Senior Associate, Innovation and Field Operations

The Role

You will oversee Field Operations for Evidence Action’s new In-Line Chlorination Innovation Team, under the Safe Water Now Program. Evidence Action’s Safe Water Now program provides access to safe drinking water across Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and India through water chlorination. Backed by rigorous research showing chlorination can reduce child mortality by more than 20%, safe water is one of the most cost-effective health interventions globally.

The program’s newest intervention, In-Line Chlorination (ILC), automatically treats water as it flows through piped systems, requiring less behavior change from end users than existing solutions. As ILC scales up, core questions remain about how to optimize device performance, reduce operational costs, and strengthen community engagement. Answering these questions well will shape whether ILC can become a scalable, cost-effective model reaching millions more people. Evidence Action is investing in a dedicated Innovation team to find those answers.

This new team will conduct rapid field pilots to test the most promising improvements to the ILC model, including modifications to the device itself, operational adjustments, and even entirely new approaches to the delivery model. Reporting to the Manager, Innovation & Learning, you will oversee these field pilots directly. You will be the primary technical presence in the field, supervising technicians as they install, modify, and test device configurations, ensuring data collection and testing protocols are followed rigorously, and feeding field learnings back into pilot design in real time. Based in Mbale, Uganda, this is a hands-on role suited to someone who is as comfortable diagnosing a device problem as managing a team schedule.

Direct Reports

• Field Technicians

Responsibilities

Field Pilot Execution:

• Translate pilot designs into disciplined field implementation and oversee day-to-day execution across pilot sites
• Convert high-level learning goals into actionable field plans with clear protocols and timelines
• Monitor pilot performance daily and recommend adjustments to protocols, device configurations, or testing approaches based on emerging results
• Coordinate device retrofits, installations, and configuration changes at pilot sites
• Ensure pilot results and operational learnings are documented clearly
• Support prioritization of field pilots based on feasibility and potential of innovation ideas

Field Team Standards and Operations:

• Foster a learning-first team culture where generating reliable evidence is prioritized alongside keeping devices running
• Conduct regular spot checks to verify technicians are following technical and testing protocols correctly
• Review incoming field data for accuracy and conduct regular spot checks. Embed data into decision-making to improve operations
• Oversee field logistics including equipment, retrofit materials, and transport coordination

Technical Ownership of ILC:

• Develop strong working knowledge of device types and configurations; train and coach technicians on installation, modification, and troubleshooting
• Recommend device modifications and new approaches based on field observations

Key Performance Indicators

• Field Execution and Timelines: You will be assessed on the day-to-day progress of field activities, ensuring that the technicians that report to you complete all scheduled activities on time
• Field Data Accuracy and Integrity: You will be assessed on the quality of the information coming from the field, ensuring that data collected by technicians is accurate and comprehensive
• Team Leadership and Asset Management: You will be assessed on the performance and safety of the field team, including the proactive management of motorcycles, tools, and supplies (like chlorine or parts) to ensure there are zero “downtime” days due to equipment or supply failures

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Water Sciences, Environmental or Applied Sciences, or a related technical field.
• 4+ years of experience in field operations, applied research, or technical program management
• Experience implementing structured field activities with strict protocol adherence
• Background in WASH, water quality, or a closely related technical field; engineering training strongly preferred
• Experience supervising field technicians or operational staff in demanding environments
• Hands-on familiarity with water infrastructure, device installation, or mechanical/plumbing systems
• Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid iteration; able to scope and launch activities quickly under time pressure
• Strong documentation and communication skills; able to translate field findings into clear recommendations for diverse audiences
• Excellent motorbike riding skills with a valid riding permit
• Fluency in English; local language skills an advantage
• Willingness to be based in Mbale, Uganda with 65%+ field travel

Position Location

This role will be based in Mbale, Uganda, with regular travel to field sites.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of Uganda employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Uganda for roles based in Uganda.

Note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.