Program Manager, Dispensers for Safe Water IPA

Program Manager, Dispensers for Safe Water (Washington, DC or New Haven, CT)

Reporting To: Managing Director
Location: Flexible
Deadline To Apply: No later than February 28, 2013; Early application is strongly recommended
Start Date: As soon as possible


About Dispensers for Safe Water:

Each year, over 1.8 million children under the age of five die from diarrhea, a leading cause of which is unsafe drinking water. Dispensers for Safe Water (DSW) is an entrepreneurial team tasked with scaling the Chlorine Dispenser System (CDS)– a proven innovation that dramatically expands access to water treatment at an extremely low cost. DSW is growing rapidly – we currently serve more than 500,000 people in Kenya, our primary country of operations, and plan to reach 5 million people in the next 3 years. Our program has global reach – we have piloted the CDS through key partnerships in Haiti, Peru, India, Somalia, and Swaziland and initiated a new DSW-led pilot in Uganda, with plans to reach millions in each of the most promising new contexts.


Our work is based on strong proof of CDS impact – a randomized controlled trial in Western Kenya demonstrated a six-fold increase in the number of households treating their water with chlorine after the installation of the dispenser at communal sources. Such a dramatic expansion in safe water usage will prevent over 2 million cases of diarrhea and 2,230 child deaths each year once we reach our target of 5 million people served.


The DSW initiative began and was incubated within IPA - a rapidly growing, global organization with operations in over 40 countries. IPA designs innovative, cutting-edge approaches to solving development problems, rigorously evaluates these programs, and works to scale up programs with proven impact. As the program grows, DSW is establishing a new organization which will provide a platform for the long-term scale and sustainability of CDS operations.


About the Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, with a strong background in finance and administration, and interested in developing sound systems and processes in order to advance the DSW program.


The PM will be challenged with understanding the needs and opportunities inherent in providing valuable support to a development intervention from the headquarters environment – the PM will be a key point of coordination among DSW field staff, DSW US-based staff and IPA HQ. He/she has strong analytical skills and attention to detail, is an excellent communicator, and is excited about the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural team. The PM should be flexible, creative, and resourceful, and look forward to building strong relationships with both our senior management team and our field staff to inform our work.


Specific responsibilities include:


Program Management

Design, manage, and supervise programmatic aspects of multiple grants including work plan development and monitoring progress against deliverables
Lead project reporting, including coordinating with IPA’s financial team to produce financial reports for donors and guiding program staff to develop narrative reports
Act as key liaison between field programs and IPA headquarters to support program implementation through ongoing administrative and back-stopping services
Develop and oversee human resource systems and procedures and lead recruiting process for open positions on the DSW team in coordination with IPA headquarters


Financial Monitoring & Analysis

Lead financial planning for the program, including analyzing costs and trends, estimating expenditure forecasts and evaluating financing gaps and needs
Coordinate the development of operating budgets for field teams and assist in developing systems for monitoring expenditures at the department level
Coordinate with IPA’s in-country and US-based financial staff to prepare monthly financial progress reports in line with donor agreements
Develop and monitor a tracking system for collection and spending of private donations and revenue from innovative financing mechanisms
Review and process all donor invoices including cost share requirements, program income reporting, interest earned reporting
Participate in new program development by working with strategic initiatives and field teams to lead preparation of proposal budgets, budget narratives and cost proposals.
Ensure that all IPA financial policies and procedures are followed and validated by internal evaluations and audits


Organizational Development

In coordination with the Director of Strategic Initiatives assist in the development of a new organization that will house the DSW program in the future
Support the implementation of a transition strategy in related areas of responsibility, working closely with other team members and short-term consultants to develop a new organizational structure, maintain and improve systems and process, and transfer knowledge to existing and new colleagues


Administrative Support

Develop, improve and systematize routine administrative processes to increase efficiency and focus efforts on strategic objectives
Review and process invoices, expense reports, consultant agreements, consultant payments and other contractual and financial documents
Coordinate the review and research of accounts payable transactions made from headquarters
Lead on procurement of assets for international purchases consistent with donor regulations
Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable transactions for the program
Stay up-to-date with U.S. Govt. and other donor regulations and compliance issues


Formal Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

Strong financial analysis, accounting, and grants management experience
At least 2-3 years of experience in program coordination / management
BA or equivalent experience in related field, master’s degree preferred
Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail
Strong English written and verbal communication skills
Experience with USAID program management and compliance
Willingness to travel as needed
Flexibility, self-motivation, and an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently
At least 1-2 years relevant experience in a developing country is a plus


Required Attitude:

Enthusiastic to develop personally and professionally and oversee core work of our program
Motivated by a strong focus on developing systems to improve program efficiency
Eager to be part of a fast-paced, rapidly-growing program and hard-working team
Passionate about the program’s high potential for widespread impact on public health
Excited to join a young and growing organization with a “start-up” environment
Interested in a learning environment that is flexible, creative, and data-driven


How to Apply:

1. Please send an email to, jobs@poverty-action.org and cc ipak.water.jobs@poverty-action.org, following these instructions:

In the subject line: Put your full name, first (given) name followed by last (family) name.
Attachments: Please attach Only your CV and cover letter.
In the email body: Copy exactly the following position line: 100837IPAUSA,Program Manager DSW


Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by email for an interview. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.


Disclaimer:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Program Manager. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-info@poverty-action.org.


IPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), adhering to the laws that prohibit discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment. The IPA EOE policy provides equal employment, volunteer, and service opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, veteran status, disability (including HIV/AIDS), or any other status protected by applicable law.