About ROCKBlue
ROCKBlue is an international nonprofit organization committed to strengthening water and sanitation utilities so they can deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable services to the communities they serve. Founded on the belief that durable improvements in water and sanitation come from strong institutions - not one‑off projects - ROCKBlue focuses on leadership, governance, performance, and financial sustainability at the utility level.
ROCKBlue works primarily across Africa, partnering directly with utility boards, senior management teams, development partners, and private‑sector actors. Its approach combines long‑term relationships, practical problem‑solving, and results‑driven accountability to help utilities move from chronic underperformance to stable, investable, and well‑governed institutions.
ROCKBlue delivers its mission through a mix of structured capacity‑building programs, peer‑to‑peer utility partnerships, targeted technical assistance, and performance‑oriented advisory services. The organization emphasizes measurable outcomes, leadership development, and operational discipline to ensure that improvements endure beyond the period of external support.
ROCKBlue Consultancy is the organization’s fee‑based advisory and professional services arm. It provides specialized technical, strategic, financial, and operational support to utilities, governments, development finance institutions, donors, and private‑sector clients. Revenues generated through the consultancy contribute to ROCKBlue’s financial sustainability while reinforcing and scaling its mission and impact.
Co‑Managing Director Position Description
ROCKBlue is seeking two Co‑Managing Directors (Co‑MDs) for the ROCKBlue Consultancy. The Co‑MDs jointly provide strategic, operational, and commercial leadership for the consultancy division, sharing responsibilities to ensure continuity, resilience, and consistent performance. This dual‑leadership model ensures that if one Co‑MD is unavailable or transitions out of the role, the consultancy retains strong, uninterrupted leadership.
Reporting to the President, the Co‑MDs collectively oversee strategic direction, client engagement, and business growth while ensuring that all consultancy activities align with ROCKBlue’s mission of strengthening water and sanitation utilities in underserved communities.
The Co‑MDs work closely together and in direct collaboration with international partners such as the development financial institutions, aid agencies, engineering firms, and nonprofits in the WASH sector. Together, they lead a team of highly skilled professionals, fostering innovation, operational excellence, and global impact.
As core members of ROCKBlue’s senior leadership, the Co‑MDs contribute jointly to organizational strategy, and business development, working closely with the President and CEO to expand ROCKBlue’s reach. This position offers a unique opportunity for shared leadership, cross‑sector collaboration, and real‑world impact on urban water and sanitation solutions.
Ideal Candidates
The ideal candidates will be experienced professionals - likely engineers - with complementary skills (e.g., technical delivery and business development). At least one Co‑MD is expected to live in or near the Washington, DC area, where many clients and partners are based, enabling regular face‑to‑face engagement.
Purpose of the Co‑Managing Director Positions
Together, the Co‑Managing Directors:
- Serve as the senior management leadership of the ROCKBlue Consultancy, jointly responsible for leading an effective, high‑performing, and financially sustainable consultancy.
- Agree amongst themselves on the allocation of tasks resulting from their position.
- Support the President in defining the consultancy’s strategic vision and are jointly accountable for its implementation and results.
- Set and model the consultancy’s ethical, professional, and operational standards in alignment with ROCKBlue’s long‑term strategic objectives.
- Act as joint spokespersons for the ROCKBlue Consultancy on the policies and objectives agreed with the President.
- Represent the consultancy to clients, partners, and other stakeholders, actively listening to, promoting, and advancing the consultancy’s work.
The Co‑MDs are expected to coordinate closely, clearly allocate responsibilities between themselves, and ensure transparency and continuity in decision‑making.
Responsibilities (Shared Between the Co‑Managing Directors)
Strategic Leadership & Business DevelopmentWith the help of the business development team members, jointly drive business efforts, ensuring revenue growth, client acquisition, and successful execution of contracts while maintaining high service quality.
Financial & Risk OversightCollectively ensure transparent financial management, oversee budgeting and reporting, and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the consultancy’s operational and financial stability.
Operational & HR OptimizationEstablish and maintain efficient organizational structures, strengthen performance management frameworks, and implement policies to attract, retain, and develop team members.
Innovation & Growth StrategyLead the development of new funding streams, enhance client confidence through effective contract execution, and implement strategies to drive long‑term sustainability and growth of the consultancy.
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Lead ROCKBlue Consultancy's strategy to ensure mission fulfillment through planning, outreach, and effective operational policies.
- Develop annual divisional plans (OGSMs), secure approval, and jointly ensure successful implementation.
Performance & Accountability
- Emphasize results over activities, using effective weekly tracking mechanisms.
- Ensure team accountability through clear delegation, motivation, and follow‑through.
Systems & Data Management
Ensure efficient divisional database/CRM and knowledge‑management systems.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit and retain the required team members.
- Delegate responsibilities appropriately between staff and specialists and amongst themselves
- Provide timely guidance, feedback, and performance management (including IQOs).
- For part‑time team members, focus on clearly defined, discrete assignments.
Governance & Reporting
- Maintain timely responsiveness and reporting to the President and to EXCO, including participation in weekly meetings.
- Foster strong internal collaboration across ROCKBlue divisions.
Revenue Generation & Client Relations
- Develop and expand new funding streams and clients for the consultancy.
- Strengthen and maintain the Roster of Specialists to support high‑quality service delivery.
Co‑Managing Director Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience
- Organizational management experience, including oversight of operations.
- Strong leadership and collaborative decision‑making skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills - additional languages, including any language spoken in Africa, are a plus
- Adequate IT proficiency, with a preference for GSuite, Microsoft products, and Salesforce.
Time Commitment
Each Co‑Managing Director must be able to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per week, virtually, starting immediately. The shared leadership model assumes effective delegation and close coordination between the Co‑MDs to ensure full coverage of responsibilities.
Remuneration
Remuneration is negotiable and will be determined based on experience, scope of responsibilities, and the agreed division of duties between the Co‑Managing Directors.
ContactPlease send CVs and cover letters (including email and mobile contacts) to [email protected]
Pay: R10 000,00 - R30 000,00 per month
Education:
Work Location: Remote
