IRC is currently recruiting, on behalf of Sanitation and Water for All, for a position that will be supporting the achievement of the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) global partnership’s Vision and Mission: Finance, Systems and Accountability Coordinator.
Context
IRC is selected by the Sanitation and Water for All partnership to host the above mentioned position to contribute to the work of the SWA Secretariat. Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership of over 400 partners, almost 90 of which are UN Member States. Other partners include donors, civil society organizations, private sector, research and learning organizations, utilities and regulators, UN agencies and other development partners working together to catalyze political leadership and action, improve accountability and use scarce resources more effectively.
The ultimate goal of the partnership is to achieve universal access to water supply and sanitation for all, always and everywhere.
The Secretariat of the partnership is responsible for coordinating partners in order to encourage ambitious action and mutual accountability, and to amplify common messaging to influence global and national decision makers.
Purpose
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the SWA Head of Policy, Accountability and Results, the Finance, Systems and Accountability Coordinator will support the SWA partnership in implementing the aspects of the Strategic Framework related to financing, systems strengthening and accountability. S/He will also be working with SWA partners at both national and international levels.
Travel
Some travel will be required to attend relevant meetings and conferences as decided by the Head of Policy, Accountability and Results, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the host organisation.
Expected (Measurable) results
The post holder will provide support to SWA Secretariat and partners in implementing the activities related to finance and accountability.
Specifically, the post holder will:
- Coordinate the integration of finance, systems and accountability into SWA’s high level political advocacy and convenings, including in relation to High Level Meetings, and the Heads of State Initiatives;
- Lead on SWA convenings of finance ministers, including preparation of concept notes, preparation of strategic agenda and identification of speakers;
- Actively work with SWA partners in order to develop joint messaging on finance, systems and accountability, and coordinate with partners in order for such messages to reach key advocacy targets;
- Manage the SWA Mutual Accountability Mechanism, including working with partners to support the submission of new, high quality commitments and reporting on existing commitments, preparing analytical briefs by theme and region, managing the database, and providing technical support to partners seeking to engage with the Mechanism;
- Engage in and follow global developments and initiatives related to financing, such as financing for development, and accountability, in order to identify strategic entry points for SWA to contribute to wider discussions, in particular in the lead up to 2030 and the post SDG era;
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships linked to financing and accountability, with a view to amplifying SWA’s work beyond the water and sanitation sector;
- Provide expert thematic advice to the Secretariat and SWA partners on finance, systems, accountability, good governance, transparency and integrity;
- Lead in the development or updating of SWA knowledge products focused on finance, systems and/or accountability, including the SDG costing tool, the Finance Ministers Handbook and the MAM Global Report, depending on the year;
- Integrate SWA’s work on systems, finance and accountability in appropriate political processes, suggesting ways for partners to ensure high-level political support for these areas and mobilising leaders to engage effectively;
- Participate in the development of annual workplans and planning processes in the areas of Financing and Accountability;
- Steer strategic discussions within and outside the partnership to influence water, sanitation and hygiene financing policies at national levels. Position SWA at the forefront of sector financing discussions;
- Work with the communications team to ensure visibility of SWA’s work on finance, systems and accountability;
- Serve as focal point to relevant SWA governance bodies, in particular task teams related to finance, systems and accountability.
Key Competences, technical background and experience required
This position requires at least 10 years of experience in the areas of finance, systems and accountability, water and sanitation, coordination, research, and strategic planning. Proven ability to coordinate diverse partners and work collaboratively is required.
Preferably, the candidate should have water and sanitation sector experience at global level and knowledge of key sector developments.
The candidate should also have understanding of global policy direction and discussions pertaining to finance, systems and accountability, and ability to identify strategic entry points for SWA advocacy at national and global levels.
Understanding of database management and analysis is desirable.
Details of the position
You will, initially, be offered a one-year contract, hosted by IRC, a salary depending on qualifications, and in line with the scales of the contracting IRC office.
IRC has a 40-hour work week; and all IRC offices provide a solid package of secondary benefits; providing leave days; compensation for commuting and communications costs; contribution towards pension etc.
Based on the physical location of the candidate, an employment contract will be provided either one of the IRC offices or an Employer of Record (if physically location of the candidate is in a country where IRC has no registered office)
The start date is aimed to be no later than 1st April 2025.
Candidates are kindly requested to respond with a motivation letter explaining their interest in the position and a concise curriculum vitae (the letter is a critical part of the application – unsupported CVs will be rejected) no later than 25th January 2025 to IRC, at recruitment@ircwash.org.
First interview round is scheduled for 31st January -3rd February 2025 and a second round in the week of 6th February. A written assignment might be part of the selection process.
For additional information please visit our website at www.ircwash.org or the SWA website at www.sanitationandwaterforall.org.
