Job Position – WASH & Governance Expert
Location: Panna/Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Organization Overview
Samarthan is a registered Public Charitable Trust working primarily in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh since 1996. Samarthan works as a strategic support organization with a vision to promote participatory governance. The organization strengthens civil society organizations, Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies, providing a supportive bridge between the voices of marginalized communities and governance institutions.
Position Overview
The WASH & Governance Expert will provide thematic, technical, and strategic leadership to strengthen water security, water quality, and participatory governance processes with a strong focus on women-led institutions and community ownership. The position will support planning, implementation, capacity building, documentation, and advocacy related to WASH and local governance systems at village, GP, block, district and state level.
The role involves extensive field engagement with communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), government stakeholders, women collectives, and youth groups.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
1. Technical Leadership – WASH
• Provide technical guidance on drinking water security, water quality, and community-managed water systems.
• Support assessment of water sources, institutions, and mechanisms related to water security planning with women in leadership roles.
• Guide the implementation of Field-Testing Kits (FTK) for drinking water quality monitoring.
• Support development and implementation of GP-level Water Security Plans aligned with Jal Jeevan Mission guidelines.
• Strengthen understanding of O&M of piped water supply schemes at community and GP levels.
2. Governance & Community Institutions
• Strengthen Gram Panchayats, water user committees, and village-level institutions.
• Promote active participation in Gram Sabha, standing committees, and other local governance forums.
• Support formation and strengthening of women- and youth-led community cadres for water governance and social mobilization.
• Facilitate social audits, citizen score cards, and participatory monitoring on water-related issues.
3. Capacity Building & Training
• Design and conduct trainings for women, youth, GP representatives, and block/district officials on WASH and governance issues.
• Build capacities of community-level water technocrats (women/youth) to support planning, implementation, and monitoring of drinking water schemes.
• Provide continuous handholding support to field teams and community institutions.
4. Stakeholder Engagement & Liaison
• Liaise with Panchayats, PHED, government officials, and other stakeholders for convergence and programme effectiveness.
• Support coordination with line departments to strengthen Jal Jeevan Mission implementation through community engagement.
• Participate in district and state-level consultations, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
5. Programme Implementation & Support
• Support district teams in ensuring quality implementation of WASH and governance interventions as per approved plans.
• Provide thematic inputs during planning, review meetings, and field monitoring visits.
• Identify challenges and recommend context-specific solutions in consultation with programme leadership.
6. Documentation, Learning & Reporting
• Document field experiences, case studies, best practices, and learning notes related to women-led water governance.
• Contribute to preparation of programme reports, thematic briefs, and donor reports as per timelines.
• Support MIS updates and ensure quality data related to WASH and governance indicators.
• Contribute to organizational visibility through content for reports, social media, and knowledge platforms.
Qualifications & Experience
• Post-Graduation / Graduation in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Engineering (Civil/Environmental), Rural
Development, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the development sector, with at least 2–3 years of focused experience in WASH and governance.
• Strong understanding of Jal Jeevan Mission, PRI systems, water security planning, and community-led approaches.
• Experience of working with women collectives, youth groups, and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Good facilitation, communication, and documentation skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office; ability to type and communicate in Hindi is essential.
• Prior experience of working in Madhya Pradesh districts is desirable.
Remuneration
Samarthan offers renewable contractual employment. Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and role responsibilities within the development sector. The Cost to Organization (CTO) will be decided based on experience and suitability.
SAMARTHAN is an equal opportunity organization and women candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates may send their CVs to hr@Samarthan.org with “Programme Facilitator” as the subject line