The Cluster Coordinator for the Drinking Water Project is responsible for overseeing and facilitating the effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) within multiple villages or Gram Panchayats. This role involves working closely with community members, local government bodies, and project stakeholders to promote sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. The Cluster Coordinator will provide on-ground leadership to ensure that project objectives are achieved within the designated cluster area.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Implementation

• Cluster-Level Strategy Development: Create and execute detailed work plans to ensure the successful implementation of JJM activities across the cluster.
• Model Gram Panchayat (GP) Programs: Develop model GPs that showcase best practices in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene for replication across the cluster.
• Village Action Plans: Support the creation, approval, and implementation of village action plans, collaborating with Gram Panchayat members and local stakeholders.

Community Engagement and Mobilization

• Community Education: Lead awareness campaigns on safe water usage, sanitation, and hygiene practices within communities.
• Behaviour Change Communication: Encourage positive WASH behaviours among community members, emphasizing health and sustainability.
• Community Involvement in Maintenance: Promote community ownership of water infrastructure by involving residents in the repair and upkeep of public water supply systems and hand pumps.

Capacity Building and Training

• Training Sessions for VWSC and Panchayat Members: Facilitate training for Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC), Gram Panchayat members, and local volunteers on JJM roles, responsibilities, and technical aspects.
• Women and Youth Empowerment: Engage women and youth leaders in training programs to strengthen community ownership and advocacy for JJM goals.
• Committee Strengthening: Assist in forming and empowering local WASH committees to manage resources and ensure sustainable water supply practices.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Progress Monitoring: Conduct regular assessments of project activities, including water infrastructure functionality, WASH practices, and community participation levels.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Gather and report data on progress, challenges, and community needs, ensuring accurate documentation and timely reporting to the project management team.
• Issue Resolution: Identify and resolve operational issues in collaboration with community members, local officials, and the project team.

Stakeholder Liaison

• Collaboration with Government Bodies: Act as a liaison with local government departments, including PHED, SRLM, and Panchayati Raj, to coordinate multi-village water schemes and JJM activities.
• Regular Meetings with Local Governance: Organize and attend meetings with GP and block-level officials to align on project activities and address any challenges.
• Coordination with Other Organizations: Work with other NGOs, CSOs, and stakeholders in the area to support complementary activities and enhance project impact.

Other Responsibilities

• Community Events: Organize community events for social mapping, open defecation, elimination activities, and situational analysis.
• Additional Support: Perform other duties as required to ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the cluster.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, Rural Development, Public Health, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in rural development, WASH, or a related field, with a focus on community mobilization and project coordination.
• Project Management Skills: Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and teams.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication abilities to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including community members, local officials, and government representatives.
• Local Language and Cultural Knowledge: Familiarity with local languages and an understanding of the social and cultural dynamics of the area.
• Commitment to Community Development: A passion for driving sustainable WASH practices and improving rural water access and sanitation.
• This role is ideal for individuals who are community-focused, proactive, and skilled in project coordination and capacity building. The Cluster Coordinator will play a vital role in achieving.
• The objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission and promoting sustainable water and sanitation practices within rural communities