Manager – WASH Enterprise Development
Samarthan – Centre for Development Support
About Samarthan
Samarthan (www.samarthan.org) is a development support organization working on water security, local governance, livelihoods, and strengthening community institutions in Madhya Pradesh and other regions of India over the last three decades.
With large public investments being made under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for piped rural water supply systems, sustainable Operation & Maintenance (O&M) has emerged as a critical challenge and policy priority. There is an increasing need to build market-oriented social enterprises that can provide efficient, affordable, and timely O&M services to rural communities, Gram Panchayats, and water service agencies.
Samarthan has piloted innovative approaches for strengthening community-led and market-driven O&M systems and is now looking to scale these initiatives in Madhya Pradesh.
Position Overview
Samarthan is looking for a dynamic and field-oriented professional for the position of Manager – WASH Enterprise Development
The role requires a professional with strong business management skills and practical experience in rural markets, enterprise development, livelihoods promotion, or product/service expansion in either for-profit or development sector organizations.
The position will support scaling up of market-led O&M systems as social enterprises in the rural water sector, particularly in the districts of Panna, Chhatarpur, and Niwari in Madhya Pradesh.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare a strategic business plan based on available opportunities, market potential, and operational limitations.
• Build and strengthen a network of plumbers, electricians, technicians, and material suppliers critical for rural water supply O&M, and facilitate their capacity building and trainings.
• Develop deployment plans for efficient management and coordination of field teams and service providers.
• Undertake regular planning and monitoring of finances, procurement, supply management, and related operational systems.
• Prepare reports and documentation for decision-making with senior management, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that a profitable social enterprise model emerges out of these districts for wider replication.
Required Qualifications:
• BBA / MBA / B.Com / B.Sc. Agriculture / Civil Engineering / Rural Management / Development Studies / Agriculture / Engineering or any relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Candidates should have good command over the use of computers, particularly spreadsheets, reporting tools, and basic data management systems.
Experience:
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in:
o Marketing and rural market development
o Enterprise development
o Livelihoods promotion
o Rural business operations
o Social enterprise or service delivery systems
• Experience in Drinking Water, Sanitation, Watershed, Agriculture, Irrigation, or related sectors will be an added advantage.
Desired Competencies:
• Strong business planning and management skills
• Understanding of rural markets and enterprise systems
• Good computer skills, especially in MS Excel/spreadsheets, reporting, and operational tracking
• Ability to work independently in field conditions
• Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving abilities
• Willingness to travel extensively in rural areas
Location:
The position will be based in either Panna, Chhatarpur, or Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh.
Compensation:
Compensation will be in the range of Rs.6–8 lakh per annum, based on experience, competency, and suitability for the role.
Application Process:
Interested candidates may submit their updated CV along with a brief note explaining their suitability and interest for the position of Manager – WASH Enterprise Development through the application form below on or before 25 May 2026:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEsLJFFuvwPJlMGoRTYtCZ4UuA6ZySV6Dvj-AYdahuDm7Ygg/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Please mention “Application for Manager” – WASH Enterprise Development in the subject line.