Chair of the Steering Committee - End Water Poverty

About this role

Chair of the Steering Committee - END WATER POVERTY

Contract type: Fixed-term

Term: 2 years (renewable once)

Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month

Location: Remote/global: This role can be based anywhere.

Volunteer Position: This is an unpaid role

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About End Water Poverty
End Water Poverty (EWP) is a Southern-led global civil society coalition advocating for the realisation of human rights to water and sanitation for all.
EWP works to ensure water and sanitation services are:
Accessible and affordable
Safe and equitable
Environmentally sustainable and resilient
The coalition includes 160+ member organisations across 90+ countries, bringing together grassroots organisations, NGOs, regional networks, and trade unions to address systemic inequalities and advance water justice worldwide.

About the role
EWP is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee. The Chair will provide strategic governance leadership and help drive urgent, systemic impact in advancing water and sanitation justice globally.
The Chair:
Provides strategic governance leadership
Ensures effective functioning of the Steering Committee
Acts as a visible ambassador of the coalition
This is a non-executive role, with day-to-day operations led by the EWP Secretariat.
The Chair also plays a critical role in:
Fostering meaningful participation across diverse members
Strengthening political alignment across regions
Ensuring EWP remains connected to grassroots realities and collective advocacy priorities

Key Responsibilities
1. Governance Leadership
Lead and oversee the effective functioning of the Steering Committee
Uphold EWP values, governance principles, and accountability standards
Chair meetings and ensure effective and inclusive decision-making
2. Strategic Direction
Guide coalition priorities and strategic direction
Support alignment across members and regions
Provide strategic guidance to the Secretariat
3. Governance Stewardship
Support selection and succession processes
Oversee progress against the strategic plan
4. Advocacy & External Engagement
Represent EWP at agreed priority events and global fora
Champion EWP's advocacy priorities and campaign positions externally
Act as a spokesperson aligned with coalition priorities
Strengthen political positioning and alliances, including around key global moments such as the UN Water Conference 2026
5. Ethical Leadership
Promote inclusive and transparent governance
Manage sensitive dynamics and ensure respectful engagement
Uphold safeguarding and ethical standards
6. Collaboration with Vice-Chair
Work effectively and collaboratively with the Vice Chair, including sharing responsibilities as appropriate

Working Relationship with Secretariat
The Chair works closely with the EWP Secretariat by:
Providing strategic guidance while respecting operational independence
Maintaining regular coordination with the Global Coordinator
Ensuring clarity of roles and effective collaboration
Accountability & Governance
The Chair is accountable to:
The Steering Committee
The wider EWP membership (through the Steering Committee)
The Governance Performance Assessment will be conducted by the Steering Committee (or a designated subgroup), based on agreed criteria. The Chair will be given an opportunity to respond to the assessment.
Governance Structure
The Steering Committee holds governance and decision-making authority
The Secretariat is responsible for operational implementation
Equity & Inclusion Commitment
EWP is committed to advancing equity and Southern-led leadership. Strong priority will be given to candidates from the Global South.
Requirements
To be successful, you will need core competencies:
Governance & Board Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Communication & Influencing
Intercultural Sensitivity
Integrity & Independence
In this role,
Essential experience requirements are:
Strong background in WASH or related sectors
Experience in global advocacy, human rights, governance, or development
Leadership & Governance
Proven experience chairing or leading boards or multi-stakeholder bodies
Ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue and consensus-building
Strategic Capability
Experience working within complex global or regional coalitions
Strong strategic judgement and decision-making skills
Communication & Representation
Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills
Ability to represent diverse perspectives effectively

WHAT THE CHAIR GAINS
This is a unique opportunity to lead a powerful Southern-led coalition at a pivotal moment for global water and sanitation justice.
Global visibility: Represent the coalition in global fora and agreed priority events, building your profile as a leading voice in water and sanitation advocacy.
Drive impact: Shape water and sanitation advocacy across a coalition of 160+ organisations in 90+ countries, channelling strategic ideas into systemic action.
Shape strategic narrative: Build and influence global networks across civil society, donors, and policymakers at a critical time for the sector.
Lead a Southern-led coalition: Position yourself as a principal voice shaping a Southern-led coalition during a period of rapidly evolving global water politics.

View the full job description here

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 10th August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place Last week of August.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload
A statement of motivation (max 400 words) demonstrating how your experience meet the profile criteria
A CV showing relevant governance and leadership experience

Questions or support needed?
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