Business Improvement Manager – LIFT Project (Water & Sanitation)

About the role

The Business Improvement Manager will lead the Market Systems Delivery Team for the LIFT (Leveraging Investments for Transformational Water and Sanitation Systems) project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based in Mercy Corps’ office in Goma or Bukavu, the role focuses on enhancing the financial sustainability and operational reliability of water and sanitation service providers.

Key responsibilities

• Support multi‑criteria analysis for site selection and coordinate field data collection.
• Identify and engage key market actors across the water service delivery value chain.
• Conduct organizational capacity assessments of utilities to evaluate technical, administrative, financial, and commercial capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to improve financial viability, business practices, customer care, and the enabling environment for service providers.
• Develop and deliver capacity‑building and training programs, business plans, and awareness‑raising campaigns.
• Collaborate with governance teams to implement social accountability and business continuity mechanisms.
• Facilitate expansion of the customer base and support utility reform interventions.
• Serve as primary liaison between LIFT and market actors, and coordinate with international and local technical assistance partners.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Relevant experience in water and sanitation service delivery, market systems, or utility management.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and manage complex projects.

Required skills

What we offer

• Full‑time position with a four‑year fixed‑term contract.
• Opportunity to work on a high‑impact USAID‑funded project.
• Professional development in the water and sanitation sector.