Program Manager – WASH

CYDA is hiring a Program Manager – WASH in Pune. The role requires leading sanitation initiatives, managing budgets, and coordinating with government/corporate donors. Candidates need a relevant postgraduate degree, five years of community development experience (two in management), and fluency in English, Marathi, and Hindi.

8/13/20262 min read

Career Opportunity: CYDA is Hiring a Program Manager – WASH in Pune

Are you a passionate development professional looking to make a tangible impact on public health and community empowerment? CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities), known as "The Pulse of YOUNG India," is expanding its team. The organization is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager – WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) to lead its impactful initiatives in Pune.

If you possess strong leadership skills, a background in community development, and a drive to create lasting behavioral change, this role could be the perfect next step for your career.

Role Overview: Program Manager – WASH

As the Program Manager for WASH, you will be at the forefront of driving critical hygiene and sanitation interventions across schools, urban slums, and various community settings in Pune. This role demands a blend of strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and hands-on field supervision.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of WASH projects. Core duties include:

  • Project Implementation: Leading the execution of WASH initiatives in key intervention areas such as schools, slums, and community settings.

  • Planning & Budgeting: Developing detailed work plans, operational budgets, and robust monitoring frameworks to ensure project success.

  • Stakeholder Coordination: Liaising with corporate donors and government departments, including Education, Urban Local Bodies, and Tribal Development, to ensure smooth project execution.

  • Team Leadership: Supervising field staff and community facilitators to maintain high-quality implementation standards on the ground.

  • Community Mobilization: Designing and executing effective IEC/BCC (Information, Education, and Communication / Behavior Change Communication) campaigns.

  • Capacity Building: Conducting training and capacity-building workshops for school staff, youth, and frontline workers (such as teachers and Self-Help Groups/SHGs).

  • Documentation & Reporting: Monitoring project activities, capturing success stories, and preparing comprehensive progress reports for donors.

  • Strategic Support: Assisting in proposal writing, making donor presentations, and contributing to strategic planning processes.

  • Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to CYDA and donor policies, particularly regarding safeguarding and financial protocols.

Qualifications and Experience Required

CYDA is looking for a qualified professional who can seamlessly step into a managerial role and guide teams toward achieving community milestones.

  • Education: A Postgraduate degree in Social Work, Public Health, Environmental Science, Rural Development, or a closely related field.

  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in WASH or community development projects, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.

  • Sector Expertise: Essential experience in managing donor-funded projects (both CSR and Government initiatives).

  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of participatory approaches, school WASH, MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management), and behavior change strategies.

Skills and Competencies

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following professional attributes:

  • Excellent project planning, coordination, and team management skills.

  • Multilingual Proficiency: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, Marathi, and Hindi.

  • Technical Literacy: Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and digital reporting tools.

  • Flexibility: The willingness and ability to travel to various project locations as required.

  • Cultural Fit: A deep commitment to CYDA’s core values of youth empowerment, equity, and participatory development.

How to Apply

If you meet the criteria and are ready to contribute to meaningful social development in Pune, CYDA invites you to apply.