National Research and Project Coordinator – Re Advert 30 views1 application

About Us

Water Witness International is working for a fair water future where water is managed sustainably to ensure water security for all. Our experience shows that accountability and transparency across the water sector are critical priorities for unlocking inclusive governance, improved WASH services and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. With our partners, we are working to strengthen accountability for water by helping citizens understand and activate their rights, tracking budgets to ensure effective investment, integrity and value for money, and supporting government, utilities and authorities to understand and respond to the needs and concerns of water users.

While this work is delivering positive results, there are important questions that need to be addressed to unlock its full potential. Water Witness is therefore working in Ethiopia as the country lead within the international Accountability for Water partnership to undertake action research into the key questions facing practitioners and policy makers working for stronger accountability throughout the water sector. The partnership is collaboration between the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), Water Witness International, the Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Societies Network (KEWASNET) and Shahidi wa Maji in Tanzania. In Ethiopia we partner with Ethiopian Water Technology Institute and other key stakeholders.

The programme is delivering a multi-country action-research, to help professionals in civil society, government, academia and donor organizations address the key questions they face and to develop practical solutions to improve accountability performance. Having secured investment to deliver this initiative we are seeking an exceptional individual to join the team in Addis Ababa to coordinate and manage its successful delivery in Ethiopia.

Job Summary and Purpose 

This is a strategically important position within a dynamic network of civil society, government, and research partners, placing the successful applicant at the heart of efforts to strengthen accountability and evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development. We seek an Ethiopian with the experience, skills, and confidence to coordinate this innovative, multi-stakeholder action-research program and support high-quality evidence generation and learning. The post-holder will successfully coordinate action researches and manage the ‘Accountability for Water Action and Research Programme’ and ensure it impacts on the water sector governance and service delivery in Ethiopia. She/he will provide administrative and technical support to co-creation partners for high-quality evidence-based advocacy including designing action research, delivery, documentation, and communication of results.

The role requires strong project management skills alongside competence in interdisciplinary action-research design and delivery. The National Research and Project Coordinator will thoughtfully steer a dispersed group of collaborating partners while addressing priority questions for practitioners and policymakers. This involves generating and sharing knowledge to enhance accountability practices and accelerate progress toward water-related SDGs, social justice, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.

Based at Water Witness International’s Ethiopia office in Addis Ababa, the Coordinator will frequently visit partners across the country and represent the team at regional and global meetings. They will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the research program, responding proactively to stakeholder needs.

Key responsibilities include providing technical guidance for monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as leading both internal and external communications. The successful candidate will also play a critical role in promoting the uptake of action-research findings and establishing country-level collaborations for practical research utilization.

If you possess exceptional project management, organizational and communication skills, a robust action-research background, and the confidence to lead Ethiopia’s water sector toward sustainable development and social justice, we encourage you to apply!

Duties and responsibilities 

The objective of this role is to effectively co-ordinate the delivery of the Accountability for Water Research Programme and to ensure that knowledge generated is robust, relevant, well-documented and communicated in ways which advance good governance and water service delivery. The coordinator will ensure efficient delivery that is co-owned by partners, and which is managed adaptively to ensure positive impact for beneficiaries. Specific responsibilities include:

Research coordination and Project Management

The National Research Coordinator will be instrumental in the comprehensive coordination of action research and management of the Accountability for Water Action and Research Programme. You’ll work closely with partners to explore how different accountability initiatives—like monitoring social accountability, tracking budgets, and advocating based on evidence—impact water security for vulnerable communities. This includes looking at mechanisms such as complaint systems and public interest litigation. The success of this role depends on your ability to build strong relationships with research partners and adapt to the changing needs of everyone involved.

Working with the partners including Water Witness UK Office and the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), the post holder will be the primary point of contact for the programme in Ethiopia and will ensure that:

• Ensuring that programme plans are delivered in line with contract requirements
• Research is designed and delivered using robust and ethical methodologies, that effective documentation takes place, and that lessons are effectively captured, packaged and shared to maximize their uptake.
• Relevant permissions and clearance are in place for the research, and the programme complies with the law at all times.
• Opportunities are seized to undertake cross-cutting research such as large-n questionnaire surveys and Key Informant Interviews.
• That problems are solved, and risks managed proactively and efficiently.
• That the legacy of the programme is strong, and that options for scaling the work are scoped and secured where appropriate.

To deliver these duties, the post holder will undertake a wide range of programme co-ordination activities including:

• Planning and reporting against programme budgets and workplans.
• Mentorship and support to staff and research partners.
• Tracking of tasks and resources through regular communication, meetings and visits to ensure impact within budget and timescales.
• Quality assurance, statutory compliance and alignment with internal policies.
• Proactively input to and track research and debates which are relevant and ensure that our decision making is based on best available knowledge.

Learning, communications, advocacy and uptake 

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that:

• Learning is generated, synthesized and documented.
• Programmes monitoring, evaluation and learning plans are appropriate and implemented.
• The work is communicated effectively to external parties, and communications internally are efficient and effective.
• That appropriate plans are in place to drive uptake of the research findings through modified practice, policy or investment and that these are delivered on.
• Advocacy based on the results of the research programme has impact.

Partnership development and stakeholder support 

The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration between a diverse set of local, regional and global partners. The coordinator will have primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining constructive relationships with these partners including via:

• Act as the primary point of contact for all project partners, facilitating effective communication to ensure everyone is aligned with project objectives. Organize regular check-ins and updates to maintain engagement and collaboration.
• Planning, delivery, management and write up of regional and national meetings, trainings and workshops.
• Acting as the secretariat, plan and facilitate quarterly National Advisory Group meetings, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss project progress, research findings, and future directions. Prepare meeting agendas, manage logistics, and ensure productive discussions.
• Prompt and comprehensive reporting to and liaison with the Programme Management Team
• Support for and active participation in regional and global meetings, conferences and events.
• Address any misunderstandings or conflicts that arise among partners promptly and effectively, fostering a positive working environment and ensuring that the focus remains on project goals.
• Manage Partnerships, Especially Rapid Action-Research Design establishing and maintaining strong relationships with co-creation partners, including civil society organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. Encourage a collaborative spirit and shared ownership of the research initiatives.

The post-holder will maintain the flexible approach needed within a small network organisation and will deputise for others to undertake other duties as required.

Key working relationships and logistical arrangements 

• The successful applicant will be a key member of the global Accountability for Water Partnership. She/he will work closely with colleagues in Ethiopia and the UK to help shape Water Witness’s work, and to plan and account for the research component of our annual budget and programme budgets.  She/he will be responsible for supporting high impact research. Key working relationships include:
• Practice Lead – Research, and Research Officer Water Witness, UK.
• Research Programme Director and Officer, PASGR, Kenya.

Accountability for Water Programme Partners (WaterAid, WIN, Oxfam, ESAP, EWTI, National Governments, End Water Poverty, PASGR, Institute of Development Studies – University of Sussex, African Council of Ministers for Water, Hewlett Foundation, Rural Water Supply Network).

Place of Work: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Pay: £900 – £1300 per month commensurate with experience 

Reports to: Regional Programme Manager /Accountability for Water Programme Management Team

Travel: Frequent travel in Ethiopia, including to remote field locations, occasional regional and global travel

Term: Fixed term for two years, subject to performance and availability of funding.

Equality Statement 

Equality and diversity are at the core of Water Witness’ values. Staffs are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected. Please let us know if you need any assistance in making your application or if you have any special requirements should you be selected for an interview. Only Ethiopian citizens should apply.