Contract: Permanent, Full-TimeLocations: London (UK), Abuja (Nigeria), or Kigali (Rwanda) – subject to right to work eligibility Salary: UK: £68,000 – £74,000 per year Nigeria: NGN 64,968,462 – NGN 90,955,847 per year Rwanda: RWF 73,661,730 – RWF 89,738,798 per year Hybrid working applies in the UK, with a minimum of 40% of time spent in person. About WaterAid WaterAid is a global federation working toward a single vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030. Guided by its values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity, and Innovation, the organisation partners with communities, governments, and supporters to deliver sustainable and inclusive WASH solutions. Operating across Africa and Asia, WaterAid focuses on systemic change—strengthening institutions, influencing policy, and ensuring long-term access to safe water, decent toilets, and good hygiene. About the Programme Operations Team The Programme Operations team sits within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), supporting operations in 17 countries. The team includes specialists in: Planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER) Project design and management Programme systems and operational oversight Working closely with regional and country leadership teams, the function provides technical oversight, strengthens systems, manages risk, and ensures compliance with donor and organisational standards. The team drives operational excellence and performance assurance across all programmes. Role Overview The Head of Programme Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for WaterAid’s international programme operations framework. The role ensures that systems, processes, and governance mechanisms effectively support high-quality programme delivery across multiple countries. The position combines business management oversight, risk and compliance leadership, systems strengthening, and organisational capacity development. It also serves as a senior troubleshooting and advisory function for complex operational challenges. The role works closely with Programme Funding colleagues to ensure operational readiness for new grants, smooth start-up processes, and compliant close-out procedures. Key Responsibilities Programme Operations Leadership Lead the development and continuous improvement of international programme operations frameworks. Provide strategic oversight of operational systems and business management processes. Ensure operational excellence across multi-country programmes. Business Management and Financial Oversight Oversee IPD business management processes. Support financial planning, forecasting, and performance reporting. Strengthen integration between operational and financial systems. Risk, Compliance and Assurance Act as delegated focal point for operational risk management. Lead operational assurance processes across programmes. Strengthen compliance with donor regulations and internal governance requirements. Provide senior-level troubleshooting for complex operational challenges. Systems and Performance Improve systems that support planning, monitoring, and reporting. Promote high-quality data use and performance tracking across country programmes. Ensure grant management processes are robust and effective. Capacity Strengthening and Collaboration Support regional and country teams in strengthening operational capacity. Lead, manage, and motivate team members within a matrix structure. Foster collaboration across diverse teams and cultural contexts. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is an experienced international development professional with strong operational leadership skills and a systems-oriented mindset. Essential Experience and Skills Proven experience overseeing large-scale international programme operations within INGOs or the development sector. Strong knowledge of operational systems, including finance, procurement, logistics, and compliance in multi-country environments. Demonstrated expertise in donor compliance and grant management processes. Experience leading and motivating teams while driving organisational change. Ability to operate effectively within complex matrix structures. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills. Advanced IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and programme data systems. Leadership style aligned with WaterAid’s core values. Desirable Qualifications Experience in WASH, public health, or community development sectors. Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funding portfolios. Relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with WaterAid UK’s operating model and countries of operation. Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities WaterAid is committed to safeguarding and maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, discrimination, harassment, or exploitation. All employment offers are subject to appropriate screening checks, including DBS checks for UK-based roles. The organisation welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. It is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all staff feel safe, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. Application Process Applicants must demonstrate eligibility to work in the chosen country location. Applications close at 12:00 PM UK time on 3 March 2026. Candidates are advised not to use artificial intelligence tools during the recruitment process, as WaterAid seeks authentic, experience-based applications. Together, through operational excellence and strong leadership, WaterAid continues its mission to create lasting change through safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the vacant post. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.