Chair of the Steering Committee - End Water Poverty

Chair of the Steering Committee - END WATER POVERTYContract type: Fixed-termTerm: 2 years (renewable once)Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per monthLocation: Remote/global: This role can be based anywhere.Volunteer Position: This is an unpaid roleChange 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 PovertyEnd 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 affordableSafe and equitableEnvironmentally sustainable and resilientThe 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 roleEWP 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 leadershipEnsures effective functioning of the Steering CommitteeActs as a visible ambassador of the coalitionThis 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 membersStrengthening political alignment across regionsEnsuring EWP remains connected to grassroots realities and collective advocacy prioritiesKey Responsibilities1. Governance LeadershipLead and oversee the effective functioning of the Steering CommitteeUphold EWP values, governance principles, and accountability standardsChair meetings and ensure effective and inclusive decision-making2. Strategic DirectionGuide coalition priorities and strategic directionSupport alignment across members and regionsProvide strategic guidance to the Secretariat3. Governance StewardshipSupport selection and succession processesOversee progress against the strategic plan4. Advocacy & External EngagementRepresent EWP at agreed priority events and global foraChampion EWP's advocacy priorities and campaign positions externallyAct as a spokesperson aligned with coalition prioritiesStrengthen political positioning and alliances, including around key global moments such as the UN Water Conference 20265. Ethical LeadershipPromote inclusive and transparent governanceManage sensitive dynamics and ensure respectful engagementUphold safeguarding and ethical standards6. Collaboration with Vice-ChairWork effectively and collaboratively with the Vice Chair, including sharing responsibilities as appropriateWorking Relationship with SecretariatThe Chair works closely with the EWP Secretariat by:Providing strategic guidance while respecting operational independenceMaintaining regular coordination with the Global CoordinatorEnsuring clarity of roles and effective collaborationAccountability & GovernanceThe Chair is accountable to:The Steering CommitteeThe 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 StructureThe Steering Committee holds governance and decision-making authorityThe Secretariat is responsible for operational implementationEquity & Inclusion CommitmentEWP is committed to advancing equity and Southern-led leadership. Strong priority will be given to candidates from the Global South.RequirementsTo be successful, you will need core competencies:Governance & Board LeadershipStrategic ThinkingCommunication & InfluencingIntercultural SensitivityIntegrity & IndependenceIn this role, Essential experience requirements are:Strong background in WASH or related sectorsExperience in global advocacy, human rights, governance, or developmentLeadership & GovernanceProven experience chairing or leading boards or multi-stakeholder bodiesAbility to facilitate inclusive dialogue and consensus-buildingStrategic CapabilityExperience working within complex global or regional coalitionsStrong strategic judgement and decision-making skillsCommunication & RepresentationExcellent interpersonal and diplomatic skillsAbility to represent diverse perspectives effectivelyWHAT THE CHAIR GAINSThis 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 sanita