Head of Programmes (HoP)

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to lead WaterAid’s programme delivery to contribute to universal, inclusive and sustainable WASH in Pakistan. The post holder will design and deliver quality, impactful, inclusive and innovative water, sanitation and hygiene programmes at scale, which are aligned with WaterAid’s strategy and the Pakistani context. S/he will achieve this through an evidence based programmatic approach that combines delivery of services, capacity building and influencing; incorporating system strengthening and gender transformation; and in collaborative partnerships with a range of stakeholders in the public and private spheres, including civil society organizations, the Government of Pakistan (at different levels) and the private sector.

Reporting Line:

The position lies in the category of Pakistan Country Programme (National Staff). The individual holding the position of Head of Programmes will report directly to the Country Director, WaterAid Pakistan.

1.    Support the Country Director in programme development and strategy implementation

• Design and lead programs in line with the country strategy to ensure maximum impact and effectiveness and transformational change at scale.
• Be an active member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and contribute to strategic direction setting, organizational decision-making, effective management and a culture of openness, innovation and accountability.
• Represent WaterAid as a thought leader, as delegated by the CD in relevant national CSO, donor, and government forums related to WASH, to influence the thinking and practice of other stakeholders for the achievement of inclusive and sustainable WASH and build WaterAid’s reputation as a sector leader.
• Respond to new funding opportunities by developing innovative and context-specific ideas and concepts based on WaterAid learning and Lead the development of proposals/budgets.

2.    Programme delivery and quality assurance

• Develop operational plans and budgets for the implementation of programmatic activities in consultation with the relevant teams; and deliver the programme results as per the agreed timeline, quality and budgets.        
• Initiate challenging and innovative programmes based on a compelling, contextualized theory of change and ensure that learning is applied for improved programme effectiveness and external influencing.
• Ensure the development of quality reports, as per internal and external requirements and timelines.
• Lead the integration of strategic themes, cross cutting issues, and implementation of global programme frameworks, policies, and standards throughout the organization, and ensure that all programmes (at state or regional levels) are aligned with these.
• Follow WaterAid’s financial guidelines, ensuring value for money, and acting as appropriate within the delegated authority. 
• Ensure that any contractual requirements related to restricted income are fully implemented to by all involved, effectively monitored and evaluated, and that appropriate plans for meeting them are made       
• Ensure the incorporation of gender and inclusion through the implementation of WaterAid’s Equity, Inclusion and Rights (EIR) Framework.

3.  Sector engagement and networking 

• Remain abreast of the global, regional and national situation, processes, policies and plans related to WASH, Climate Change, SDGs, Development Theory and Practice etc. ·      
• As delegated by the Country Director, represent WaterAid in relationships with senior decision-makers to persuasively advocate for WaterAid’s change agenda. ·      
• Develop and strengthen effective partnerships, networks, and alliances with sector stakeholders (especially the UN), government counterparts, research institutes and think tanks, private sector and NGOs involved in water, sanitation and hygiene related initiatives to foster mutual learning and to identify innovations that would increase the impact, efficiency and effectiveness of sector performance.
• Encourage and actively promote cross sectoral linkages, especially with climate change, health, education, disaster mitigation, so that WASH is mainstreamed in these sectors and strong links are established with other sectors. ·      
• Contribute to regional and global programmes, by shaping the regional and global influencing agenda as well as participating in regional and global initiatives and processes.

4.    Team Leadership and Performance Management:

• Lead, manage, motivate, and develop team members to maximise their contribution to the team, organization, and for their own professional development.
• Manage the performance and development of staff to create and maintain an effective and motivated team.
• Support the Country Director in maintaining a gender-sensitive, inclusive and conducive work and office environment. 

Education: Essential Desirable

• Master’s degree in public health, WASH, Climate Change, social sciences, public policy or development economics or any other relevant field from a recognized university.
• Post graduate degree in relevant subject e.g., Public Health, development studies

Experience:

At least 10 years of senior management experience in a similar organizational/functional context.

Key Competencies:

• Proven experience in programme delivery and adherence to agreed timelines, budgets and quality criteria.
• Proven experience in delivering programmes that achieve transformational change through the integration of learning and advocacy.
• Proven ability to innovate and develop a successful change agenda for external influencing purposes.
• Proven experience in developing diverse donors’ successful funding proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships and alliances for influencing government policy and programme delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of issues of gender and inclusion in the Pakistani context and proven experience of using inclusion/transformation frameworks or approaches.
• In-depth understanding of the WASH sector in Pakistan, key sector stakeholders and critical blockages.
• Understanding of rights-based approaches to development and how they might apply to the WASH sector in Pakistan.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Pakistan, with some overseas travel as well.
• Team player and ability to work across geographies.