Center Head — CWAS

Role Overview:

The Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) is a leading Center within the CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). Since its establishment in 2009, CWAS has played a key role in shaping urban water and sanitation policies, advising governments, and implementing impactful projects like the Performance Assessment System (PAS). Through its work, CWAS has influenced national missions such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and continues to drive equitable service delivery in the sector.
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established Center, build on its strong foundation, and drive the next phase of growth. The Center Head will play a crucial role in expanding CWAS’s reach, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring its continued leadership in the field.

Position Overview:

The Center Head and Principal Researcher will be responsible for strategic leadership, project acquisition, and team development. The role demands a strong vision to anticipate emerging WASH trends, strengthen ongoing initiatives, and explore new avenues of work.

Responsibilities:

  1. Knowledge Development and Dissemination
    • Advance expertise in the Center’s domain
    • Facilitate knowledge sharing within CEPT University.
  2. Project Acquisition and Execution
    • Secure and manage research and advisory projects.
    • Ensure technical quality is at par with national and international benchmarks.
    • Deliver projects on time and within budget.
  3.  Financial Management
    •  Oversee transparent and accurate financial accounting.
    •  Ensure all projects maintain a surplus and contribute positively to the Center's finances.
  4. Team and HR Oversight
    •  Manage recruitment, welfare, and exits of project staff and RAs as per CRDF procedures.
    •  Mentor the team members.
  5. Reporting and Compliance
    •  Submit detailed monthly technical and financial reports to the Vice Chairperson.
    •  Ensure all contracts comply with CRDF standards.
  6. Academic Contributions
    •   Actively engage in CEPT University’s educational programs.
  7. Internal Collaboration
    •  Liaison with entities within the CEPT umbrella, including the University and CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation (CUPDF).

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Recognized expertise in water and sanitation management, with significant contributions to policy, governance, and implementation strategies.
  • Close to 15 years of combined academic and professional experience in water and sanitation, including research, advisory, and capacity-building.
  • Proven experience in securing and managing large-scale research projects focusing on urban infrastructure and public service delivery.

Attributes:

  • Strategy: Define and implement CWAS’s strategic direction, and strengthen CWAS’s position as a trusted partner in the water and sanitation sector.
  • Leadership and Management: Proven track record in leading teams and successfully implementing programmes and projects within deadlines and budgets.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to work effectively with government bodies, academic institutions, and private sector partners.
  • Financial Stewardship: Experience in managing budgets and ensuring financial sustainability, with a focus on maintaining the financial growth of the Center.
  • Communication Skills: Clear, professional communication (written and spoken) with the ability to adapt language for diverse audiences and ensure clarity in all interactions.  Must be able to generate high-quality written reports, presentations and policy papers.
  • Team Development: Commitment to building and mentoring a skilled team that works effectively.

Outcomes:

  • Strengthen CWAS’s position as a hub for WASH at the national and international levels.
  • Maintain excellent financial health and growth for the Center.
  • Build and maintain a capable team that thrives in a collaborative environment.

Performance Measures:

  • Impact of the Center’s work at the national and international levels.
  • Financial health and growth of the Center.
  • Successful delivery and management of projects.
  • Development of the Center's team

Why join CWAS?

  • Lead an established Center with a strong reputation in the WASH sector.
  • Work on meaningful projects that impact national and global policies.
  • Collaborate with experts across CRDF’s specialised centers.
  • Opportunity to contribute to academic endeavours at CEPT University.
  • Receive a competitive compensation package with health insurance and professional development opportunities.
  • Based in Ahmedabad, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure.

Accountable to:
Vice Chairperson/Director

Direct Reports:
Project Managers, Research Associates

Key Stakeholders:
Finance Manager, CRDF
HR Manager, CRDF
Other Center Heads

No. of positions: 1

Remuneration: As per Industry standards

 

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