operations Director and will work closely with personnel and partners in different countries where WW supports development programmes, to ensure the work they support is aligned with WW’s strategy, and that the delivery of this work has impact, is on track and is in line with donor agreements and budgets. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Programme coordination, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning Support organisational and programme planning, ensuring alignment with agreed delivery targets, outputs and outcomes.
•  Support partners to ensure MEAL systems are effective in tracking, supporting and learning from delivery of workplans.
• Monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs, flagging any concerns to the line manager and UK Director of Corporate Services.
• Champion learning, supporting teams and partners to analyse, package and deliver learning internally and externally for advocacy and communications, focused on driving system change at scale.
• Proactively seize opportunities and troubleshoot problems that arise in the course of the work. Deliver proactive management interventions that keep work on track and maximise impact.
• Ensure social inclusion, where the needs of vulnerable people are clearly heard and acted upon, is at the heart of the work.
• Support effective communication across and with the UK team, and partners in other countries.

Technical delivery and quality assurance

• Provide technical advice and support partners with delivery, investigations and assessments.
• Identify or co-develop appropriate methods and guidance to support delivery of key tasks within the programmes.
• Liaise both diplomatically and effectively with stakeholders.
• Ensure quality documentation and record keeping.
• Support country teams to undertake desk studies and literature reviews and produce and issue background reports.
• Support organisational capacity building and training of partners, including compliance with internal policies and best practice.

Documentation, learning and advocacy

• Mentor and support teams to collate, analyse and synthesise knowledge generated.
• Mentor and support teams in documentation, including writing and reviewing high quality, timely reports programme reports that respond to donor requirements and illustrate impact.
• Develop, co-author and disseminate knowledge products, including case studies, training modules, and guidance materials in support of programmes, liaising with the Director of Public and Political Engagement.
• Support partners to develop powerful evidence-based stories and narratives to engage media, specific targeted groups, wider networks and new audiences, including press, multi-media and website content.
• Coordinate and support the effective use of Information and Communications Technology across teams.
• Identify opportunities to increase programme visibility and raise the organization’s profile by disseminating results within and beyond the development community and water sector, liaising with the Director of Public and Political Engagement.

Organisational development

• Represent Water Witness and the interests of its stakeholders at local and international meetings as required, and develop strategic relationships with partners.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the organisation including through supporting the development or support of funding proposals, bids and efficient back office support and management.
• Provide advice, support to the Director, Senior Leadership Team, team, partners and the Board of Trustees.
• Help secure and deliver consulting and other work assignments globally as required.

For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Water Witness website.