Sanjay Sinha

Experienced State Program Director and WASH Sector Specialist with 18+ years of expertise in water, sanitation, and hygiene program management. Proven track record leading multi-sectoral teams across Bihar to achieve sustainable WASH outcomes for marginalized communities. Deep expertise in drinking water supply, water quality monitoring, sanitation, groundwater management, and policy advocacy.

Strong capabilities in program design, M&E framework development, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.

State Program Director at WaterAid India (Jal Seva Charitable Foundation) (2024-11 – Present)

Lead multi-sectoral state team to achieve lasting transformation in WASH outcomes for marginalized communities across Bihar.

• Leading state team strategy and operations across 6 direct implementation districts with strategic support to all 38 districts
• Empowering and developing staff and partners to drive sector-wide influence and policy change
• Operationalizing state strategies aligned with 3-5 year organizational plans and multi-sectoral initiatives
• Facilitating policy improvements based on program learning to influence public and private institutions

State Project Manager at Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Bihar (2021-10 – 2024-11)

• Developed and coordinated comprehensive M&E systems tracking implementation of Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal across all schemes and programmatic interventions
• Led support activities for Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal through Bihar State Water & Sanitation Mission, generating outcome-oriented reports and presentations
• Directed capacity building initiatives as Deputy Director of PRANJAL Training-cum-Research Centre
• Supervised program monitoring activities and ensured inter-departmental coordination for impact assessment

Program Manager – Jal Jeevan Mission at Bihar State Water & Sanitation Mission (2020-04 – 2021-10)

• Led state program management unit, coordinating Jal Jeevan Mission implementation across Bihar
• Ensured compliance of Jal-Jeevan-Haiyali supporting handpump sustainability and water conservation through community participation (Jal Chaupal, Water Audit)
• Coordinated social audits of piped water supply schemes implementing three-tier quality monitoring system
• Established computerized grievance redressal system and IoT-based water supply functionality monitoring
• Liaised with Ministry of Jal Shakti and Panchayati Raj Department strengthening M&E systems

Team Leader – Capacity Development (CAP Cell) at Training-cum-Research Centre 'PRANJAL' (2016-12 – 2020-03)

• Led capacity development for World Bank-assisted Rural Water Supply Scheme Program
• Facilitated comprehensive capacity building activities aligned with project framework requirements
• Prepared capacity building documentation and reports for State Project Management Unit

State Coordinator – Capacity Development at Bihar State Water & Sanitation Mission (UNICEF) (2014-01 – 2016-03)

• Supported institutional building and on-boarding of BSWSM through government and contractual staff engagement
• Developed annual capacity building plans for implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and National Rural Drinking Water Programme
• Established CCDU as Resource Hub for Water and Sanitation in the state
• Assessed training needs and implemented training programs at state and district levels
• Identified and engaged resource persons/agencies for training module and curriculum development

State Coordinator – Prevention of Child Marriage & Human Trafficking at Directorate of Social Welfare, Bihar (UNICEF) (2011-10 – 2013-12)

• Planned and monitored programs for child and women trafficking prevention across Bihar
• Developed evidence base on child protection issues with emphasis on trafficking and child marriage
• Designed and facilitated advocacy and social mobilization activities linked to trafficking prevention
• Coordinated child protection activities across government agencies (Social Welfare, Education, Labour) and with NGOs and child rights organizations

Communication & Documentation Consultant at Bihar Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UNICEF) (2011-08 – 2011-10)

Consultant – IEC at Women Development Corporation, Bihar (2009-01 – 2011-08)

Regional Coordinator – BCC Project at Women Development Corporation (UNICEF) (2008-06 – 2008-12)

State-based Communication Consultant at DFID-PACS Programme (2007-02 – 2008-06)

Project Coordinator – Human Trafficking Intervention at Gramin Evam Nagar Vikas Parishad (2006-04 – 2007-01)

Coordinator – PEVAC Bihar Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan at DFID-PACS (2004-04 – 2006-03)

Master of Science in Chemistry – Patna University (2001-01 – 2003-01)