Water System Infrastructure & Performance Manager (LIFT program)

About the role

The Water System Infrastructure and Performance Manager will support the LIFT program’s effort to improve cost‑recoverable water supply services in peri‑urban areas of the Kivus region, DRC. The role combines technical assessment of water utilities with performance‑based advisory to strengthen service delivery and financial sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Support multi‑criteria site‑selection analysis and field data collection in coordination with Mercy Corps and other consortium partners.
• Conduct comprehensive water system assessments covering engineering, maintenance, financial management, organizational structures, customer service and energy efficiency.
• Analyze infrastructure costs, cost‑recovery models, non‑revenue water (NRW) and other key performance indicators.
• Provide advisory on peri‑urban infrastructure investments, evaluating design trade‑offs and long‑term operational costs.
• Assist Mercy Corps with tender preparation, procurement support and QA/QC for design and construction.
• Act as primary liaison between LIFT and water service providers on business and operational performance.
• Support financial performance improvements, business practice enhancements and customer‑care initiatives for utilities.

Required profile

• 5‑10 years of professional experience in water infrastructure development, finance and utility performance management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with public‑private partnership structuring, NRW reduction, metering and local actor ownership.
• Fluency in written and spoken French and/or Swahili; English proficiency preferred.
• Experience working on donor‑funded projects in Eastern Africa, preferably the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Required skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Competence with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, etc.).