Deputy Project Director for Research Operations (WASH)

Summary

Save the Children is seeking a Deputy Project Director for Research Operations (WASH) for an anticipated two-year USAID/BHA-funded, Multi-Year APS Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Studies Activity. The project will focus on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency WASH interventions in humanitarian crises, addressing key gaps in timeliness, targeting, and sustainability of water and sanitation services. It aims to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters and conflict.

The Deputy Project Director for Research Operations will support the Project Director in providing overall technical and operational leadership for the WASH Studies Activity. The Deputy will assist in overseeing the project’s research efforts, ensuring technical quality, managing operational processes, and providing administrative oversight. The role will also serve as a secondary point of contact for USAID/BHA and key stakeholders, ensuring smooth coordination and execution of project activities.

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding.

This position will be based in Washington DC. Application deadline: Monday, October 28, 2024.

What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Provide support in the strategic development and oversight of research activities within the WASH Studies Activity.
• Ensure research and data collection methodologies are aligned with project objectives and USAID guidelines.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of technical approaches that strengthen the project’s effectiveness in addressing WASH gaps in humanitarian settings.
• Assist the Project Director in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the project, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables.
• Provide oversight for operational, financial, and administrative functions to ensure project compliance with USAID regulations.
• Manage cross-functional teams and consultants, ensuring efficient coordination and execution of research activities.
• Serve as a secondary liaison to USAID/BHA, partners, and other stakeholders, maintaining productive relationships.
• Support the Project Director in fostering collaborations with research institutions, government bodies, and local partners.
• Represent the project in external meetings, workshops, and conferences as needed.
• Ensure that research operations are closely monitored and evaluated, contributing to adaptive management.
• Participate in reviewing data and research findings to inform decision-making and enhance project outcomes.
• Support knowledge sharing and learning initiatives across the project team and partners.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as public health, environmental science, engineering, or international development.
• At least seven (7) years of demonstrated technical experience in a combination of multiple cross-cutting areas, such as social science, humanitarian WASH response, and data analytics.
• Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated leadership and managerial experience overseeing a team (or teams) of support staff and/or consultants.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with donors, host governments, development partners, the private sector, and community organizations.
• Experience overseeing M&E systems for donor-funded projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to produce clear and concise reports, publications, briefs and other written materials related to the project.
• Commitment to child rights and to the aims and objectives of Save the Children.

About Save the Children

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Our work for children and their families requires that we commit—at every opportunity—to work together to identify and dismantle persistent systemic and structural racism, inequality, and any other forms of discrimination in this country and beyond.  As an anti-racist organization, Save the Children will not tolerate discrimination in any form—in our employment practices, amongst our staff, in our leadership or toward the people we serve. We stand in solidarity with all people to fight for equal rights, justice, inclusion, and belonging.

Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is s