Job
Program Manager

Print

Organization Name: Abundant Water
Location: Vientiane, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
Apply email: Not Specified
Start Date: 25 Sep 2022, 05:19 am
Closing Date: 22 Oct 2022, 12:00 am

About Abundant Water

Abundant Water (AW) is an Australian NGO and social enterprise delivering health and hygiene benefits by using the power of social business to design and develop sustainable and scalable clean drinking water projects. We empower individuals and communities to secure their own sustainable access to safe water. Working in remote rural areas in Laos, Timor-Leste, and soon the Philippines, we train local potters and vendors to launch scalable micro-businesses as part of our social business model, ensuring their communities have a supply of clean water into the future.

AW was founded in 2008 by Sunny Forsyth, who when working as an Australian Government Youth Ambassador in Laos, witnessed first-hand the lack of safe drinking water in rural communities. Working with the Australian National University he developed innovative low-cost clay-pottery filters that remove over 95% of the pathogens in water. Our simple water filters are made using traditional techniques, from locally sourced organic materials. They have the ability to eliminate water-borne illnesses such as dysentery, gastro-enteritis, cholera, and typhoid that are endemic to many rural villages. To learn more about AW visit www.abundantwater.org

About the Role

The Lao PDR Program Manager (PM) will be responsible for AW’s organisational direction and outcomes in Lao PDR. The PM reports directly to the AW CEO and Board of Directors. Key competencies required are on-ground management skills with a willingness to engage in a practical hands-on approach to problem solving, strategic direction, monitoring and evaluation, an understanding of both WASH and Social Business, and budget oversight.

This is a full-time position with a preferred commitment of at least 2 years. The core responsibilities will be in line with achieving AW's current 3-year plan, including: coordination of the filter-making workshop, managing AW's local staff, financial accounting, developing partnerships and opportunities with both local and international NGOs, and improving the AW water filter technology, social business, and WASH program through monitoring and evaluation as well as research and development. The PM will also have an opportunity to work in collaboration with the board to develop and implement the next 3-year plan.

You will represent AW at external meetings with potential funders or influencers, and work alongside staff at events and receptions. This role will encompass duties that are both managerial and practical in nature.

This position is ideal for someone who would like to expand their skill set in the international development sector. As this is a small organisation with a start-up atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of running an international humanitarian NGO. While there is an element of administrative work, the position will very much be "hands-on", working directly with the local staff and our partners on the ground as you strive towards our goal of increasing access to clean drinking water in remote villages in Lao PDR.

Key responsibilities:

? Manage the AW programs and assets in Lao PDR
? Manage the AW staff in Lao PDR, including their welfare, and their recruitment.
? Manage the AW finances and accounts in Laos PDR.
? Implement feedback regarding technology development, filter installation and monitoring and evaluation to the field.
? Manage AW partnerships in Laos PDR to develop new opportunities of mutual benefit and manage relationships with AW donors to develop new opportunities of mutual benefit.
? Develop new projects and partnerships to enable AW to realise its strategic plan and report to the AW Board in Australia regarding organisational and operational matters in Lao PDR.
? Develop fund-raising opportunities in the Lao PDR.
? Manage interns, including through mentorship, professional development, conducting monitoring, assessment and evaluation on project progress, and providing feedback and suggestions on modification and change.
? Other duties as required.

Skills and Requirements

? Fluency in the English language.
? Able to work with time constraints and manage a range of managerial duties including finance, donor reporting, budgeting, communications, recruiting, strategic planning, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
? Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with international donors and organisations.
? Ability to work in a cross-cultural setting and a willingness to work both independently and in teams.
? Eager to work with rural communities and schools to develop WASH knowledge and business skills.
? Experience in Program Management, International Development, Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH).

Required qualifications

? Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, Social Science, Administration, Business, Program Management, or similar.
? Work experience in non-governmental sector, rural development, government, business, or community development.
? Proven communications skills in English (ability to write donor reports and funding grants is essential).


Starting Salary

Starting salary is $1500 (USD) per month, with a review after the first 12 months.

Location

Vientiane, Laos.

Contract Period

3 years, with a performance review after 6 and 12 months.

Applications close

22 October 2022

How to Apply

Complete the Google Form Application found here: https://forms.gle/fGXmN62CzVuk3Fs89

You will need to provide a copy of your current CV and cover letter (no longer than 3 pages).

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact us at opportunities@abundantwater.org

Job Email id: opportunities(at)abundantwater.org