Vacancy Announcement: Reference No. HR/VA/1/May/26
Date of VA – 1/May/26
Water For People
India Trust Office
TOR- 01/05/2026
Title Role: Program Support Manager
Organization: Water For People India Trust (WFPIT)
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal/ Assam
Reporting: State Lead – West Bengal
Department: Program
Travel Requirement: Frequent travel required to Assam & Orissa
About Water For People :
Water For People India Trust is a non-profit organization which supports people of developing countries to improve their quality of life by promoting locally sustainable drinking water sources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene programs. We believe that access to safe water and adequate sanitation are basic human rights and can help put an end to needless suffering and mortality from water related preventable diseases.
Water for People India initiated its operations in West Bengal in 1996 in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Consistent with the global vision and mission, we exist to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments. Our organizational values are: Amplify all voices, Integrity, courage, Environmental Stewardship and Collective Transformation. Water for People India programs have been implemented in 26 districts in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Assam.
In all, nearly 1.2 million people have been reached through community drinking water and sanitation, WASH in public institutions and market led approaches to sanitation. By 2023, Water for People India programs aim to directly benefit 2.7 million people. We aim to build capacities at the district level which will contribute to organizational commitments, thereby indirectly benefiting 14.8 million people. Water for People India implements programs through locally registered non-government organizations.
Workplace Values:
• Environmental Stewardship- We are committed to being responsible stewards of the environment. We fight growing environmental inequities and are intentional in our partnerships and decision-making around environmental practices. We believe climate action and protection of water resources is essential for the long-term health of the planet for future generations.
• Integrity- We act honestly and transparently to inspire trust. Our commitment to our values is unwavering in how we relate to each other (we walk the talk) and in how we do our work and what it costs. We construct and support systems that create a fair and decent world and we do what is right in the most efficient and accountable manner.
• Collective Transformation- We believe in the power of collective action. To proactively challenge the status quo, we share our strengths and learnings with partners and embrace new ideas. We believe collaboration leads to richer ideas and more robust solutions.
• Courage- We encourage brave exploration of new ideas and informed risk-taking. We believe being intentional and stepping into the unknown is the cornerstone of innovation. We foster a culture of creative problem-solving and open communication to proactively discuss hard topics for continuous evolution
• Amplify All Voices- By putting people first, celebrating diversity, and pursuing justice, we prioritize our shared humanity. We support the meaningful participation and autonomy of individuals from all backgrounds. We amplify local voices while investing in the well-being, skills, and opportunities of all.
Position Summary:
Water For People India is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Support Manager to lead and coordinate the effective planning and implementation of WASH projects in West Bengal, with a primary focus on the ITC-funded project. The ideal candidate will support the Program Support Lead and State Lead in managing program delivery, technical support, proposal development, donor engagement, and strategic planning. The role includes a combination of project implementation, coordination, documentation, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Project Implementation (30%):
• Lead the execution of ITC-funded and other WASH projects in West Bengal.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure effective planning, implementation, and quality program delivery.
• Develop operational plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor financial resource utilization and implement program M&E frameworks.
• Coordinate capacity-building activities and inter-departmental functions (finance, HR, advocacy).
• Lead donor proposal development and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Represent Water For People India in external forums, stakeholder platforms, and donor visits.
2. Coordination, Documentation & Conceptualization (20%):
• Compile and document project reports, case studies, concept notes, and proposals.
• Support project expansion, technical studies, and partner assessments.
• Act as communication focal point for West Bengal-related projects.
• Coordinate with state-level stakeholders and contribute to execution of urban WASH programs in Kolkata.
3. Knowledge Management (10%):
• Lead submissions for global newsletters, project MIS updates, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Support MEL functions including baseline surveys, diagnostic studies, and annual assessments.
• Represent projects externally and contribute to proposal development aligned with country strategy.
Team Management (20%):
• Oversees team coordination, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and aligned with project goals.
• Facilitates communication among team members to maintain collaboration and resolve conflicts efficiently.
• Sets timelines, monitors progress, and provides guidance to keep the team on track and accountable.
• Motivates the team, encourages professional development, and fosters a results-oriented work culture.
Project Manager in Donor Relations: (20%):
• Serves as the key point of contact for donor, ensuring transparent and timely communication.
• Prepares and presents progress reports, impact assessments, and financial updates to donors.
• Aligns project implementation with donor expectations, compliance requirements, and reporting standards.
• Builds and maintains trust by demonstrating accountability, transparency, and impact-driven results.
Prerequisites for the position :
Below are the key qualifications and standards that could be considered:
Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Rural Development, Management, or any related field.
Added diploma / post graduate diploma of Project management will be preferred.
Experience:
1. Minimum 5 to 7 years of relevant work experience in WASH or development sector.
2. At least 3 years of experience working in West Bengal/ Assam or Odisha
3. Relevant experience in managing donor-facing projects and coordinating with multiple stakeholders is a key requirement for this role.
Skills & Competencies:
• Strong understanding of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and its inter-sectoral linkages.
• Proficiency in program planning, monitoring & evaluation, and team leadership.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of policy and implementation frameworks.
• Ability to coordinate across departments and manage donor requirements.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office; GIS knowledge is a plus.
• Fluency in Bengali (speaking, reading, writing) / Assamese and Odiya will be an added advantage.
Personal Attributes:
• Commitment to values of transparency, accountability, partnership, empowerment, and courage.
• A proactive and self-driven professional with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Culturally sensitive with strong team-building and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse settings.
Additional Considerations:
• The role involves extensive travel (up to 40%) to project sites within and outside West Bengal.
• The position may require representation in high-level forums and donor meetings.
• Water For People India is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds, especially women, to apply.
Email ID for CV Submission: knagar@waterforpeople.org with subject line “Program Support Manager” with a cc to hr-india@waterforpeople.org
How to Apply:
Please apply on email id mentioned above on or before 08th May,2026, while mentioning title of the position in subject line.
Water For People India Trust is a certified, Great Place to Work organization and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.
Water For People has ZERO Tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment including sexual harassment and gender / racial discrimination. Any selection therefore will be subject to satisfactory reference and background check.