Project Officer

Job Description

***Only candidates with the relevant right to work will be considered***

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Project Officer
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Permanent
Position Location: London, UK


BACKGROUND
Cowater is a global international development consultancy firm that works with partners to deliver technical assistance to governments and the private sector in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Our key technical areas of focus include: public financial management and accountability, revenue reform, customs, trade and investment facilitation, conflict, stability and security, inclusive economic growth, sustainable extractives industries, social service delivery, climate adaptation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as women’s economic empowerment.    

Cowater works with a diversified set of development donors, including the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) the European Union (EU), the Nordic donors, the World Bank, and others. Cowater further counts on a dynamic and diverse team of professionals committed to designing and implementing projects that deliver lasting results for the clients and countries with whom we work.


SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Cowater is recruiting for early career roles in our Cowater UK office in London to work on project delivery and business development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for dynamic international development professionals interested in working in a fast-paced growth environment and progressing their international development career. The role is designed to provide a variety of experiences for the candidate to encourage growth. The successful candidates will manage the delivery of projects and work on business development with Cowater Directors, Senior Managers, and field project teams to do so effectively.

Research shows that while men apply to roles when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women often only apply when they meet every requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and you think you would be a good fit, please apply even if you feel you don’t meet all the criteria!


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project management and implementation:
Support/manage day-to-day project activities in line with the project’s terms of reference and contract (e.g., finances, operations, team and consultant management, project deliverables, risk management);

• Collaborate with and support Cowater’s Directors/Senior Managers and field project teams to achieve project objectives and daily execution of implementation tasks;
• Provide support in the preparation, submission, and quality control of donor reports (technical/financial reports) and/or related presentations that meet Cowater and the donor’s standards;
• Support robust contract, financial, and risk management of projects, and compliance with contractual requirements;
• Carry out research in support of the realization of certain project activities;
• Support the planning and establishment of travel arrangements for field missions as necessary;
• Perform additional tasks according to the needs of the team.

Business development:

• Support/carry out research and analysis that will aid in the design of projects and proposals, including participating in business development missions;
• Support/manage business development opportunities based on Cowater UK’s key/strategic clients, specifically FCDO;
• Contribute to the development of innovative and successful approaches to proposals and projects, including identifying strong technical teams, consortia, and technical approaches;
• Contribute to the preparation of technical and commercial proposals, including ensuring full compliance with donor requirements.
• Convey the quality of our approach, team and capability compellingly to donors and clients through writing and delivering clear, accessible and well-structured documents and presentations;
• Negotiate effectively with consultants and sub-contractors.
  The exact split between project management and business development will be dependent on need.
  
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., economics, political science, international development, business administration, etc.) or equivalent experience.Minimum Experience:
  
• At least 2 years of professional experience in international development, social and environmental impact projects, consulting, or public policy analysis etc., touching upon at least 1 of the following aspects of international development consulting:
• Supporting/managing small-to-mid projects
• Business development (bid/grant writing for donors/foundations)
• Knowledge of international development and the design and/or delivery of projects in developing countries and/or conflict-affected states;
• Experience with one or more of Cowater’s main clients: FCDO, GAC, EU, DFAT, World Bank/bilateral banks would be an asset;
• Experience in a developing country context (work experience, volunteering, etc.) is desirable.

Essential Skills:

• Proven skills in research, analysis, and report writing, including writing and reviewing (quality control) project reports and proposals;
• Strong interpersonal skills – an ability to build and maintain strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect with clients, counterparts, sub-contractors, and team members;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (reports, workplans, proposals, presentations, etc.)
• Strong organizational skills, with a focus on results;
• Strong team-working skills;
• Ability to take initiative – a penchant for taking personal accountability – and to collaborate effectively with others;
• Mastery of the most common IT tools (MS Word, Excel, PPT, Teams);
• Capacity to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Language Proficiency:

• English
• Working proficiency in a second language is desirable (e.g., French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, other regional languages).

Employment Conditions:

• The position(s) will be full-time and permanent based in London (UK). We are only considering candidates with a right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, or by Monday, 14th July 2025. 

For your application to be considered, please upload your CV (no more than 2 pages) and Cover Letter as follows: “Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position”.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; Berlin, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Madrid, Spain; Auckland, New Zealand; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Manila, Philippines; and Singapore, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.