Senior Policy Analyst – WASH (Cross-cutting) 

Contract type: Permanent, Full time (35 hours per week) 

 
Location: This role can be based in Ethiopia or Kenya, subject to right-to-work in the respective country.

Salary: 

• Nairobi: KSH 9,023,447 per year 

• Addis Ababa: BR 11,161,517 per year  

*We offer competitive, market-aligned salaries based on the grade and scope of each role. Roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, with any exceptions considered only in exceptional circumstances. 

Change starts with water. Change starts with you. 

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future. 

About WaterAid 

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen. 

About the team 

The Global Policy and Research Team sits within the Global Policy and Campaigns Department (GPAC) and leads WaterAid’s global policy agenda. The team works across the federation to shape policy change, strengthen thought leadership, and influence global and national decision-making on WASH. 

About the role 

As our Senior Policy Analyst – WASH (Cross-cutting), you will lead the development of cross-cutting policy positions and coordinate strategic influencing across global policy processes, working closely with teams across WaterAid and external stakeholders to drive sector-wide change. 

In this role, you will: 

• Influence key cross-cutting global policy processes (e.g. UN systems, global summits) and develop sector-leading policy positions 

• Coordinate planning and implementation of cross-cutting policy priorities across the WaterAid federation 

• Provide agile policy advice and rapid responses to strategic opportunities, including media engagement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners to strengthen collective impact 

• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding 

Requirements

To be successful, you will need: 

• Extensive experience in policy, advocacy, or influencing in WASH or related development sectors 

• Strong understanding of global policy processes and multilateral systems (especially the UN) 

• Proven experience developing and delivering impactful policy influencing strategies 

• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, including producing high-impact policy outputs 

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have: 

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g. international development, water, public policy) 

• Experience working across multiple countries or regions, particularly in low-income contexts 

• Additional language skills (European, African, or Asian languages) 

View the full job description here 

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 24 August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 7 September 2026. 

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV only and Cover Letter. 

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? 

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well. 

Pre‑employment screening 

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy.

Benefits

Our benefits  

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process (or you may choose to insert your specific country’s benefits here) 

Our People Promise 

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values. 

Equal Opportunities 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. 

Safeguarding 

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks). 

Together, we’ll change the world through water.  

Join us and be part of the change!