Institutional Strengthening Specialist

About the role

The Institutional Strengthening Specialist will design, implement and monitor strategies to enhance governance, capacity and operational efficiency of water resource management institutions under the Bihar Water Security & Improvement Management Project. The role supports state and local agencies in improving planning, service delivery, community participation and long‑term institutional resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct institutional capacity assessments for WRD, PHED, PRIs and WUAs and produce gap analysis and reform roadmaps.
• Develop a comprehensive Institutional Strengthening Framework aligned with State Water Policy, IWRM principles and climate‑resilient approaches.
• Design and deliver training modules, manuals, SOPs and knowledge products for officials and community institutions.
• Facilitate stakeholder coordination, promote participatory governance and integrate gender and social inclusion.
• Create KPIs, MIS and performance‑based monitoring systems; contribute to results reporting.
• Prepare sustainability and exit strategies, including financial mechanisms and post‑project transition plans.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Water Resources Management, Development Studies, Institutional Economics or Civil/Environmental Engineering.
• 10–15 years of experience in institutional reforms, water sector governance and capacity building, preferably in externally aided projects (World Bank, ADB, JICA).
• Proven experience working with state governments in India, especially Bihar.

Required skills

• Institutional capacity assessment tools
• IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) principles
• Water governance frameworks in India

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence water sector reforms in a high‑impact development project.
• Collaboration with state agencies, international donors and community stakeholders.