Programme Manager Water, Energy & Waste

Picture yourself as programme manager Water, Energy & Waste  leading our community of experts and developing strategic Environment programmes worldwide. Join PUM and let’s make a lasting impact!

PUM works with SMEs worldwide, including entrepreneurs, smallholder farmers and small manufacturers. For this role, we are therefore looking for a professional with hands-on experience in improving the sustainability of operational and production processes, combined with a broad perspective on strengthening business ecosystems. This includes an understanding of value chains, supply chains, and how business operations impact the wider economic, social and environmental ecosystem. This role requires knowledge of, and practical experience in, the energy, water and/or waste sectors, as well as a strong professional network within Dutch industry to identify potential partners in the market who are willing to collaborate and act as sponsors for the programme. Are you a people manager with a passion for community building and knowledge sharing, who can connect waste, water and energy experts to concrete entrepreneur’s needs? Then this is your opportunity!

About PUM

PUM is a unique NGO committed to making a positive impact on a global scale. With a network of 1,200 skilled voluntary experts, we collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs in 26 countries and 12 programmes, sharing expertise to strengthen business ecosystems and create economic, social, and environmental value. We work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the organisations that support them. We believe in the power of collaboration and in the magic that happens when diverse perspectives come together; Together we grow!

The role

As programme manager you will be part of the programmes department, consisting of 12 programme managers and led by the head of programmes. You are responsible for developing programme strategies aligned with organisational goals and partnerships opportunities, building a strong expert community, and ensuring projects are delivered successfully with lasting impact.  You will translate client requests into clear project proposals, enabling effective matching between clients and experts, in close collaboration with our in-country managers and their team of representatives. Your daily activities will be varied and challenging:

• You assess project requests, distinguishing between specialised technical needs and general business support, in consultation with the in-country managers.

• You translate client requests into actionable project proposals and ensure a strong match between client needs and expert skills.

• You develop and guide programme plans with clear propositions to strengthen sustainable and resilient environmental ecosystems, ensuring alignment with PUM’s goals and evolving priorities, including partnership development.

• You identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other possible sponsors, contributing to the sustainability and growth of PUM’s environmental impact.

• You monitor programme developments and trends, anticipate future demand, and proactively position experts.

• You are an ambassador for diversity, growing a strong and inclusive expert community and ensuring the right expertise is ready to meet future needs.

• You manage programme data and knowledge, capturing insights and sharing them across projects and the expert community to maximise impact and learning.

• You coordinate project planning, manage data to support efficient delivery, and contribute as a key stakeholder by leveraging your knowledge and network to support the identification and mapping of strategic partnerships.

• You ensure compliance with organisational policies and objectives in all projects.