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.
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
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
Salary/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 an inclusive team that will advance our mission and work and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Water.org participates in E-Verify.
Skills Required
- 10+ years progressive experience in banking, microfinance, or financial services
- 10+ years progressive experience in credit, lending, or portfolio management (SME / MSME focus)
- Proven experience in business development and account growth
- Proven experience managing complex financial portfolios
- Experience partnering with banks, MFIs, or other financial institutions
- Regional experience across multiple markets (Central & South Asia strongly preferred)
- Strong understanding of MSME/SME lending and credit environments
- Strong understanding of risk and portfolio management frameworks
- Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and navigating relationship-driven environments
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams across multiple markets
What We Do
We believe there's a smart way to end the global water crisis. Millions of people around the world could get access to safe water or improved sanitation in their homes with the help of small, affordable loans. That's why we created smart, financial solutions to address the water crisis. Water.org created a way for families in need to get lasting access to safe water and sanitation through affordable financing, something we call WaterCredit. With your support, we can help empower people around the world with hope, health, and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. Join us at Water.org
