Associate Manager, Optimization, In-line Chlorination at Evidence Action

The Role

You will lead the optimization and standardization of our In-Line Chlorination (ILC) program across our Safe Water Now (SWN) portfolio, which delivers safe water access to thousands of households. In this role, you will drive the optimization agenda, work collaboratively with other teams to refine our ILC model, and ensure optimal program performance across diverse operational contexts. You will report to our lead engineer for the Africa Region, and work closely with colleagues in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, India, the US, and potential expansion countries.  

Responsibilities

Program Optimization

• Develop comprehensive technical documentation outlining ILC device specifications, installation guidelines, troubleshooting protocols, performance metrics, etc.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, including lessons learned from device installations and maintenance challenges, between teams in India, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, and other potential countries.
• Work closely with program teams to plan and execute tests of various versions of the ILC device under diverse conditions, including different water pressures and flow rates.
• Work with the leadership teams to create a long-term roadmap for the ILC device and program, ensuring it contributes to safe water access at scale.

Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

• In collaboration with the monitoring, learning, and evaluation (MLE) team, refine key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop and maintain a structured database for organizing and analyzing collected data related to device performance, system pressure, frequency of maintenance interventions, etc.
• Provide clear, actionable insights based on analysis to guide program decisions and technical improvements.
• Communicate regularly with country and broader Safe Water Now (SWN) program teams to report on the status of device performance, and implications for cost-effectiveness.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, for strategic decision-making, including non-technical audiences and external partners. 
• Work with Procurement and Program Finance teams to understand the cost drivers of device design and installation processes. 

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Use performance data to create feedback loops that inform system improvements.
• Develop a roadmap for ongoing device improvements including plans for reducing production and maintenance costs, enhancing device durability, making the ILC device easier to manage with minimal technical expertise, etc. 
• Collaborate with the Innovations team on new developments in chlorination technology and water treatment solutions.
• Develop and maintain and issue logs. 
• Explore and test other point-of-use or in-line water treatment technologies that could complement or replace existing systems in certain contexts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to use data to inform technical decisions and improve program performance.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and communication skills including ability to compile and disseminate technical reports.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time domestically to (Western Kenya) or within any other Africa country and internationally.
• Comfortable simplifying complex technical processes and communicating them to non-technical audiences.