Job Profile: Manager-Water Security and Sustainability

Introduction

Solidaridad (www.solidaridadnetwork.org) is an international network organization working in Asia and across the globe to address farmers’ poverty and workers’ wellbeing through empowerment and promoting sustainability compliances. Solidaridad Network Asia, as part of Solidaridad Asia is operating in Bangladesh and promoting ecosystem-based solutions for agricultural productivity and responsible industrial practices that increase income and employment for the farmers and rural urban poor.

Our work focuses on fostering sustainability and empowerment of farmers and workers to develop scalable environmental sound and economically viable sustainable solutions in the agricultural and industrial landscape. We support in co-creation of business cases for economic empowerment of the farmers and workers, and support in improving enabling and conducive environment for public and private sector investment, ensuring that farmers and workers are not left behind.

Vision: We envision a world in which the economy works for all: where all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other, and the generations to come.

Mission: We enable farmers and workers to earn a living income, shape their own future, and produce in balance with nature by working throughout the whole supply chain to make sustainability the norm.

Overall Job Description

The Manager-Water Security and Sustainability is responsible for leading adaptation strategies for water management and sustainability. S/he will play an important role in coordinating the implementation of water management and sustainability plans relating to water use efficiency in agriculture and industries. The Manager will work with the programme leads to develop framework for water use efficiency and optimization in the agriculture and industrial sector. The Manager plays a crucial role in water security planning and provides technical advice, analysis, and policy input for valuing water principles in Solidaridad programming. The Manager will be responsible for co-creating a community-led business model to manage and operate the water principles for lasting environmental outcomes and impacts. S/he will lead water sustainability strategies and actions in Solidaridad programming to ensure the production processes are sustainable and protect the ecosystems.

The Manger-Water Security and Sustainability will work under the overall supervision of the Country Manager.

The position will be based in Dhaka with frequent field visits to Solidaridad operational areas.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Master the water sustainability standards and practices in agriculture and industries on water use efficiency;
• Develop and implement water security and sustainability plans emphasize on reducing use, reuse and recycling of wastewater through knowledge and technology transfer for water management. This includes developing nature-based models and tools for sustainable use of water;
• Develop, manage and lead the implementation of strategic actions for water safety and security;
• Integrate water sustainability goals into programming to make production processes more sustainable;
• Lead efforts in the collection and regular updating of key information and data on water management, water use in agriculture and industries, institutional capacity building, guidelines and tools development and training to promote integrated water resources development and management;
• Lead efforts to promote water-efficient technologies and systems in industries, such as closed-loop water recycling systems, efficient processes, and zero-liquid discharge technologies, and encourage circular water use.
• Work with industry stakeholders to benchmark water use, assess environmental impact and identify opportunities for optimizing water management in production. Develop collaboration and partnerships with private companies, NGOs, government, and knowledge institutes to find holistic solutions;
• Monitor the project compliances with water and environmental standards;
• Contribute to Solidaridad Asia Initiatives on water management and water sustainability;
• Prepare sustainability reports on water optimization;
• Participates in resource mobilization activities as per strategic areas of operation of Solidaridad.

Education & Experience Criteria

• At least master's degree in a relevant discipline such as hydrology, water resources management, civil engineering, development, or environmental economics;
• 7 years of relevant professional experience leading water sustainability with a specialization in water initiatives including water restoration, water use efficiency and sustainable water management practices
• Proven knowledge and experience in applying water sustainability standards (e.g., ZDHC standards) and integrating decarbonization and net-zero principles into water management strategies for industries and agricultural sectors.
• Proven experience in effective communications with multi-stakeholders and networking of water security and business contacts among governments, companies, aid agencies, civil society and other NGOs;
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams (e.g. Policy, Communications, program teams) and managing relationships with complex stakeholders;
• Relevance of experience in analyzing water resources, management issues and capacity development needs;
• Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementing programmes and projects related to water resources management in development organizations.

Person Specifications & Attributes

• Excellent intercultural leadership, planning and organization, teamwork, coaching and communication skills.
• Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with ability to lead and motivate staff/partners towards water principles;
• Outstanding analytical writing skills in English and Bengali; excellent communication skills and fluent spoken English are required;

Employment Type

• Project based fixed term

Salary & Other Benefits

Solidaridad offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with Solidaridad Asia’s pay scales and Service Rules. The benefits package includes a provident fund, festival bonus, gratuities, and medical insurance as per the organizational policy.

Apply Instructions

To apply, please send a CV (3 pages max.) and a cover letter (1 page) explaining your desire, your relevant skills, and your experiences at recruitment.hrsna@gmail.com. The position applied for should be clearly mentioned in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be called for an interview.

Closing date of the application is 30 March 2025

Solidaridad strives to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and disability.