Program Associate for Aquaya - Nairobi, Kenya

Background

Aquaya is a non-profit research and consulting organization dedicated to safe, equitable, and sustainable water and sanitation in developing countries. Our mission is to improve public health by reducing the burden of waterborne diseases.
We conduct applied research to identify the technical innovations, implementation methods, and policy changes that best support safer water and better sanitation. We share our results by consulting with development agencies and implementing organizations.
Since 2005, Aquaya has completed projects in over 20 developing countries. We have contributed to nine peer-reviewed research articles and produced numerous other publications. Aquaya maintains offices in San Francisco, USA and Nairobi, Kenya.
Our research and consulting efforts address two broad questions:

1.How can we strengthen the collection and application of data for improving service provision?

2.How can local entrepreneurship address needs in underserved areas?

The following examples illustrate our work:

Monitoring for Safe Water. Through this applied research program, which is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we are evaluating constraints to regulated microbial water quality testing in six African countries. We are collaborating with multiple water suppliers and public health offices across in each country.
Nigeria: Water Quality Testing Study. In this consulting assignment with the World Bank, we are collaborating with the municipal water provider in Port Harcourt, Nigeria to determine drinking water quality across a large urban center.
Water Business Kits. Our on-going program to establish business support and financing services for local water entrepreneurs in Kenya has been supported by foundation grants and a consultancy with the International Finance Corporation.
Supply Chain Development for Sanitation in Tanzania. We are initiating field trials that will compare marketing and distribution strategies for sanitation hardware in rural Tanzania. This initiative is supported by a consultancy with the World Bank.

Job Description:

We are looking for a Program Associate who exemplifies the abilities and commitment to support our senior staff in the implementation of a diverse and expanding project portfolio. Eligible candidates must demonstrate both a passion for working in developing countries and at least one significant technical skill, for example:

• environmental microbiology
• business modeling and development
• water resources management
• data analysis and statistics
• epidemiology
• sanitation
• development economics
• water treatment
• institutional and policy analysis
• wastewater and fecal sludge management
• GIS and spatial data analysis
• risk analysis
• qualitative and social science research

The Program Associates will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and report to Aquaya’s Research Manager.

Experience and Education

• Minimum of two years of work experience or equivalent, including significant activity in developing countries
• Preferred graduate degree in a relevant field (international development, public health, civil and environmental engineering, public policy, microbiology, economics, environmental sciences, epidemiology)

Skills and Attributes

• Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Outstanding organization and time management skills, with an attention to detail and an ability to establish systems to manage constant flows of information and deliver on deadlines
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time and adaptive to different cultures and contexts
• Fluency in English required. French and Portuguese speakers are encouraged to apply
• Eligible to obtain the legal right to work in Kenya
• Proven ability to work closely with a small team and to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while maintaining a positive and productive attitude and a good sense of humor!

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation includes a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and benefits.

To apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


(posted by Friederike)