JOB DESCRIPTION: WATER GOVERNANCE SPECIALIST

• Lead implementation of the WWF-UCO freshwater action plan aligned to strategic objectives.
• Provide technical leadership in planning, management, and execution of freshwater programs.
• Oversee annual planning, budgeting, reporting, and delivery of water governance initiatives.
• Ensure integration of water governance strategies across forestry, wildlife, and climate programs.
• Support innovation in Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) approaches.

• Coordinate with government ministries, NGOs, academia, and private sector actors.
• Collaborate with regional WWF initiatives such as the Blue Heart of Africa Initiative.
• Develop partnerships with financial institutions and private sector stakeholders.
• Support multi-sector collaboration across conservation and development actors.

• Coordinate planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (PMEAL) processes.
• Prepare technical, scientific, policy, and donor reports.
• Document case studies, lessons learned, and best practices in water governance.
• Ensure timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

• Lead development of policy recommendations and position papers on water governance.
• Conduct studies to strengthen knowledge of watershed and catchment systems.
• Generate innovative solutions for water resource management in Uganda.

• Lead development of funding proposals and concept notes for freshwater programs.
• Identify funding opportunities and strategic donor partnerships.
• Conduct funding landscape analysis and opportunity mapping.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with donors and funding partners.
• Report on fundraising pipelines and opportunities to WWF leadership.

• Supervise and mentor Water Program Officers and related staff.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Support capacity building and professional development of team members.
• Ensure effective staff performance management in line with organizational standards.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environment Management, Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Irrigation Engineering, or related field (mandatory).
• Master’s Degree in a related field is an added advantage.

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in water resources and catchment management.
• At least 5 years managing complex donor-funded projects and budgets (preferably NGO sector).
• Strong experience in integrated water resource management in Uganda.
• Proven track record in proposal writing and fundraising.

• Water resource and catchment management
• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)
• Wetlands and riparian ecosystem management
• Project planning and management
• Policy analysis and development
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• Proposal writing and fundraising

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
• Communication and report writing
• Project and budget management
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Innovation and systems thinking

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in multicultural environments
• Self-driven and proactive
• Able to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability

• Delivery of freshwater and water governance program targets
• Successful fundraising and resource mobilization
• Strengthened stakeholder partnerships
• Improved water governance policy influence
• Effective staff supervision and capacity development