Regional Coordinator
 Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA)
 Location: Hyderabad
 Last Date: June 17, 2010
 Email: hrfansamail@gmail.com (Reference: DevNetJobsIndia.org)

 JOB DESCRIPTION

Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA) Regional Coordinator
Working for the right to water and sanitation by strengthening civil society in South Asia
1. Job Title: REGIONAL COORDINATOR (FANSA)
2. Place of work: HYDERABAD-AP, INDIA
3. Work unit: FANSA-SECRETARIAT, HYDERABAD
4. Reports to: Convenor - FANSA Regional Steering Committee
5. Term of appointment: Initially for a period of 21 months subject to probation of 3 months
6. Salary scale: Upto INR 80,000 (Depending on experience)

Introduction:
The Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA) aims to improve water governance by strengthening the role of civil society in decision-making. It considers both environmental and developmental aspects as crucial considerations for the realization of the right to water and sanitation for present and future generations.
FANSA was established in 2008 based on the need to ensure that local experiences and voices were brought to policy-making discussion and debate. The South Asian network is a consortium member of Freshwater Action Network (FAN), a global consortium of civil society networks implementing and influencing water and sanitation policy and practice.

Vision
A world where water is respected and protected by all as an essential resource for all forms of life and where universal access to water and sanitation is achieved responsibly, equitably and inclusively.

Mission
To empower civil society organizations to engage effectively and influence water governance towards the realization of the right to water and sanitation for present and future generations.

Aim
FANSA aims to strengthen the engagement of civil society in policymaking and development specifically in the South Asia region. It has national level networks in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
In particular, it supports initiatives to achieve international, regional and national targets on water and sanitation, improve regional cooperation between different civil society organizations and increase the number of NGOs to advocate and communicate clearly on water policy issues and the broader agenda.
- FANSA membership is currently limited to Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan and has ambitious plans to expand deeper in these countries as well as to other countries like Srilanka, Bhutan, etc.
- FANSA is a consortium member of FAN Global (www.freshwateraction.net) and works in cooperation with WaterAid, an international NGO based in the UK with partners and country offices in South Asia (www.wateraid.org/uk)
- FANSA is in the process of strengthening and growing its regional network structure and functioning mechanisms and is increasingly raising its profile in the sector.
- Right to water and sanitation, governance and accountability, climate change and IWRM are key issues that FANSA is focusing on.
- The strategic direction of FANSA is led by its regional Convenor, a regional Steering Committee and working committees at the national level.
FANSA seeks a motivated and experienced self-starter to coordinate the development of this vibrant network and carry out functions with the support and guidance of the Convenor and Steering Committee.

7. Job purpose:
The post-holder will be a full-time employee of FANSA, working in a small team at Modern Architects for Rural India (MARI), which hosts the FANSA Secretariat. The Coordinator will work to strengthen FANSA as a collective platform of civil society organizations and to support and develop the research and advocacy, planning, learning, information sharing, monitoring and reporting aspects of the work done with funding support from different international agencies. Currently FANSA is funded by FAN-WaterAid under Strategic Grants Assistance (SGA) and Governance and Transparency Fund of DFID-UK.

8. Key responsibilities:

A. Network coordination and facilitating dialogue
§ Overall coordination and management of FANSA activities
§ Building solid relationships with national committees and offering support to strengthen the national platforms, develop capacity building and advocacy activities
§ Develop and coordinate mechanisms for sharing learning and experiences and facilitating debate among FANSA members and FAN global constituency
§ Facilitate inclusive participation of members in policy events of processes, including the South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN 4).
§ Organize and/or attend FANSA meetings and training workshops in the region and beyond
§ Support FANSA and its members to advance dialogue with governments, international organizations and CSOs and push the accountability and sector performance agenda.
§ Act as a spokesperson for FANSA as required and represent FANSA within the regional and at international fora.

B. Research and advocacy
- study and analyze relevant policy documents and prepare briefs to guide the network committees and members to engage in policy formulation;
- plan and manage research on strategic issues of relevance to FANSA mission and work programme;
- monitor outcomes from research and policy processes and critically analyze their relevance to National and South Asia Regional policy advocacy work of members;
- Work with FANSA and FAN Global Communications Team to promote dissemination of research and advocacy information throughout FAN communications and among other organizations working in the sector and in the media.

C. FANSA – Network development (to ensure long term sustainability)
- Facilitate systematic and efficient functioning of the network and establish best practices of transparency and democratic decision-making.
- Plan and facilitate annual meetings and teleconferences of the FANSA Regional Steering Committee, this will include review and planning sessions.
- Provide necessary support to FANSA National Chapters in conducting their governance meetings.
- Develop and maintain close working relationship with FAN Global secretariat and support the joint work plans, mainly related to SGA and GTF projects.
- Work with the Steering Committee to identify sources of funding for implementation of the action plans developed at the Regional and National levels.
- Lead the development of funding proposals and the management of funding contracts.
- Support management of new work programmes for FANSA, as approved by the Regional Committee.

D. Project Management
- Develop and implement tools, systems and mechanisms to ensure effective planning, implementation, impact assessment and documentation of FANSA programmes / projects.
- Manage and monitor FANSA budget and work plans according to the FANSA strategic plan and also ensure agreement compliance.
- Coordinate with the FANSA National Convenors in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal and ensure timely, effective and accurate submission of financial and narrative reports to donors.
- Submit an annual and monthly action plans and reports to the Convenor and FANSA Steering Committee. This should also include annual plan of visits to member countries. The details of the same would be explained separately with guidelines.
- Conduct periodic monitoring and review visits to FANSA National Chapters and support the same for effective functioning.

E. Capacity Building
- Contribute to the planning and design of capacity building activities for FANSA members so as to strengthen their advocacy work including dissemination of information on training opportunities available for the members.

F. Other organization responsibilities:
- Maintain and develop efficient electronic and paper filing systems to support own work.
- Attend meetings and conferences to defend and promote the advocacy agenda of FANSA at National, Regional and International level as per the delegation of the Convenor and FANSA Committee.
- Adhere to the financial and HR guidelines issued by the organization.
- Ensure safe custody of the assets and finances under your control.
- Independently manage the office of FANSA Secretariat and ensure statutory compliance.
- Ensure actions to enhance image and reputation of the organization.
- Undertake any other responsibilities, tasks or activities as reasonably required by the organizations.

G. Key relations:
The post-holder works closely with the FANSA convenor (Chief Functionary, Modern Architects for Rural India - MARI), FANSA Communication Officer (Executive Secretary, NGO Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation, Nepal), Regional Steering Committee and the 4 National FANSA platforms. In addition the job demands close working relationship with FAN Global Secretariat (UK) and WaterAid.
- Support and coordinate with FANSA communications officer to ensure prompt and effective information dissemination and communications in FANSA, FAN-Global and to other organizations.
- Coordination with and contributing to specific tasks set by FAN secretariat (London) and collaboration with other regional networks in the FAN Consortium (African CSO Network on Water & Sanitation (ANEW), FAN-MEX, FAN Central America etc.)
- Work closely with other development projects staff and Finance & Admin. Staff of the organization where FANSA is housed.
- Coordination with WaterAid Country Offices of Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan with particular attention to areas of ongoing collaboration between FANSA and WaterAid, WSSCC and WASH Coalitions.
 

H. Qualifications & experience

Essential
- Post graduation preferably in social sciences, social work, development studies or any other discipline.
- Understanding of why and how civil society can engage in policy decision making to ensure that within the context of managing water resources well, the poor gain access to affordable and sustainable water and sanitation services.
- Understanding of the significance of water and sanitation issues for achieving health, economic & social development.
- Excellent communication skills in English – written and spoken.
- Computer skills, including internet use, website management, list-serves, e-bulletins.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in networking and/or advocacy processes.

Desirable
- Knowledge of policy and decision-making by governments, bi-lateral / multi-lateral donors, financial institutions.
- Knowledge of the rights-based approach to development.
- Knowledge of policy research and analysis methodologies.
- Demonstrate responsibility for senior-level organizational representation, negotiation and advocacy.
- Demonstrable leadership skills.
- Proven experience in organising training and advocacy workshops.
- Experience in contract management, donor reporting and writing funding proposals.
- Proven organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
- Strong social and networking skills.
- Self-motivated and good problem solving skills.

Closing Date for submission of Applications: 17th June 2010
Please send your Applications to: hrfansamail@gmail.com  and convenor@fansasia.net  

The recruitment process is expected to be completed by 10th July and selected candidates will be informed immediately.

* * *