Job Description

About Water.org

1 in 4 people around the world lack access to safe water and 2 in 5 people don’t have access to a safe toilet. We are working every day to change this. We are Water.org. We’re here to bring water and sanitation to the world. We want to make it safe, accessible, and cost-effective because we believe that water is the way to empower a bright future that we can all share in, worldwide. We are an international nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Missouri that has positively transformed millions of lives around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, we pioneer market-driven financial solutions to the global water crisis. For more than 30 years, we’ve been providing women hope, children health and families a bright future.

Join Us

The Portfolio Lead is responsible for managing a complex, high-impact portfolio across Central & South Asia, serving as a strategic leader to drive growth, performance, and expansion within the region. This role will assess and prioritize demand aligned with organizational goals, while ensuring strong portfolio health and execution discipline.

The Portfolio Lead will act as a key stakeholder in planning and reporting processes, while also serving as the first point of escalation to remove delivery barriers. This individual will lead and develop high-performing teams, set account and partner strategies, and ensure each engagement is positioned for long-term success.

What you'll do

Strategic Account Planning & Portfolio Management

• Lead portfolio planning and execution, ensuring delivery against financial targets, performance objectives, and key milestones
• Oversee the full partner account lifecycle, ensuring adoption of global frameworks, tools, and best practices across:
• Partnership design
• Solution development
• Field monitoring and reporting
• Monitor and drive portfolio health, identifying risks and opportunities across markets

Business Development & Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior decision-makers across partner institutions
• Drive sustainable growth across new and existing accounts in the region
• Identify and develop partnerships with:
• Banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs)
• MSME / SME-focused financial institutions
• Organizations expanding access to finance, including water and sanitation solutions
• Expand regional footprint by identifying new market opportunities and partnership models

Business Metrics & Reporting

• Deliver timely, accurate reporting on portfolio performance, including:
• Financial performance and growth metrics
• Impact delivery progress
• Funding utilization and forecasts
• Provide insights to senior stakeholders to inform strategy and decision-making

Talent Management & Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team across multiple markets
• Align team priorities to strategic goals and ensure accountability for results
• Foster collaboration across cross-functional teams to drive cohesive execution

Why Water.org?

At Water.org, we’re dedicated to breaking barriers to safe water access for everyone, everywhere. When you join us, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven team committed to sustainability, diversity, and making a lasting impact. We offer growth opportunities, a collaborative culture, and the chance to drive global change.

Learn more about working at Water.org

Requirements

What Makes you a great fit

10+ years of progressive experience in:

• Banking, microfinance (MFI), or financial services
• Credit, lending, or portfolio management (SME / MSME focus strongly preferred)

Proven experience in:

• Business development and account growth
• Managing complex financial portfolios
• Partnering with banks, MFIs, or financial institutions

Regional experience across multiple markets (Central & South Asia strongly preferred)

Strong understanding of:

• MSME/SME lending and credit environments
• Risk and portfolio management frameworks

Fluency in both English and Russian, with the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in a professional environment.

Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and navigating relationship-driven environments

Travel Requirement 

• Up to 25% of domestic and international travel.  

Being authorized to work in the country posted is a precondition of employment.

Type and Estimated Length of Employment: Indefinite

Benefits

This position offers country-specific benefits and market-based, competitive salary as well as periodic review for merit and incentive pay based on organizational and personal achievement.

Water.org is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, military and veteran status, genetic information, and any other status protected by law. We provide qualified applicants and employees reasonable accommodation, when necessary, to enable individuals to complete the application process and/or perform the essential functions of the job. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We strive to build and maintain a diverse team that will advance our mission and work and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.