Role purpose

The Executive Director is primarily responsible for oversight of multiple business lines and related functions within the region, ensuring the development and execution of partnerships, products and services that strategically position the expansion and delivery of Water.org’s unique value. This individual partners closely with the Regional Director to build and execute the region’s impact strategy, annual operating plans, and act as a key member of the regional leadership team to support the organization’s short- and long-term objectives.

Department Accountabilities

• Impact Strategy, Leadership, and Execution
• Portfolio + Account Management
• Business Development
• Business Metrics and Data Insights
• Pre-Award and Post Award Administration
• Project Management
• Risk Identification
• Advisory and Consulting Services

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership + Vision

Partners with the Regional Director to define and execute a comprehensive regional strategy that delivers high-impact partnerships and initiatives aligned with organizational strategy, positioning Water.org as a partner of choice and thought leader. Serves as a member of the regional leadership team, bringing both an organizational mindset and deep functional expertise to prioritize and accomplish short-and long-term objectives.

Business Planning & Development

Directs development and execution of partnerships, products, and services that impact multiple business lines within the region. Works collaboratively to prioritize opportunities and plan philanthropic resources for mission-critical initiatives. Maintains ongoing coordination and collaboration across the Water.org group of entities and WaterEquity within the region to ensure integrated and effective implementation.

Operational Effectiveness

Leverages expertise both at an individual level and within the team to address implementation barriers, technical challenges, and risks. Ensures effective planning and deployment of resources, ensuring timely and accurate forecasts, analysis and reporting are available to support executive-level decision making and communication.

External Engagement

Supports efforts to promote Water.org’s mission and help drive additional philanthropic resources to the organization. Acts as a spokesperson for the organization in the region and contributes to an evidence base to enable the full range of impact and foster innovation. As applicable, acts as legal representative for Water.org’s entity in the country of location.

Talent Management

Enhances regional collaboration and communication within the business lines. Challenges and maximizes the strength of the team by aligning their efforts to meet growth objectives and deliver results. Fosters productive cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive effort and delivery of business outcomes.

Complexity + Problem Solving Skills

• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, to develop a unified and comprehensive approach to strategically position the organization for new business opportunities.
• Ability to manage complex challenges and projects, requiring adaptive thinking and solutions to unique circumstances and strategic and organization-level requirements.
• Superior communication and presentation skills (written and verbal), including highly developed skills to motivate, influence, and persuade to reach diverse audiences.
• Ability to “zoom in” and “zoom out”; rollup sleeves to understand underlying details and still maintain a view of the big picture and guide executive-level decisions and communications.

Key Competencies

• Values Differences – Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Strategic Mindset – Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
• Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Builds Effective Teams – Builds strong identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Instills Trust – Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Management Responsibility

• Supervises work of others. Responsible for hiring, discipline, and pay administration of their subordinates.
  • Supervised positions may include one or more of the following: Director, [Partnerships], Associate Director, [Partnerships], Portfolio Lead.

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, and/or related field.
• Fifteen or more years of progressive responsibility managing emerging market initiatives with P&L accountability (or equivalent), including specific leadership roles in one or more of the following: business development, product/service design, and/or market strategy.
• Six or more years of supervisory experience.
• Deep and broad knowledge in one or more of the following: retail or wholesale finance, impact investing and/or capital development.
• Proficient (written and verbal) in English.

Terms of Appointment

This role offers up to 25% of domestic and international travel.

This position offers country-specific benefits and market-based, competitive salary as well as periodic review for merit and incentive pay based on organizational and personal achievement.

Role Location

Kenya

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 25 February 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT +3). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Water.org to undertake this assignment.