Chair of the Steering Committee - END WATER POVERTYContract type: Fixed-termTerm: 2 years (renewable once)Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per monthLocation: Remote/global: This role can be based anywhere.Volunteer Position: This is an unpaid roleChange starts with water. Change starts with you.Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.About End Water PovertyEnd Water Poverty (EWP) is a Southern-led global civil society coalition advocating for the realisation of human rights to water and sanitation for all.EWP works to ensure water and sanitation services are:Accessible and affordableSafe and equitableEnvironmentally sustainable and resilientThe coalition includes 160+ member organisations across 90+ countries, bringing together grassroots organisations, NGOs, regional networks, and trade unions to address systemic inequalities and advance water justice worldwide.About the roleEWP is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee. The Chair will provide strategic governance leadership and help drive urgent, systemic impact in advancing water and sanitation justice globally.The Chair:Provides strategic governance leadershipEnsures effective functioning of the Steering CommitteeActs as a visible ambassador of the coalitionThis is a non-executive role, with day-to-day operations led by the EWP Secretariat.The Chair also plays a critical role in:Fostering meaningful participation across diverse membersStrengthening political alignment across regionsEnsuring EWP remains connected to grassroots realities and collective advocacy prioritiesKey Responsibilities1. Governance LeadershipLead and oversee the effective functioning of the Steering CommitteeUphold EWP values, governance principles, and accountability standardsChair meetings and ensure effective and inclusive decision-making2. Strategic DirectionGuide coalition priorities and strategic directionSupport alignment across members and regionsProvide strategic guidance to the Secretariat3. Governance StewardshipSupport selection and succession processesOversee progress against the strategic plan4. Advocacy & External EngagementRepresent EWP at agreed priority events and global foraChampion EWP's advocacy priorities and campaign positions externallyAct as a spokesperson aligned with coalition prioritiesStrengthen political positioning and alliances, including around key global moments such as the UN Water Conference 20265. Ethical LeadershipPromote inclusive and transparent governanceManage sensitive dynamics and ensure respectful engagementUphold safeguarding and ethical standards6. Collaboration with Vice-ChairWork effectively and collaboratively with the Vice Chair, including sharing responsibilities as appropriateWorking Relationship with SecretariatThe Chair works closely with the EWP Secretariat by:Providing strategic guidance while respecting operational independenceMaintaining regular coordination with the Global CoordinatorEnsuring clarity of roles and effective collaborationAccountability & GovernanceThe Chair is accountable to:The Steering CommitteeThe wider EWP membership (through the Steering Committee)The Governance Performance Assessment will be conducted by the Steering Committee (or a designated subgroup), based on agreed criteria. The Chair will be given an opportunity to respond to the assessment.Governance StructureThe Steering Committee holds governance and decision-making authorityThe Secretariat is responsible for operational implementationEquity & Inclusion CommitmentEWP is committed to advancing equity and Southern-led leadership. Strong priority will be given to candidates from the Global South.RequirementsTo be successful, you will need core competencies:Governance & Board LeadershipStrategic ThinkingCommunication & InfluencingIntercultural SensitivityIntegrity & IndependenceIn this role, Essential experience requirements are:Strong background in WASH or related sectorsExperience in global advocacy, human rights, governance, or developmentLeadership & GovernanceProven experience chairing or leading boards or multi-stakeholder bodiesAbility to facilitate inclusive dialogue and consensus-buildingStrategic CapabilityExperience working within complex global or regional coalitionsStrong strategic judgement and decision-making skillsCommunication & RepresentationExcellent interpersonal and diplomatic skillsAbility to represent diverse perspectives effectivelyWHAT THE CHAIR GAINSThis is a unique opportunity to lead a powerful Southern-led coalition at a pivotal moment for global water and sanitation justice.Global visibility: Represent the coalition in global fora and agreed priority events, building your profile as a leading voice in water and sanitation advocacy.Drive impact: Shape water and sanitation advocacy across a coalition of 160+ organisations in 90+ countries, channelling strategic ideas into systemic action.Shape strategic narrative: Build and influence global networks across civil society, donors, and policymakers at a critical time for the sector.Lead a Southern-led coalition: Position yourself as a principal voice shaping a Southern-led coalition during a period of rapidly evolving global water politics.View the full job description hereClosing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 10th August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place Last week of August.How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload A statement of motivation (max 400 words) demonstrating how your experience meet the profile criteriaA CV showing relevant governance and leadership experienceQuestions or support needed?If you have any questions about this role, need additional information, or require special accessibility arrangements or support to apply, please get in touch. We're here to help. Contact us at info@endwaterpoverty.org.Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.Pre‑employment screeningTo apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.BenefitsOur People PromiseWe will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values. Equal OpportunitiesWe welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. SafeguardingWe are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks). Together, we’ll change the world through water. Join us and be part of the change!
Chair of the Steering Committee - END WATER POVERTY
Contract type: Fixed-term
Term: 2 years (renewable once)
Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month
Location: Remote/global: This role can be based anywhere.
Volunteer Position: This is an unpaid role
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About End Water Poverty
End Water Poverty (EWP) is a Southern-led global civil society coalition advocating for the realisation of human rights to water and sanitation for all.
EWP works to ensure water and sanitation services are:
- Accessible and affordable
- Safe and equitable
- Environmentally sustainable and resilient
The coalition includes 160+ member organisations across 90+ countries, bringing together grassroots organisations, NGOs, regional networks, and trade unions to address systemic inequalities and advance water justice worldwide.
About the role
EWP is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee. The Chair will provide strategic governance leadership and help drive urgent, systemic impact in advancing water and sanitation justice globally.
The Chair:
- Provides strategic governance leadership
- Ensures effective functioning of the Steering Committee
- Acts as a visible ambassador of the coalition
- This is a non-executive role, with day-to-day operations led by the EWP Secretariat.
- The Chair also plays a critical role in:
- Fostering meaningful participation across diverse members
- Strengthening political alignment across regions
- Ensuring EWP remains connected to grassroots realities and collective advocacy priorities
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance Leadership
- Lead and oversee the effective functioning of the Steering Committee
- Uphold EWP values, governance principles, and accountability standards
- Chair meetings and ensure effective and inclusive decision-making
2. Strategic Direction
- Guide coalition priorities and strategic direction
- Support alignment across members and regions
- Provide strategic guidance to the Secretariat
3. Governance Stewardship
- Support selection and succession processes
- Oversee progress against the strategic plan
4. Advocacy & External Engagement
- Represent EWP at agreed priority events and global fora
- Champion EWP's advocacy priorities and campaign positions externally
- Act as a spokesperson aligned with coalition priorities
- Strengthen political positioning and alliances, including around key global moments such as the UN Water Conference 2026
5. Ethical Leadership
- Promote inclusive and transparent governance
- Manage sensitive dynamics and ensure respectful engagement
- Uphold safeguarding and ethical standards
6. Collaboration with Vice-Chair
- Work effectively and collaboratively with the Vice Chair, including sharing responsibilities as appropriate
Working Relationship with Secretariat
- The Chair works closely with the EWP Secretariat by:
- Providing strategic guidance while respecting operational independence
- Maintaining regular coordination with the Global Coordinator
- Ensuring clarity of roles and effective collaboration
Accountability & Governance
- The Chair is accountable to:
- The Steering Committee
- The wider EWP membership (through the Steering Committee)
The Governance Performance Assessment will be conducted by the Steering Committee (or a designated subgroup), based on agreed criteria. The Chair will be given an opportunity to respond to the assessment.
Governance Structure
- The Steering Committee holds governance and decision-making authority
- The Secretariat is responsible for operational implementation
Equity & Inclusion Commitment
EWP is committed to advancing equity and Southern-led leadership. Strong priority will be given to candidates from the Global South.
Requirements
To be successful, you will need core competencies:
- Governance & Board Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Communication & Influencing
- Intercultural Sensitivity
- Integrity & Independence
In this role,
Essential experience requirements are:
- Strong background in WASH or related sectors
- Experience in global advocacy, human rights, governance, or development
Leadership & Governance
- Proven experience chairing or leading boards or multi-stakeholder bodies
- Ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue and consensus-building
Strategic Capability
- Experience working within complex global or regional coalitions
- Strong strategic judgement and decision-making skills
Communication & Representation
- Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills
- Ability to represent diverse perspectives effectively
WHAT THE CHAIR GAINS
This is a unique opportunity to lead a powerful Southern-led coalition at a pivotal moment for global water and sanitation justice.
Global visibility: Represent the coalition in global fora and agreed priority events, building your profile as a leading voice in water and sanitation advocacy.
Drive impact: Shape water and sanitation advocacy across a coalition of 160+ organisations in 90+ countries, channelling strategic ideas into systemic action.
Shape strategic narrative: Build and influence global networks across civil society, donors, and policymakers at a critical time for the sector.
Lead a Southern-led coalition: Position yourself as a principal voice shaping a Southern-led coalition during a period of rapidly evolving global water politics.
View the full job description here
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 10th August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place Last week of August.
How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload
- A statement of motivation (max 400 words) demonstrating how your experience meet the profile criteria
- A CV showing relevant governance and leadership experience
Questions or support needed?
If you have any questions about this role, need additional information, or require special accessibility arrangements or support to apply, please get in touch. We're here to help. Contact us at info@endwaterpoverty.org.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
Our People Promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water.
Join us and be part of the change!
We’re an international not-for-profit, determined to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation.Since 1981, we’ve directly reached 28 million people with clean water; 28 million with decent toilets; and 26 million with good hygiene.Only by tackling these three essentials in ways that last can people change their lives for good. With our supporters and partners, we will change millions of lives for the better.
We’re an international not-for-profit, determined to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation.
Since 1981, we’ve directly reached 28 million people with clean water; 28 million with decent toilets; and 26 million with good hygiene.
Only by tackling these three essentials in ways that last can people change their lives for good. With our supporters and partners, we will change millions of lives for the better.
