Senior Principal Specialist, Water Security, Sanitation, and Hygiene
DAI

Job

Job Title: Senior Principal Specialist, Water Security, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Department: USG - Development Innovations - Environment Sector

Reports to: Water, Energy, and Waste (WEW) Practice Director

Work Location: Bethesda, Maryland

Position Overview

The Water, Energy, and Waste practice leads new business development through the design of innovative solutions and supports implementation of a robust portfolio of USAID-funded programs in the areas of water security, sanitation, and hygiene (WSSH). DAI's WSSH programs include USAID flagship activities in countries such as Haiti,Indonesia,Kenya,Lebanon, Nepal,and the Philippines. Under the leadership of the Water Energy and Waste (WEW) Practice Director, the Senior Principal Specialist will support development and implementation of DAI's growing portfolio of USAID-funded WSSH projects. The Senior Principal Specialist will also serve as a subject matter expert and provide specialized technical support to other USAID projects linked to DAI's environment, climate change, natural resources management, circular economy, and clean energy portfolio, as well as advance thought leadership based on DAI project results, tools, evidence, and cross-sectoral integration.

In supporting new business development, the Senior Principal Specialist will undertake various roles, including leading proposal development, serving as technical writer, and supporting prepositioning for opportunities through capture trips and research efforts. In supporting field project delivery, the Senior Principal Specialist will provide specialized technical assistance; conduct research, synthesize information, data, and evidence; and produce technical deliverables in response to specific project requirements. The Senior Principal Specialist will apply knowledge in innovative ways and in a strategic manner, building on their technical expertise. As a member of the Environment Sector, the Senior Principal Specialist will coordinate, collaborate with, and provide integration expertise across DAI sectors and practices globally.

This is a full-time position.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Directly assists delivery, field, and home office teams to identify, develop, adapt, and refine technical solutions, tools, and approaches that support project implementation related to WSSH and other projects in the Environment Sector.

• Directly supports DAI projects with the development and quality control of deliverables.

• Conducts research, synthesizes information and evidence, and supports and leads development of technical deliverables in response to DAI's project portfolio.

• Provides linkages to and integration with other technical sectors, especially Health, Governance, Economic Growth, and Center for Digital Acceleration.

Business Development and Growth

• Prepares for, leads and/or supports new business efforts across the pre-positioning, capture and proposal preparation phases.

• Supports the Environment sector to develop, assess and pursue a new business pipeline.

• Builds and expands strategic client relationships, especially with USAID.

• Develops research and generates thought leadership products to preposition DAI for new opportunities.

Competitive Positioning

• Markets the Environment sector's services and portfolio through client interaction.

• Enhances DAI's brand with our main clients by advancing DAI's technical reputation and competitive position through participation in conferences, events and seminars, and social media.

• Captures technical achievements, lessons learned, and best practices to build on and advance DAI's reputation as an implementation leader in this technical area.

Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 8: Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience and a college degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated technical knowledge and skills in one or more areas of water supply services, water resources management, sanitation services, hand hygiene, menstrual health and hygiene, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions and/or clean energy, as evidenced by project results, publications, reports, proposals, and/or public presentations.

• Demonstrated ability and experience leading USAID new business efforts, including proposal lead, technical writer, and capture lead.

• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and external clients from diverse backgrounds.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly, and tailor communication style to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, create inclusive work environments, and work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.

• Able and willing to travel to any country where DAI currently operates or may wish to operate, barring times when DAI Global Security has deemed travel unsafe.

• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred, but not required:

• Professional working proficiency in a second language (Spanish, French, Russian, or Arabic preferred).

• Ability to work with teams to win new business and deliver excellent results to clients.

• Ability to work across sectors, such as on linkages between water, energy, climate change, natural resources, health, economic growth and/or governance.

• Ability to synthesize a range of scientific knowledge and present evidence justifying specific technical approaches or activities.

• Demonstrated ability to work with teams for winning new business and delivering excellent results to clients.

Compensation & Benefits:

For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $130,117 to $159,032. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI requires COVID-19 vaccinations subject to accommodation required by law.