Website WaterAid
WaterAid
Vacancy Announcement
Chair of the Steering Committee – End Water Poverty (EWP)
Position Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Chair of the Steering Committee |
| Organization | End Water Poverty (EWP) |
| Contract Type | Fixed-Term |
| Term | 2 Years (Renewable Once) |
| Time Commitment | Approximately 4–6 Hours per Month |
| Location | Remote / Global |
| Compensation | Volunteer Position (Unpaid) |
Change Starts with Water. Change Starts with You.
Every day, millions of people live without access to clean water, decent sanitation, and good hygiene. End Water Poverty (EWP) works to ensure that water and sanitation are recognized and realized as fundamental human rights for all.
About End Water Poverty (EWP)
End Water Poverty is a Southern-led global civil society coalition advocating for universal access to water and sanitation.
The coalition works to ensure water and sanitation services are:
- Accessible and affordable
- Safe and equitable
- Environmentally sustainable
- Climate-resilient
EWP brings together:
- More than 160 member organizations
- Across 90+ countries
- Including grassroots organizations, NGOs, regional networks, and trade unions
Together, members work to address systemic inequalities and advance water justice worldwide.
About the Role
EWP is seeking an experienced, visionary, and values-driven leader to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee.
The Chair will provide strategic governance leadership and help drive systemic change in advancing global water and sanitation justice.
The Chair Will:
- Provide strategic governance leadership.
- Ensure the effective functioning of the Steering Committee.
- Act as a visible ambassador for the coalition.
This is a non-executive governance role. Day-to-day operations are managed by the EWP Secretariat.
The Chair also plays a key role in:
- Fostering meaningful participation among diverse members.
- Strengthening political alignment across regions.
- Ensuring the coalition remains connected to grassroots realities.
- Advancing collective advocacy priorities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance Leadership
- Lead and oversee the effective functioning of the Steering Committee.
- Uphold EWP’s governance principles and accountability standards.
- Chair meetings and facilitate inclusive decision-making processes.
2. Strategic Direction
- Guide coalition priorities and long-term strategic direction.
- Promote alignment across member organizations and regions.
- Provide strategic guidance and support to the Secretariat.
3. Stewardship
- Support leadership selection and succession planning processes.
- Monitor implementation of the coalition’s strategic plan.
- Ensure accountability for agreed priorities and outcomes.
4. Advocacy & External Engagement
- Represent EWP at priority global events and forums.
- Champion coalition advocacy priorities and campaign positions.
- Serve as an external spokesperson when appropriate.
- Strengthen strategic alliances and political positioning.
- Support engagement around major global milestones, including the United Nations Water Conference 2026.
5. Ethical Leadership
- Promote transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance.
- Manage sensitive issues and stakeholder relationships constructively.
- Uphold safeguarding principles and ethical standards.
6. Collaboration with the Vice-Chair
- Work closely with the Vice-Chair.
- Share responsibilities where appropriate.
- Ensure continuity of leadership and governance.
Working Relationship with the Secretariat
The Chair will work closely with the EWP Secretariat by:
- Providing strategic guidance while respecting operational independence.
- Maintaining regular coordination with the Global Coordinator.
- Ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
- Supporting effective collaboration between governance and management functions.
Accountability
The Chair is accountable to:
- The Steering Committee
- The wider EWP membership (through the Steering Committee)
Performance Assessment
Performance will be reviewed by the Steering Committee or a designated subgroup against agreed governance criteria.
The Chair will have the opportunity to respond to any assessment findings.
Governance Structure
Steering Committee
Responsible for:
- Governance oversight
- Strategic direction
- Organizational decision-making
Secretariat
Responsible for:
- Operational management
- Program implementation
- Day-to-day coordination
Equity & Inclusion Commitment
EWP is committed to:
- Equity
- Inclusion
- Southern-led leadership
Strong preference will be given to candidates from the Global South.
Requirements
Core Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Governance and Board Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Communication and Influencing Skills
- Intercultural Sensitivity
- Integrity and Independence
Essential Experience
Water, Sanitation & Development
- Strong background in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) or related sectors.
- Experience in:
- Global advocacy
- Human rights
- International development
- Governance
Leadership & Governance
- Proven experience chairing boards, committees, or multi-stakeholder bodies.
- Ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue and consensus-building.
Strategic Capability
- Experience working within complex global or regional coalitions.
- Strong strategic judgment and decision-making skills.
Communication & Representation
- Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic abilities.
- Ability to represent diverse stakeholder interests effectively.
What the Chair Gains
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of global water and sanitation advocacy.
Global Visibility
- Represent a leading international coalition at major global events.
- Strengthen your profile as a global advocate for water and sanitation justice.
Drive Systemic Impact
- Influence advocacy efforts across more than 160 organizations operating in over 90 countries.
- Help transform strategic ideas into meaningful action.
Shape Global Narratives
- Engage with policymakers, donors, civil society leaders, and international institutions.
- Influence discussions on water rights and sustainable development.
Lead a Southern-Led Coalition
- Play a central role in shaping a globally recognized coalition during a critical period in international water governance.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
1. Statement of Motivation
- Maximum 400 words.
- Demonstrate how your experience meets the role requirements.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Highlight relevant governance, leadership, advocacy, and sector experience.
Application Deadline
📅 10 August 2026
🕛 12:00 PM (UK Time)
Interviews
Interviews are expected to take place during the last week of August 2026.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance
EWP and WaterAid strongly discourage the use of AI-generated content during the recruitment process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications that reflect their own:
- Experiences
- Perspectives
- Achievements
- Leadership journey
Pre-Employment Screening
Successful candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in their respective country.
Screening procedures may include:
- Reference checks
- Safeguarding checks
- Criminal record checks (where applicable)
- Counter-terrorism screening
- Other checks required under local laws and organizational policies
Equal Opportunities
EWP and WaterAid welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds regardless of:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Disability
- Age
- Religion
- Nationality
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Marital status
- Socioeconomic status
- Neurodiversity
- Health status
Safeguarding Commitment
WaterAid maintains a zero-tolerance approach to:
- Abuse of power
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Bullying
- Exploitation
- Any form of inappropriate conduct
Protecting communities, staff, volunteers, and partners remains a top organizational priority.
Join the Movement
Together, we can change the world through water.
Become part of a global movement advancing water and sanitation justice for everyone, everywhere.
How to Apply:
To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
To apply for this job please visit apply.workable.com.