Regional Director, Central and South Asia (Remote)

Introduction

WaterConnect LLC (“WaterConnect”) is a project development company dedicated to creating opportunities for construction-stage investment in water supply and sanitation (WSS) infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. We bring early-stage financing and technical expertise to complement local partners, develop new infrastructure, and deploy technology that will impact water access, quality, and scarcity, and in turn build resilience for households and watersheds.  

WaterConnect partners with infrastructure developers, utilities, engineering firms, technology providers and equipment suppliers to co-develop infrastructure projects, bringing them from concept to financial close and construction. With the goal of accelerating the flow of projects, WaterConnect offers project development funding and expertise, particularly in legal and financial structuring, capital raising, climate resilience, and social and environmental impact, to supplement the pre-existing resources of project co-developers. WaterConnect seeks to develop a range of water projects, including both public private partnership projects for municipal infrastructure, as well as private industrial projects that mitigate water scarcity and reduce wastewater discharges. Projects can focus across the water value chain, from bulk supply through treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, and reuse. WaterConnect coordinates closely with sister organizations, Water.org and WaterEquity, which offer complementary products, including private equity and construction-stage infrastructure project financing. 

WaterConnect is in its second year of operations after spinning off from Water.org in 2024. It represents the latest in a series of innovations by Water.org to catalyze investment into water supply and sanitation in pursuit of achieving access for all, as highlighted by UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.    

Summary 

WaterConnect is seeking a commercially-driven infrastructure leader to originate, structure, develop, and execute WSS infrastructure projects in Central and South Asia, including both public-private-partnerships (PPPs) and private projects serving industrial offtakers. The role offers the opportunity to join a high impact startup company backed by a larger global group, and to build and lead a regional portfolio of infrastructure investments in one of the fastest-growing global water markets. 

The Regional Director is responsible for originating and developing a pipeline of bankable WSS infrastructure investments, identifying opportunities, structuring partnerships, conducting due diligence, and advancing projects to financial close. This includes working with key stakeholders (including co-developers, municipal and industrial offtakers, and investors) to structure commercially viable infrastructure projects that attract private capital.  

The Regional Director is expected to work closely with WaterConnect’s global team, and will report to the Chief Infrastructure Development Officer.  

Job Responsibilities

Regional Business Development - pipeline development 

•  Identify and develop a pipeline of bankable WSS infrastructure opportunities suitable for private investment 

• Develop and maintain relationships with various partners in the sector: private developers, technology providers, utilities, and investors 

 Regional portfolio growth 

• Screen and due diligence potential partners and opportunities 

• Prepare due diligence reports and present to approval committee 

• Negotiate term sheets and development agreements, in partnership with WaterConnect colleagues 

 Regional project development execution 

• Support WaterConnect project management team to oversee project development 

• Support engagement and management of third-party service providers and vendors 

• Engage with co-developers, offtakers, investors, regulators  

 Regional portfolio monitoring and management 

• Ensure accurate, timely reporting on project progress, risks and related KPIs  

• Local stakeholder management 

• Identify opportunities to improve WSS infrastructure policy and regulations to promote private sector participation, private investment, environmental impact 

 Cross-functional support 

• Contribute to strategic projects of WaterConnect and the larger group of companies, as needed from time to time 

Requirements

Qualifications  

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and/or equivalent related work experience 

• 10 or more years of progressive responsibility and experience in the origination, development, structuring, financing or advisory of water or other infrastructure projects in South and Central Asia, ideally gained in the private sector (e.g., developers, investment banks, advisory firms, or infrastructure investors), including: 

• Proven track record of business development, with demonstrated success in originating opportunities, structuring partnerships, and cultivating key relationships  

• Knowledge of private sector participation in water supply and sanitation, including PPP structures, such as DBFOT, BOOT, HAM, and concessions 

• Experience in the development, financing, or implementation of infrastructure projects, with an advanced understanding of the project lifecycle (from origination and feasibility to financial close and commercial operations), including track record of engaging and managing external consultants and coordination of technical, legal, and financial workstreams 

• Experience in preparing projects for, and reaching, financial close, including engagement with lenders, investors, and transaction advisors  

• Strong understanding of infrastructure policy and regulations in emerging markets and their impact on private investment and project bankability  

• Clear understanding of infrastructure investor requirements and processes, including familiarity with project finance structures, risk allocation, and investor diligence expectations 

• Self-driven & proactive problem-solver 

• Comfort working in a small, virtual team in a hands-on role  

• Multi-country experience in the Central or South Asia Region 

• Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental impact  

• Proficient (written and verbal) in English  

Preferred: 

• Masters’ degree in relevant field  

• 15 or more years’ total experience 

Physical Requirements   

Role includes regular online collaboration across time zones. Colleagues, partners, and service providers are based in the Americas, Africa, India, and East Asia. This role involves extended periods of sitting and reaching. This role requires the ability to see, talk, and hear. Travel may be required up to 20% of the time.  

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits 

Overall compensation will be commensurate with education and experience and structured to reflect a competitive package for a full-time senior-level team member.  

No relocation benefits or visa sponsorship will be offered. 

How to Apply 

Submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume. Both documents must be in English. 

WaterConnect is an equal-opportunity employer and on an intentional journey to determine how we can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our organization but also within our industry. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment that is characterized by engagement, a sense of connection, and respect for the differences and contributions of all our professionals. WaterConnect recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. 

Don’t meet every single requirement?  If you are enthusiastic about this role but find that your experience does not perfectly match every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and perspective could make you the ideal candidate for this position.