Application Cycle Concluded
The listed deadline for this opening was August 10, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.
About this opportunity
WaterAid is hiring for three distinct roles, all tied to its mission of making clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere. The organization is an international NGO that has been operating for over four decades, working in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Its Ethiopia office is currently recruiting for a Research and Advocacy Officer and a Water & Climate Officer, with applications due July 13, 2026. There is also a remote, global volunteer position for Chair of the Steering Committee for the End Water Poverty campaign, with a deadline of August 10, 2026. The Research and Advocacy Officer and Water & Climate Officer roles are based in Ethiopia, a country where WaterAid has a long-standing presence. Ethiopia faces significant challenges in water access, with a large portion of the population lacking safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Working in Addis Ababa, the capital, means being part of a busy NGO sector. The city sits at an elevation of over 2,300 meters, giving it a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures hovering around 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. The cost of living in Addis Ababa is relatively low compared to Western capitals, though expatriates and local professionals alike find that housing in nicer neighborhoods can eat up a good chunk of a salary. WaterAid is known for its practical, community-focused approach. It does not just build wells and latrines; it works with local governments, community groups, and other partners to create lasting systems for water delivery and hygiene education. The organization is also a strong advocate for policy change, pushing governments to prioritize water and sanitation in national budgets. This combination of on-the-ground work and high-level advocacy is what makes the organization effective and respected in the development sector.
What You'll Do
Chair of the Steering Committee - End Water Poverty (Volunteer, Remote/Global)
- Lead and coordinate the End Water Poverty campaign's steering committee, guiding its strategic direction and priorities.
- Facilitate meetings with committee members, ensuring decisions are made and actions are followed through.
- Represent the campaign publicly, speaking at events and engaging with partner organizations.
- Work with the secretariat to plan advocacy activities and set the campaign's annual agenda.
- Act as a bridge between the campaign and WaterAid's broader network, ensuring alignment on key messages.
- Support fundraising and resource mobilization efforts for the campaign.
- Ensure the committee operates effectively, with clear roles, good communication, and inclusive participation.
Research and Advocacy Officer (Ethiopia)
- Conduct research on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) policies and practices in Ethiopia.
- Analyze data to inform advocacy campaigns aimed at government bodies and other stakeholders.
- Draft policy briefs, reports, and position papers on WASH-related issues.
- Organize workshops, consultations, and events to bring together policymakers, civil society, and community representatives.
- Track legislative and budget developments related to water and sanitation in Ethiopia.
- Work with communities to gather evidence and stories that support advocacy efforts.
- Collaborate with partner organizations to strengthen collective advocacy on WASH issues.
Water & Climate Officer (Ethiopia)
- Support the integration of climate resilience into WaterAid's water and sanitation projects.
- Assess how climate change affects water resources in project areas and recommend adaptation measures.
- Work with local partners to design and implement climate-smart WASH interventions.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of projects, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
- Provide technical guidance to field teams on water resource management.
- Contribute to reports and proposals, ensuring climate considerations are included.
- Represent WaterAid in meetings with government agencies and other stakeholders on climate and water issues.
Benefits
- For the Chair of the Steering Committee role, this is a volunteer position, so there is no salary, but it offers the chance to lead a global campaign and work with partners across the world.
- For the Ethiopia-based roles, WaterAid typically offers competitive NGO salaries, health insurance, and opportunities for professional development.
- All roles offer the chance to contribute to meaningful, lasting change in water access and sanitation.
Requirements & Qualifications
Chair of the Steering Committee - End Water Poverty
- Experience in leadership roles, ideally within a nonprofit, campaign, or advocacy setting.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to manage a diverse group of people.
- Understanding of global water, sanitation, and hygiene issues and the broader development .
- Ability to commit time to regular virtual meetings and ongoing campaign activities.
- Willingness to represent the campaign publicly and engage with media and partners.
Research and Advocacy Officer
- A degree in public policy, international development, law, or a related field.
- Several years of experience in research, policy analysis, or advocacy, preferably in the WASH sector.
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, evidence-based policy documents.
- Knowledge of Ethiopia's political and policy environment, particularly around water and sanitation.
- Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, from government officials to community groups.
Water & Climate Officer
- A degree in water resources engineering, environmental science, climate change, or a related field.
- Experience in water resource management, climate adaptation, or a similar technical role.
- Understanding of how climate change impacts water availability and quality.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple activities.
- Willingness to travel to project sites, sometimes in remote areas of Ethiopia.
How to Apply
- Review the specific requirements for the role you are interested in and prepare your CV and a cover letter that highlights your relevant experience.
- Submit your application before the stated deadline: July 13, 2026, for the Research and Advocacy Officer and Water & Climate Officer roles, and August 10, 2026, for the Chair of the Steering Committee position.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Ethiopia to WaterAid international, Ethiopia's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
