Job: Millennium Water Alliance Program Manager - DC, USA

SuSanA; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Millennium Water Alliance in Washington, DC seeks a Program Director to lead the Program and Advocacy Team, oversee the DC office, and ensure alignment with the Strategic Plan and national WASH strategies. This full‑time, permanent role emphasizes program coordination, staff leadership, quality assurance, advocacy integration, and external relations.

The position requires extensive field experience in humanitarian relief or development with WASH focus, a Master’s degree, and strong

Qualifications

• 15+ years of field experience in humanitarian relief or development with focus on WASH in Africa/Latin America.
• Master's degree or higher.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and staff management.
• Proven donor engagement, grant writing, and budgeting experience.
• Fluent English; Spanish desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead program and advocacy team and coordinate with the Executive Director.
• Oversee Washington office operations and align with strategic plan.
• Ensure program quality, MEL, and knowledge management standards.
• Develop and submit proposals, concept papers, and RFAs/RFPs.
• Represent MWA at external events and build linkages with USAID, foundations, and governments.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Strategic thinking

Communication

Donor relations

Proposal writing

Project management

Education

Master's degree or higher in related field

Job description

Position

Program Director, Millennium Water Alliance (MWA). Washington, District of Columbia, United States.

Full‑time, permanent position. Salary competitive, based on qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director and acting as Deputy Executive Director in their absence, the Program Director leads the Program and Advocacy Team, oversees MWA’s Washington office, and ensures alignment with the MWA Strategic Plan and national WASH strategies. The role focuses on program coordination, staff leadership, quality assurance, advocacy integration, and external relations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Executive Duties (10%) – Work closely with the Executive Director on strategic programmatic planning, policies, and program responsibilities; provide high‑level program support to ensure alignment with the Strategic Plan; attend and prepare materials for program Committee, Executive Committee, and Board meetings; act as Head of Office in the Executive Director’s absence.
• Supervision (20%) – Supervise, lead, guide, and support the Program and Advocacy team; write/revise job descriptions; conduct interviews, orient, train, and coach staff; recommend and/or initiate personnel actions, including merit increases, promotions, transfers, terminations, and performance improvement plans; complete performance management activities.
• Program Quality, MEL and Knowledge Management (15%) – Identify and design critical support systems, such as knowledge sharing and management information systems; support national programs to ensure standards for program quality, monitoring, evaluation, and learning; analyze successes and challenges; maintain up‑to‑date sector knowledge; develop case studies, research, and publications; participate in research study design and data analysis; develop communications products to leverage evidence for advocacy.
• Program Development (40%) – Partner with the Executive Director to identify, cultivate, and develop new business opportunities; develop and submit proposals, concept papers, and expressions of interest to donors; monitor funding opportunities from bilateral and multilateral donors and foundations; lead proposal writing and respond to RFAs/RFPs.
• Representation and Linkages (15%) – Represent MWA at Board meetings and external conferences; establish and maintain productive linkages with USAID, foundations, donors, NGOs, and national governments; participate in policy change efforts and WASH US and Global networks.

Qualifications and Demonstrated Abilities

• Minimum 15 years of field experience in humanitarian relief or development programs focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Africa and Latin America, with at least ten years demonstrating leadership in similar positions.
• Master’s Degree or higher in a related field.
• Commitment to partnership values and approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational relationship skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and system thinking abilities.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines under pressure.
• Proven knowledge of donor practices and the program proposal process.
• Experience conducting program assessments, writing proposals, and developing budgets.
• Current knowledge of water and sanitation sector issues and trends.
• Proficiency in RFP/RFA strategy and deadline management.
• Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills.
• Experience coordinating and leading teams of expatriates and local staff.
• Fluent written and spoken English required. Spanish desired.
• Must be a legal resident of the United States.

Additional Information

Some international travel will be required, primarily to Ethiopia, Kenya, and countries in Latin America.

MWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/affirmative action employer committed to diversity in the workplace.