Project lead jobs in East of england
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Project Lead - National Water Compact Delivery Accelerator
Contract: 18 Months Fixed-term contract, Full-time, contingent upon successfully securing project funding, target start date May 2026.
Location: The role can be based in London (United Kingdom), Accra (Ghana), Dar es Salaam / Dodoma (Tanzania), Lusaka (Zambia), or Lilongwe (Malawi), subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.
In the UK, we support and enjoy a hybrid working environment. A minimum of 40% of working time is spent face to face, either in the London office, for coordination, collaboration and connectivity across the team, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid.
Salaries & Benefits: Salaries and benefits will vary by country, depending on the successful candidate's location and experience. See further details below:
UK: GBP 71,481 per annum with excellent benefits*
Zambia: ZMW 1,373,933 – ZMW 1,919,714 per annum with excellent benefits.
Ghana: GHS 937,208 – GHS 1,310,800 per annum with excellent benefits.
Tanzania: TZS 185,654,036 – TZS 241,350,247 per annum with excellent benefits.
Malawi: MWK 103,443,842 - MWK 152,809,944 per annum with excellent benefits.
*We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.
Change 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 WaterAid
We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the Team
The role will report into the Programme Design and Management Team Lead, located in the Programme Operations Team, one of three support teams within the International Programmes Department of WaterAid UK.
The Programme Operations Team enables the effective management of the International Programmes Department through ensuring IPD Teams have access to robust high quality management policies, systems, process, tools and capabilities that work to support the delivery of programmes, enable the effective management of risk, and ensure strong financial planning and management.
About the Role
The Project Lead will provide overall strategic, technical and delivery leadership for the National Water Compact Delivery Accelerator, a multi‑country initiative supporting governments to translate high‑level political WASH commitments into credible, investable project pipelines.
The role combines senior project leadership with deep expertise in WASH institutional development and financing, ensuring the Accelerator delivers against its staged milestones, meets the expectations of international financing institutions, and positions partner governments to successfully enter formal investment appraisal pathways.
In this role, you will:
1. Strategic leadership and delivery oversight
- Provide overall leadership for the National Water Compact Delivery Accelerator across all participating countries.
- Translate the approved delegated authority, staged approach and theory of change into effective, sequenced delivery.
2. WASH institutional development and financing leadership
- Lead the Accelerator’s approach to institutional strengthening, governance reform and financing readiness.
- Ensure robust diagnostics of sector constraints (institutional, financial, regulatory, macro‑fiscal and political economy).
- Support and guide the establishment or adaptation of the appropriate multistakeholder platforms.
3. Government and senior stakeholder engagement
- Alongside country teams, act as the primary senior interface with ministries responsible for WASH, finance, planning and local government.
- Support and reinforce high‑level political ownership of National Water Compacts and project pipelines.
4. Project governance, quality assurance and risk
- Establish and chair (or participate in) appropriate project governance and decision‑making groups.
- Maintain oversight of delivery quality, ensuring consistency and credibility across countries.
5. Team leadership and coordination
- Lead and manage the core delivery team, including technical specialists and country team embedded roles.
- Provide direction and mentorship to senior technical staff, including the WASH Institutional Management Specialist and the Public-Private Financing Specialist.
6. Learning, replication and strategic positioning
- Oversee synthesis of learning, guidance and tools emerging from the Accelerator.
- Contribute to organisational positioning on WASH financing, national compacts and mission‑oriented delivery.
Requirements
To be successful, you’ll need:
- Substantial senior‑level experience in WASH institutional reform, sector governance and financing.
- Demonstrated track record of leading complex, multi‑country projects involving governments and financing institutions.
- Deep understanding of investment preparation processes, MDB appraisal expectations and blended finance approaches.
- Proven ability to operate credibly with senior government officials, donors and international finance actors.
- Strong strategic judgement, political sensitivity and leadership presence.
Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:
- Experience leading or supporting national WASH compacts, sector reform programmes or investment accelerators.
- Familiarity with World Bank, African Development Bank or similar MDB processes.
- Experience shaping mission‑oriented or systems‑change programmes.
Closing date: Applications will close 12:00 PM UK time on 10th April 2026. Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore encourage you to apply at an early stage.
How to Apply: Click Apply to answer the pre-screening questions, upload your CV.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre-employment screening:
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Benefits
As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process
Our Global Commitment:
Our people promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water.
Join us and be part of the change!
Registered Charity
More than 1000
Our vision is a world where everyone, everywhere has sustainable and safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead
Is now the right time in your career to make a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities, whose behaviours may be described as challenging, across the UK? Do you have leadership skills and experience of co-production?
Join a small and friendly mission driven team as a Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead and be part of the vision to change the lives of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges, and their families.
Position: Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead
Location: Chatham, Kent (hybrid or remote working considered)
Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 (£35,000- £40,000 FTE)
Contract: Fixed - term until 30 April 2031
Closing Date: Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time. Please apply by 8th April to be considered for initial interview dates.
Interview Date: Initial dates 21 and 28 April and please state if you are unavailable for either of these.
The Role
We are looking for a Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead to lead a flagship new UK wide project (Making it Matter) to increase direct engagement with young people who have been historically excluded from engagement activities. You will drive change and improvement in learning disability practice through raising awareness of and leading the team that implements co-produced training workshops and promote best practice in support for people with severe learning disabilities.
You will also contribute to the leadership of the charity as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading a five-year project to increase direct engagement with young people who have been historically excluded from engagement activities because they do not communicate using speech and/or are assessed as not having capacity
- Drive change and improvement in learning disability practice through training workshops
- Build on well-established relationships to promote best practice
- As a member of the Senior Management Team
If you are clear that all behaviour is a way of communicating something, but are frustrated by a system which fails to recognise that then we want to hear from you!
About You
You will have empathy for individuals with severe learning disabilities and their families, with a deep understanding of the challenges they face. With strong team work and leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively and get the best out of people, you will have experience of:
- Co-production and partnership working with family carers and people with learning disabilities
- The issues facing children, young people and adults with severe or profound learning disabilities, whose behaviours may be described as challenging and their families
- Best practice in supporting people with learning disabilities whose behaviours may be described as challenging
- Management and/or leadership experience relevant and transferrable to this role including people management, project leadership, experience of contributing to and representing organisational objectives and budget management
You will also have good IT skills, proficient in Office 365 applications including PowerPoint and SharePoint and able to learn and adapt to new applications
To fulfil the role, you must have the right to work in the U.K.
About the Organisation
This is a varied role in a friendly and supportive small national charity focussed specifically on the needs of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges, and their families. There is no statutory funding and the organisation relies on voluntary income to fund its work. Income is sourced primarily from Trusts and Foundations to maintain independence. Benefits include 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays) and an Employee Assistance Programme.
As an equal opportunity employer, the organisation would particularly welcome applications from people with an ethnic minority background or those with a disability, as they are currently underrepresented in the workforce.
You may have experience in other roles such as Learning Disability Outreach, Partnerships, Learning Disability Engagement Lead, Learning Disability Support.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP
Thank you!
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
We’re searching for a dynamic and innovative project leader who is skilled in supporting marginalised young people and who is able to forge a new approach to meeting their needs.
Westminster City Council, Young Westminster Foundation and John Lyon’s Charity are working with DreamArts to help join up services for young people with caring responsibilities. The Carers Express Project Lead will be responsible for leading Carers Express, DreamArts flagship project for young people with caring responsibilities living or studying in Westminster.
You will be responsible for producing and delivering creative and therapeutic activities for the Juniors (7-11) and Seniors (12-18) Carers Express cohort. The project should be thought of with a strategic and long-term vision that supports young people to use creativity to explore and extend meaning to the challenges they face, build a sense of belonging with peers sharing their experience and be supported with their emotional wellbeing. This will include projects in school holidays, residentials (e.g. attending the UK Young Carers Festival) and phases of evening/weekend workshops. You will act as lead facilitator and will be supported by a freelance Wellbeing Practitioner.
You will also manage a caseload of Young Carers aged 11-16, providing 1:1 support to newly identified carers and/or young carers experiencing key life transitions, e.g., primary school to secondary school. Where possible, you will assess and respond to individual needs, build positive mentoring relationships, and signpost or refer young people to appropriate support services within DreamArts or external partner organisations. Outside of your case load, you will build relationships with all Carers Express participants and their families to sustain their engagement through regular check-ins.
The role includes training and development in therapeutic approaches applied within DreamArts, including the PACE attachment model, and you will receive regular reflection spaces with our Therapeutic Consultant to process your work and ‘therapeutic lens’ sessions exploring approaches for supporting the wellbeing needs of young people in your planning, delivery and evaluation.
MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Producing, delivering and managing the ongoing Carers Express project to meet the needs and interests of Young Carer participants with a strategic and long-term vision.
- Coordinate with facilitators and partner organisations to deliver engaging and relevant sessions. This includes conducting team planning and debriefs and working with the Young Carers Programme Manager to ensure the team has the necessary skills and training to deliver the project.
- Ensure that Carers Express maintains a high standard of quality and is managed and delivered within the context of DreamArts Theory of Change, including implementing monitoring and evaluation systems
- Ensure the project and its delivery are underpinned by autonomous participation and equality of opportunity. This includes engaging young people at every level of the programme, identifying and responding to their needs and interests, and positively challenging and expanding their knowledge and experience.
- Apply a relational approach underpinned by the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy. Training in PACE will be provided.
- Deliver outreach activities to increase awareness and referrals to Carers Express.
- Liaise with referral partners, including Westminster Early Help Service, schools, professionals and partners to identify Young Carers and inform them of participants’ development.
- Lead and line-manage a Wellbeing Practitioner who will support the pastoral needs of the group.
- Manage resources, including ensuring venues are booked and collating all expenditure receipts.
- Implement safeguarding and welfare and ensuring the project adheres to DreamArts Safeguarding Policy.
- Take responsibility for Health and Safety within the project, including risk assessments, incident reporting and accident reporting.
- Provide support for young people who may be facing particular challenges. This includes managing a caseload of young carers aged 11-16, providing tailored 1:1 support through home visits or online sessions with the aim of integrating them into the wider Carers Express project and Young Carers Pathway offer.
- Aid the Young Carers Programme Manager to produce qualitative and quantitative data on the Carers Express Project for the end-of-year Young Carers Impact Report.
- Keep abreast of developments in the young carers sector, identifying strategies, partnerships and key individuals. This includes initiating and responding to collaborative projects with other agencies.
- Supporting the development of other aspects of the Young Carers Programme. This may include contributing to the delivery of Young Carers Awareness Training, providing relevant content for newsletters and other social media content, and cultivating/maintaining relationships with partner schools using our Young Carers Schools Package.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
- Proven track record of supporting the development of marginalised young people.
- Proven track record of building relationships with young people and families.
- Experience of organising and producing youth programmes for children, young people and/or communities.
- A proven track record of delivering creative activities and a developed practice in facilitating for young people.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience of cultivating relationships with community groups, senior internal and external colleagues and voluntary sector organisations.
- Working knowledge of current issues facing Young Carers, and within the arts/cultural sector.
- High level of initiative and leadership qualities.
- Available to work during unsociable hours, including monthly Sunday sessions and a monthly evening session for our Juniors cohort.
- Ability to listen, show empathy and support young people through different challenges.
- Good IT skills and confidence with Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft Office Apps.
DESIRABLE
- Experience of working with Young Carers.
- Experience of working within London.
- An understanding of or qualification in therapeutic practice.
- Basic understanding of Canva.
- Experience of collecting and presenting qualitative and quantitative data for project reports and outcomes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.