State Program Lead, Safe Water (EAII Advisors)

This position is with EAII Advisors, Evidence Action’s technical partner in India.

About EAII 

EAII Advisors, Evidence Action’s technical partner in India, supports state governments in delivering evidence-based public health programs, including safe drinking water initiatives and school and Anganwadi-based National Deworming Day and iron and folic acid supplementation. Operating across 10 states, EAII Advisors provides technical assistance to ministries of health, education, water, and women and child development, reducing health burdens in impoverished communities and improving the long-term wellbeing of children and families. 

For more information, read about our work here: About Evidence Action and EAII

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 11 countries, our team of 900+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. 
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children. 
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. 

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

The Role 

The State Program Lead – Safe Water will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the Safe Water program in Andhra Pradesh, based out of Vijayawada, as the most senior EAII Advisors staff member in the state. Reporting to the Associate Director, Programs (Safe Water), you will work in close coordination with other departments and team members at the Delhi Office and state offices as needed.

The role is responsible for ensuring the provision of safe and chlorinated water to communities, while addressing issues related to water quality, availability, and accessibility. The State Program Lead will collaborate with a range of stakeholders — including government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and technical experts — to develop and execute comprehensive strategies to promote safe water practices and strengthen water infrastructure across the state. 

S/he will lead all aspects of the Safe Water program in AP, including government engagement, partner coordination, supplier and vendor management, community engagement, and building a strong state team capable of meeting program needs.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Lead the state team across all phases of the Safe Water program — from establishment through implementation to scale up
• Establish a state-specific technical assistance program for government, providing clear direction to the team on objectives, milestones, and execution
• Oversee installation, operation, and maintenance of water treatment devices carried out by both contractors and program staff
• Manage water treatment training and sensitization sessions for state and local governments, Gram Panchayats, Valve operators, Engineering staff, water service committees, and communities
• Hold suppliers and contractors accountable for deliverables, agreements, and warranties
• Liaise with relevant teams at the national office to ensure timeline and effective program delivery

Government and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Evidence Action and EAII Advisors in engagements with Jal Jeevan Mission state representatives, state water departments, NGO partners, suppliers, manufacturers, and communities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state and district level government stakeholders to support program delivery and scale up
• Coordinate with external partners, NGOs, and community organizations to align on program objectives and execution

Data and Quality Management

• Manage and facilitate data collection and information management in the state; use data actively to inform decision-making
• Oversee assessment of program processes, operational feasibility, and efficacy of water treatment across intervention points in AP
• Continuously iterate and improve program design by capturing and documenting lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead a large state team distributed across locations throughout Andhra Pradesh
• Proactively identify where challenges may arise in program development, implementation, and scale up — and position self and leadership team at key friction points to mitigate them
• Manage all human resource requirements across the Safe Water program team in the state

• Graduate degree in business, water, social sciences, public health, health management, or a related discipline
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing program-related activities
• Strong technical skills with at least 4 years of practical experience managing water and/or health initiatives
• Demonstrated experience working with state-level government
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing large, distributed teams
• Experienced in data review and analysis as a rigorous practice
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time

• Prior experience managing programs in Andhra Pradesh would be an advantage
• Demonstrated experience in development, public health, or WASH/water programs

Position Location

Vijayawada, AP. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in India. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. 

EAII provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health insurance with IPD and OPD provisions,
• Life and Accidental insurance
• PF, ESIC and Gratuity as per statutory requirements
• Mental and physical well-being benefits
• Learning and Development benefit
• Generous leave
• Avenues for engagement and recognition

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with the individual's credentials, experience, and previous pay scale. 

All contracting arrangements will be made through EAII Advisors Private Limited. EAII is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at EAII is based solely on an individual's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. EAII does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, caste, creed, colour, religion, gender, origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis protected by law.

Note: This role will be open for applications until April 27th, 2026 Please apply at your earliest convenience. We may close this search earlier than the specified date if we find the right fit. Due to the volume of applications received, we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidate.