Project Basin Coordinator

Project Basin Coordinator - Ewaso Ng'iro Basin Water and Climate Resilience Project
(EWCP)

Location: Nanyuki, Kenya (with frequent travel to Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo, Nyandarua and Nyeri Counties)

Contract Duration: Two (2) years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

About Water Sector Trust Fund

The Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation. Established under the Water Act 2016, WaterFund provides conditional and unconditional grants to counties and supports the development and management of water services in marginalized and underserved areas across Kenya.

WaterFund's work focuses on:

• Sustainable community-based water resources management.
• Rural water supply and sanitation services.
• Water services for underserved urban communities.
• Research and innovation in water resources management, water supply, sanitation, and sewerage.

About the Project

With support from the Government of Denmark, WaterFund is implementing the Ewaso-Ng'iro
Basin Water and Climate Resilience Project (EWCP) in Nyandarua, Nyeri, Meru, Laikipia and Isiolo counties.

The five-year programme (2026–2030) aims to improve equitable access to water resources throughout the year while promoting healthy forest ecosystems that enhance livelihoods and strengthen resilience to climate change within the Ewaso Ng'iro Basin.

EWCP adopts an integrated basin approach through investments in:

• Water resources management;
  
• Natural resource management and ecosystem restoration;
• Institutional capacity development; and
• Basin coordination and stakeholder engagement.

The programme is implemented in collaboration with Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs), Community Forest Associations (CFAs), community conservancies and other stakeholders.

The Opportunity

WaterFund through Royal Danish Embassy support is seeking to recruit a highly qualified, experienced and motivated Project Basin Coordinator to support implementation of the Ewaso-Ng'iro Basin Water and Climate Resilience Project.

The Project Basin coordinator will be based in Nanyuki and will coordinate project implementation at basin level, working closely with government agencies, County governments, Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs), community organizations, Community Conservancies, conservation partners and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Basin Coordinator will:

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and strengthen partnerships across the basin.
• Promote awareness and collaboration among basin stakeholders to support integrated basin management.
• Coordinate technical support to implementing partners, including guidance on Nature-based Solutions and climate resilience initiatives.
• Facilitate knowledge management by ensuring project lessons inform basin planning, coordination and decision-making.
• Monitor implementation progress and ensure compliance with project approaches and donor requirements.
• Prepare timely technical and progress reports.
• Review reports submitted by implementing partners and advise WaterFund on emerging implementation issues.
• Support effective coordination among basin stakeholders to achieve the project's objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Agricultural, Water or Environmental), Environmental Studies, Social Sciences, Biosystems Engineering, Project Management or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline will be an added advantage.
• At least ten (10) years' relevant professional experience in community development, water resources management, natural resources management and climate change.
• Demonstrated understanding of Kenya's institutional framework for water resources management, natural resources management and climate change.
• Good understanding of County Government operations and functions.
• Strong knowledge of Kenya's water and sanitation sector.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, reporting and advocacy skills.
• Membership in a relevant professional body, where applicable.
• Registration as a NEMA Lead Expert with a valid practising licence will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated integrity, initiative and strong performance record.
• Compliance with the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

Reporting

The successful candidate will report operationally to the Manager, Water Resources & Climate Change and contractually to the General Manager, Programmes.

Remuneration

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered in accordance with the approved WaterFund Human Resources Policy.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications including:

• A cover letter
  
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
  
• Have ready copies of certificates: Academic and professional certificates
• Professional registration and membership certificates where applicable,
• Contacts of three professional referees

Applications should be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in the
official recruitment notice.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Water Sector Trust Fund is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Women, youth, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from all regions of Kenya are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be required to present:

1. Original copies of certificates and testimonials.
2. Valid certificate of good conduct from the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
3. Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
4. Tax compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
5. Clearance certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
6. Clearance certificate from an approved Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)