Stef Smits is a senior programme officer and Co-director of IRC's Growth Hub. He has 20 years of professional experience in water supply and sanitation in over 25 countries in Europe, Latin America, Southern Africa, and South Asia. His main thematic expertise includes: institutional models for water supply, sustainability and enabling environment, monitoring, costing and financing of services and integrated water resources management.
Stef has led numerous projects on these topics, and published about them. In addition, he has ample management expertise: from consultancy assignments to multi-annual programmes, and units within an organisation. He has worked for a range of clients including bilateral donors, development banks, research funders and NGOs. Stef holds an MSc degree in Irrigation and Water Engineering from Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
An introduction to ten building blocks to support sustainable service delivery. Read more...
Learning and knowledge management supported at national and decentralised levels to enable the sector to adapt based on experience. Read more...
Regulation is a key function for delivering sustainable water services, both in urban and rural environments. Read more...
Triple-S think piece examining the rates of change in coverage of different groups (rural and urban) and in different services (water and sanitation). Read more...
Self supply is an approach that can improve the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of water services. Read more...
Community-based service providers need regular, structured support that goes beyond ad hoc technical assistance. Read more...