Water Quality Specialist for Innovation: Africa’s Mbale, Uganda Office

Background

Innovation: Africa (IA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a team of dedicated problem solvers with a mission to bring solutions and know-how to those in need living in rural African villages. We use solar energy to pump clean water and provide schools, orphanages and medical clinics with light and refrigeration to store vaccines and medicines. IA has completed over 700 solar and agricultural projects, providing light, clean water, and proper medical care to more than 3.5 million people in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, eSwatini, Uganda, Cameroon, Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As an international organization, our team is spread out between NY, Israel and Africa, and      team members are constantly on the move. We strive to use technology solutions to keep our staff in close contact despite our travel schedules, and are all frequently on the phone, on Zoom, Whatsapp, Slack and more. This position requires the ability to keep up with this fast-paced environment, and to be comfortable working with colleagues across time zones and continents.

Job Summary

Our dynamic, growing organization seeks a Water Quality Specialist to join our team based in Mbale, Uganda. The position entails implementing and overseeing a comprehensive water quality monitoring and treatment program for all existing and future water projects, as well as working closely with the engineering and Africa programs department at headquarters.

• B.Sc./M.Sc. in science-related discipline such as Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, (Geo/Bio) Chemistry, Biology, or Microbiology and public health.
• Advanced knowledge of water quality control and quality assurance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of national environmental regulations, health & safety regulations, water industry and technologies.
• Knowledge of general principles and procedures of water treatment and distribution.
• Experience working in or with water testing laboratories.
• Experience with field testing equipment and field sampling.
• Ability to multi-task and keep track of the water quality status and results for up to 30 projects at once.
• Proficiency in data science and using Microsoft Excel.
• Driver’s license and off-road driving experience.
• Ability to commit to flexible working hours.
• High proficiency in English; both written and spoken is a must and regional dialects in any two or three of such languages in the areas that we serve will be an added advantage such as Luganda, Lugisu, Lusoga, Lugwere, Lusamya, Ateso, Japadhola and Ngakarimojong.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field sampling and analysis; coordinate and participate in the collection, interpretation, and evaluation of water quality data.
• Operate and troubleshoot analytical equipment and instrumentation.
• Assist in coordinating laboratory services, collecting and processing samples, using equipment, managing supply inventory and on-going maintenance.
• Research and implement applicable off-grid water treatment solutions.
• Understand trends and patterns and assess compliance with regulatory standards and potential risks to consumers.
• Visit sites of concern and carry out training of local staff on how to identify potential sources of pollution or contamination, and sources of complaints about drinking water quality.
• Perform administrative duties and reporting to track water quality status for monitoring program, ensuring timely completion of workloads.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions

Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF attachment to uganda@innoafrica.org . Make the file your full name. Please title the subject of your email with your name, the position you are applying for and country.