Innovations for Poverty Action Vacancies: Associate, Project Development

2:16 PM Innovations for Poverty Action , Kenya Jobs 0 Comments

Rural Water Project: Chlorine Dispenser Scale‐Up
Position: Associate, Project Development
Deadline to Apply: 21 December 2009

Start Date: Early 2010, Flexible

Location: Busia, Kenya with flexibility to travel/relocate to Kisumu, Nairobi or
elsewhere in Kenya if the work requires

About Innovations for Poverty Action

IPA is a research organization that creates and evaluates approaches to solving development problems and disseminates information about what works and what does not to policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors around the world.

About the Rural Water Project

IPA’s Rural Water Project is working to disseminate the Chlorine Dispenser—a highly cost‐effective point‐of‐collection water treatment technology developed by the project.

The Chlorine Dispenser has been proven to achieve high usage rates among communities and significantly reduce waterborne disease.

The project has received very strong interest in this promising new technology from a number of partners including several ministries of Kenya’s government.

RWP is expanding its field activities to pilot Chlorine Dispensers in a variety of contexts and in partnership with other institutions.

Informed by these pilots, the project team then plans to implement Chlorine Dispensers on a large scale.

Responsibilities

The Associate, Project Development role is a new position within RWP’s growing team.

The Associate will be responsible for working with RWP’s East Africa Director and Manager, Operations and Project Development in laying the groundwork for a large‐scale roll‐out of the Chlorine Dispenser technology.

This will likely include significant amounts of both office‐ and field‐based work.

While the responsibilities will evolve based on the needs of the project, some examples include:

Investigate Project Expansion Potential:
Conduct informational interviews and collect new and existing data on household water usage in locations across Kenya.
Undertake field visits to high potential areas and manage small field pilots.
Assist senior management staff in developing a strategy for assessing new areas for project expansion potential.
Develop Field Operations Systems:
Work with field management staff to improve overall performance of field activities.
Collaborate to create materials and procedures necessary to support effective field project execution.
Develop on‐boarding, training and work‐flow management materials and procedures for field staff.
Create Communications Materials and Reports:
Collect and organise information on ongoing project activities.
Prepare progress reports and project summaries for Kenyan government officials, international donors and partner organisations.
Assist in developing project publications and maintaining the project website.
As this project continues to develop quickly, new responsibilities will become available. Associates who demonstrate strong performance should expect ample opportunity for advancement and professional development.

This position will initially be based in Busia, Kenya for a significant period of time.

As the project grows, there is the possibility that travel to other parts of Kenya may be required, with the further possibility of eventual relocation to Kisumu, Nairobi or elsewhere.

Applicants should be flexible with regard to travel and location‐‐the Associate may be based in Busia long‐term, or travel and/or relocate if the work requires.

Qualifications

Formal Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a very strong academic record
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high‐performance professional environment
Extremely strong written English and communication skills
Strong self‐manager with the ability to develop effective work plans and take ownership over important independent projects
Exceptional organisational skills, demonstrated ability to execute complex tasks, very detail oriented thinker
Strong computer literacy, including a high level of competency with Microsoft Office software
Required Attitude
Enthusiastic to develop personally and professionally and fill a critical role in our organisation
Eager to be part of a fast‐paced, rapidly growing project and hard‐working team
Motivated by the project’s high potential for widespread impact on public health

To Apply

Applications can be submitted via email to ipak.water.jobs @ poverty‐action.org with the subject line “Associate, Project Development Application.”

Please attach the following documents:
A covering letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and fit for the role
The applicant’s updated CV
A copy of an official or unofficial university transcript
Optionally, a work sample; this would ideally be a management/organisational tool that has been developed and used by the applicant, but a short writing sample would also be appropriate
The deadline to apply is 21 December 2009.

Short‐listed candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis as applications are received.