Living Water International is recruiting an experienced leader to serve as Africa Regional Director, a senior role responsible for overseeing multiple country programmes and strengthening operational performance across the region. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to life-changing work that expands access to clean water while improving the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.
Working closely with senior leadership, the Regional Director will guide strategic implementation, manage country-level operations, and support partnerships that enable sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes across Africa.
About Living Water International
Living Water International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities gain access to safe water while sharing a mission rooted in faith and service. The organization mobilizes churches, partners, and communities to address water scarcity through integrated WASH interventions.
Key highlights of the organization include:
- More than 300 staff members globally
- Operations in 15 countries
- Nearly 6.5 million people provided with access to safe water
Through its programmes, the organization seeks to improve physical health, spiritual wellbeing, and social development in underserved communities.
Role Overview
The Africa Regional Director will report to the Senior Vice President of Programs and serve as a member of both the Program Leadership Team (PLT) and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). In this role, the Regional Director will oversee a regional portfolio consisting of:
- Six country programmes
- Two partner organizations
The position focuses on ensuring operational excellence, strengthening country leadership, and aligning programme implementation with global strategy. By supporting Country Directors and removing operational barriers, the Regional Director helps ensure that programmes deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.
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Core Responsibilities
The Africa Regional Director will lead several strategic and operational functions across the region.
Strategic Execution and Regional Oversight
- Guide the development and execution of country-level strategies aligned with global programme goals.
- Ensure programmes deliver high-quality and sustainable impact.
- Serve as the primary leadership partner for Country Directors.
- Monitor programme performance and guide adjustments where necessary.
Operational and Financial Management
- Oversee operational systems and ensure efficient programme delivery.
- Manage regional budgets and financial performance.
- Coordinate with finance teams to support resource allocation and investment planning.
Leadership Development and Staff Support
- Mentor and coach Country Directors and senior staff.
- Strengthen leadership capacity within country teams.
- Partner with HR teams to ensure effective staff care, compliance, and talent management.
- Promote a values-driven culture aligned with the organization’s mission.
Programme Coordination and Collaboration
The Regional Director plays a key role in connecting country teams with global departments. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting integrated planning across programme, operations, and grants teams.
- Ensuring country offices participate in learning and reporting systems.
- Advocating for country-level needs within global leadership discussions.
This coordination helps maintain alignment between technical programme design and field implementation.
Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management
Strong governance and risk management are essential to the success of regional operations.
The Regional Director will:
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
- Identify operational and contextual risks affecting country programmes.
- Support country offices in maintaining legal registrations and governance structures.
- Work closely with internal teams to mitigate risks and maintain accountability.
Grant Management and Resource Development
Grant management is another critical part of the role. The Regional Director will collaborate closely with the grants team to support funding initiatives.
Key tasks include:
- Contributing regional insight during proposal development.
- Supporting grant acquisition through partnerships and networking.
- Ensuring country programmes deliver grant-funded activities on time and within scope.
- Overseeing accurate and timely reporting to donors.
This collaborative approach strengthens funding opportunities and ensures accountability to partners and supporters.
Required Qualifications and Experience
The organization is seeking a highly experienced professional with a strong background in international development and programme leadership.
Key requirements include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in international development, public health, business, or a related field
- A Master’s degree is preferred
- At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit or international development settings
- Experience managing cross-cultural teams and complex programmes
- Strong knowledge of financial management and operational oversight
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills
- Fluency in English
The role also requires a strong commitment to the mission and values of Living Water International.
Core Competencies for Success
To succeed in this position, candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Strategic thinking and execution
- Leadership development and coaching
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Operational stewardship
- Cultural intelligence
- Adaptability and decision-making
These competencies enable the Regional Director to effectively guide diverse teams and deliver impactful programmes across multiple countries.
Professional Development and Benefits
Living Water International offers a competitive compensation package that varies depending on the candidate’s country of origin. In addition, employees benefit from:
- Professional training and development opportunities
- Leadership development programmes
- Spiritual care and formation initiatives
These benefits reflect the organization’s commitment to supporting both professional growth and personal wellbeing.
How to apply
Apply online at the official website at https://water.cc/employment/
