Program Development Officer

Position description

The fact that 1 in 10 people in the world today doesn’t have clean water is unacceptable, and we need you to help change that. WaterAid is the #1 international nonprofit exclusively focused on bringing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education (WASH) to the children and families who need it most. Our global WASH programs, led and maintained by the communities where we work, aren’t a quick fix. We strive for long-term access to WASH that truly transforms people’s lives. 

To support WaterAid’s global mission and programs, the Program Development Officer ensures WaterAid America delivers high-impact grants, awards and contracts to donors by supporting the entire award lifecycle, from program development to implementation to project close-out, and that funds are well accounted for and used in compliance with donor requirements. The Program Development Officer (PDO) is expected to be a collaborative problem-solver who can work autonomously, with high personal expectations and the ability to deliver on deadlines. The PDO must take ownership of their work but have the emotional intelligence to maintain an objective perspective on the demands of this role. 

The PDO is expected to exercise sound judgement and responsiveness to elevate or escalate concerns where needed. The PDO is also expected to work effectively with diverse cultures to get the best out of others and build relationships across WaterAid’s international network of offices and programs. As a trusted role responsible for safeguarding WaterAid’s assets, the PDO is expected to demonstrate honest and ethical practices and a commitment to the WaterAid Global Code of Conduct. 

Key to helping WaterAid America achieve new business development goals, the PDO supports the respective business development leads on the acquisition of new partners and grants, taking ownership over the day-to-day management of these grants and contracts once secured. The PDO ensures that donor requests are communicated to implementing staff, well managed, and that partners receive the highest quality stewardship. While the PDO’s focus is primarily on restricted grants, the PDO also supports other areas of donor stewardship. 

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Identify and research prospective funding sources and support fundraisers in donor cultivation processes 
• Prepare donor materials including presentations, proposals, reports, workplans and budgets within a variety of formats; and ensure internal sign-off as necessary 
• Manage timelines and deliverables for donors including programmatic, communications and other reporting requirements 
• Ensure best practices in project implementation and compliance with donor requirements 
• Keep relevant stakeholders informed, provide updates and, as necessary, escalate risks and issues potentially affecting project delivery and/or donor relations 
• Monitor program activities and financials to track implementation and expenditures 
• Manage newly secured partnerships, create stewardship and growth plans for the projects and donors they manage 
• Support the administration of grants in Raiser’s Edge and other internal systems 
• Liaise and meet with donor contacts as needed and support relationship building opportunities and initiatives 
• Facilitate start-up workshops; provide logistical support for program-related events including donor field visits 
• Contribute to the promotion of learning and documentation of experience and good practices within the organization 

Skills and experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of 3 years’ hands-on experience in program, grant, or contract management 
• Demonstrated success managing grants from foundation, institutional, corporate and/or USAID 
• Proficiency in either Spanish or French 
• Ability to set short- and long-term objectives that support organizational goals
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills and cross-cultural sensitivity: ability to interface with external constituents from a variety of backgrounds 
• Strong budgeting, analytical skills with sharp attention to detail and superb organizational skills 
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting to stakeholders (PowerPoint, Prezi) 
• Positive and flexible approach to working in a busy, open office and demonstrated willingness to support individuals at all levels 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (with varied work hours), including some evening and weekend commitments 
• Creative problem-solving skills, ability to manage and execute multiple tasks, resilience and adaptability 
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality in working with donor data 
• Professional demeanor in communicating on behalf of and representing WaterAid 
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 

Desired skills and experience: 

• Graduate-level degree, preferably in relevant field of study (international relations or development), or equivalent work experience preferred 
• Demonstrated expertise and/or professional experience within the respective geographic area(s) in which WaterAid operates 
• Experience working internationally and/or the international development sector 
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations. 

WaterAid celebrates, supports, and thrives on diversity and difference for the benefit of our employees, our mission, and the communities we serve.  WaterAid is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.   

We value diverse experiences and will also consider qualified applications from those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system in accordance with the NYC Commission on Human Rights’ Guidance on the Fair Chance Act.

WaterAid is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of all individuals, including the people in communities in which we work, staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners. Any form of abuse is not tolerated.    

Benefits 

WaterAid offers a generous vacation and benefits package available to its full-time employees:  

• Health (medical) insurance (WAA offers several options, ranging from 70-100% employer-paid for you and your dependents), dental & vision insurance (100% employer-paid for you and your dependents), and pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for childcare, medical and commuter expenses     
• Participation in WaterAid’s 403(b) deferred contribution plan (with personal contributions matched after 1 year of service, up to 5% of gross annual salary).     
• Paid time off (PTO) including: 13 public holidays + a ‘floating’ holiday to be used at your discretion; 120 hours of PTO (with new and increased hours awarded annually), and 3 paid days for volunteering.   
• Employee Assistance Program including Health Advocate, OneMedical, TalkSpace, and other services 

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net