About Water Compass
Water Compass is a Ugandan-American non-governmental organization with the mission to prevent disease through the provision of clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene promotion. At the core of the organization is a commitment to sustainability. Our model for rural water supply embodies this commitment through the construction, operation, and maintenance of solar-powered piped water systems that are financially, environmentally, and socially sustainable.
About the Role
The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for Water Compass. S/he will lead Water Compassโ programs and staff in Uganda and seek to grow and develop the organizationโs portfolio of water systems and their impact. The Executive Director will report to the Uganda Board of Directors and serves as the first point of contact for all relations with the US office.
The Executive Director will proactively seek new funding opportunities and partnerships, and strengthen the position of the organization by influencing and engaging with governments, donors, the private sector, civil society organizations and communities. S/he will also play a pivotal role in further developing the approach and systems for Water Compassโ institutional growth.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Management:
- Drive the organizationโs ambitious strategy to reach 30 solar-powered water systems in operation by the end of 2027.
- Lead and grow the Water Compass Uganda team, ensuring an impact-driven and high performing organizational culture.
- Maintain a clear focus on the quality of construction of solar-powered water systems and service provision to households and communities.
- Establish and maintain effective monitoring and evaluation systems and tools to track and evaluate progress, as well as a research and learning plan to assess and document proof of program impact.
- Ensure regular risk analysis and management for the organization to ensure sustainable operations and resilience to change.
- Work closely with the Water Compass Uganda Board to assess and address key issues affecting the organization mainly in the areas of finance, HR, programs, and overall governance.
- Oversee the daily operations of the organization, providing executive direction for program strategies and efficiencies, compliance and quality assurance.
Strategic planning and fundraising
- Track and assess progress against the set goals and objectives of the 5-Year Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Board and revise accordingly
- Further develop the strategies and systems to improve and grow the organizationโs operations in the country and increase efficiencies.
- Support a culture of innovation and pilot approaches continuously looking for new and more efficient ways to serve water stressed areas.
- Proactively seek partnerships and fundraising opportunities locally, regionally and globally.
- Collaborate with a grant writing team to identify potential donors and develop project proposals.
Finance and Administration
- In coordination with the Finance team, oversee financial health and cash flow on a monthly basis and identify necessary actions in a timely manner.
- Maintain the highest standards for financial practices, transparency and reporting.
- Ensure Water Compassโ compliance with all Ugandan legal requirements for financial transactions, employment, registration, governance, operations and government oversight.
- Build a positive work environment that supports staff members and builds their capacity.
Visibility, Representation and Reporting
- Lead the communications strategy of the organization to inform current and future stakeholders of the organizations activities and impact.
- Grow and strengthen Water Compassโ network of stakeholders and partners in governments, private sector, and civil society.
- Represent and promote Water Compass at relevant meetings, forums, workshops and conferences.
- Provide Water Compass Uganda and US Boards with monthly, quarterly and annual reports on program, operations, finance and other reports in compliance with donor requirements and the Uganda government legislations.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Uganda national
- Masterโs degree in Water Resources Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, International Development, Social Work & Social Administration, Public Health or similar.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a management position with an international NGO or the private sector.
- Strong knowledge of the issues and trends in the rural water supply sector in Uganda.
- Proven track record with program design and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
- Experience with budget development and management as well as financial analysis.
- Experience interacting with donors and government officials.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated experience with human resource management.
- Ability to think critically and strategically.
- A dedication to innovation and a willingness to try new ideas and technology.
- A commitment to sustainability and Water Compassโ model.
Desired:
- Knowledge of solar-powered water systems design, construction and maintenance.
- Familiarity with mWater data management platform.
- Fluency in Luganda and/or Ruyankitara.
- A valid driverโs license.