Innovation: Africa
Seeking Hard-Working, Dedicated Field Technician in Malawi
Innovation: Africa
Background
Innovation: Africa (iA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose team of dedicated problem solvers work together to bring solar and water technologies to rural communities in Africa. 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 650 solar, water, and agricultural projects, providing light, clean water, food, and proper medical care to more than 3 million people in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly trained and qualified individual to join our Malawi team as a Field Water Technician. The Field Water Technician works under the supervision of the Program Manager and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of iA’s solar water pumping systems, as well as providing technical support to all in-process and existing water projects. Further you will be responsible for supervising any ongoing construction works by the hired contractors. The Field Water Technician will also be responsible for all iA field activities, including identifying and selecting the beneficiaries of our projects, actively engaging in community mobilization and sensitization, establishing and maintaining regular communication with the communities we serve, implementing project-related activities, providing regular reports and ongoing monitoring of the projects.
Reports To
Program Manager
Responsibilities
- Supervise the on-site work of all iA contractors, including hydrogeological surveys, drilling and pump tests, water quality analysis, and all construction and installation works related to ongoing water projects
- Assess the need for maintenance work on existing water projects, identify faults and malfunctions, and provide sustainable solutions
- Procure and source invoices of all approved system components to ensure organizational transparency and identification of reliable vendors with high quality, cost effective, items
- Ensure that all the completed water projects are fully functional and report any issue which arises among the projects
- Conduct effective community technical training and sensitization to all iA water beneficiaries, including establishing project steering committees
- Maintain regular contact with iA’s engineers based in the Mangochi office and in Israel to successfully implement and monitor new solar water technologies and remote monitoring systems
- Establish and manage relationships and communication with local, national, and international stakeholders
- Install and maintain water supply system equipment including pumps, taps, solar panels and controls units of iA solar water pumping systems
- Coordinate scheduled maintenance and work directly with contractors should larger issues arise
- Ensure that all water supplied to beneficiaries meets quality standards
- Monitor and ensure adequate stock of spare parts is always available and provide lists of periodic requirements
- Participate in technical implementation of all solar electrification system implementation
- With support from the Program Manager or the Electrical Engineers, assess needs for maintenance work (post-project completion) in projects where a malfunction exists
- Oversee all field operations related to solar powered projects, including prospective project search, solar project installation, and monitoring and evaluation
- Work closely with the local contractor to plan and design all solar electrification systems
- Submit daily updates through the iA phone application and send regular progress reports to international management team regarding prospective projects, construction and implementation of current projects, and monitor existing projects
- Office work – filling forms, submitting reports, taking pictures and uploading them, answering emails
- Manage and fully participate in visits from the international team, donors and guests
- Represent Innovation: Africa at the community and government level at all relevant forums and meetings
- Respond to any communication such as emails, Whatsapp or Slack within a timely manner (24 hours)
- Executing any other task required by the Program Manager and international team according to the work plan
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is a dedicated team-player with strong interpersonal skills who has a background in water engineering, community development and mobilization, and working with international stakeholders. The candidate must demonstrate a proven passion for working with the community and possess detail orientation and problem-solving skills.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or professional diploma in Electrical or Water Engineering or closely related field, Master’s degree preferred
- Technologically oriented with excellent computer skills, including proficiency in email and Microsoft Office software
- At least 3 years of working experience in implementations of rural water systems
- Driver’s license
- Ability to commit to flexible working hours
- Live and speak the local language(s) of Mangochi Region
- High proficiency in English and Chichewa; both writing and speaking
As an international organization, our team works in New York, Israel, and Africa, and is constantly on the move. To maintain close contact despite our travel schedules, we regularly use technology solutions, such as Slack, Zoom and more. The ideal candidate thrives in this type of fast paced environment and is comfortable working with colleagues in different time zones and continents.
Application Instructions
Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF attachment to mw.technician@innovation-africa.odoo.com (please note that we can only accept applications that are sent in PDF format)
- The file name should be saved as your full name.
- Please include the position and country for which you are applying to work in the subject line of the email “Field Water Engineer in Cameroon”
- Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Innovation: Africa is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.