Chief Executive

• Melbourne is the preferred location but other locations in Australia can be considered
• Fixed term three-year contract

The Organisation

WaterAid Australia, is a global NGO whose vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. Their mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene, and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. WaterAid is made up of member countries that are part of a global federation of which WaterAid Australia is a founding member. Working with partner organisations and by influencing decision-makers to maximise impact, they believe that everyone, everywhere can have access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.

WaterAid Australia manages country programs in Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia. They also work with partners to influence others, including governments, to deliver water and sanitation services to reach the poorest and most marginalised communities and to provide the right enabling environment for civil society and private sector to play a key role.

As part of a global federation, WaterAid Australia (WA AUS) has its own Board of Directors and the Chair of WaterAid Australia sits on the board of WaterAid international (WAi); the body that co-ordinates the global organisation.

The Role

WaterAid Australia is seeking a new Chief Executive (CE) to lead it through its next phase of growth and development. This key role will provide inspiring leadership and a compelling vision for WaterAid Australia, within the WaterAid federation. In close collaboration with the Board and working closely with the Chair, they will lead the development of WaterAid Australia’s strategic direction to contribute to the delivery of WaterAid’s Global Strategy and ensure its effective implementation.

The CE will continue to lead an ambitious, high performing team committed to WaterAid’s vision, mission and values. They will also build relationships with its stakeholders including the Australian government, particularly the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Council for International Development, WA AUS’s members, its supporters and volunteers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic and cultural leadership and direction for WaterAid Australia in line with WaterAid’s vision, mission and values.
• Lead the delivery of WaterAid Australia’s regional strategy to contribute to the achievement of the global strategy, which positions WaterAid Australia for continued impact and increased influence.
• Grow WaterAid’s brand and speak compellingly and authentically to a diverse range of audiences including media, government, community, supporters and the development sector.
• Engage in the development of partnerships and support business development opportunities with high-net-worth individuals, corporates and governments.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders to enhance WaterAid Australia’s profile to achieve its objectives and act as an ambassador for WaterAid domestically and internationally.
• Lead the WaterAid Australia leadership team to make transformational changes to maximise the impact of WaterAid Australia.
• Continue to develop and innovate WaterAid Australia’s systems and processes to meet the changing needs of the organisation and manage organisational risks.
• Work collaboratively with all of the WaterAid member CEs and the Global Director of WaterAid International (WAi) and Global Executive.  
• Work in partnership with the Chair and Board to implement governance process that are effective and continue to reflect on how WaterAid Australia makes decisions at a governance level and how WaterAid Australia leads and sets culture across the organisation.
• Ensure that the Chair is briefed on matters relating to WaterAid’s global federation and WAi so they are able to fulfil their accountabilities effectively.

About You

With considerable experience of leadership within an organisation working internationally, you are an inspirational leader that motivates and empowers others to deliver. You will have the vision and ability to lead organisational change and drive ambitious strategies and goals, while using diplomacy as a tool of influence. As a heavily externally facing role, you will be able to expertly represent WaterAid’s mission and vision for future impact.

Ideally, you will possess:

• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work within a global organisation.
• Excellent public speaking skills, able to communicate effectively to donors, executives and government stakeholders.
• Knowledge of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) at global and local levels.
• Political astuteness with well-developed judgment and excellent negotiation skills.
• Proven experience working with a Board, senior-level executives, government officials, business/industry executives and the media.
• Good experience and knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting, used to working closely with Business Directors or their equivalent to drive financial results.
• Vision, creativity and innovation, with the ability to develop strategy and turn strategy into actionable and quantitative plans.

The Rewards

This is an opportunity for an experienced leader to step into this role, and to operate on both a national and global level to further WaterAid’s mission. You'll lead and inspire your team, sector, government, and community to achieve remarkable results. Our client has a truly collaborative network, where together, every decision they make ensures work is efficient, effective and sustainable, and takes them closer to their goal: making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene a normal part of everyday life for everyone, everywhere.

How to Apply

Please contact Talent Nation via [email protected] to obtain the full PD. To be considered applicants are asked to submit a CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria as outlined in the PD. Applications close 5pm Friday 2nd June 2023.

To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex and genders.