Community Service Assistant

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 9 countries, our team of 800+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. 
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children. 
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. 

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

About the Programs - WMNC (Safe Water, Maternal health, New program development, Cost-effectiveness) Team

Evidence Action’s Safe Water Now program provides safe drinking water to over 10 million people across rural Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya. Recent evidence highlights that water treatment reduces all-cause child mortality by about 25%. Evidence Action’s designs deliver safe water at the source in rural settings through its established Dispensers for Safe Water (DSW) and newly launched In-Line Chlorination (ILC) interventions. Over the past year, we’ve more than doubled our footprint in East Africa and are exploring expansion into new countries, as well as developing an innovation agenda through our Accelerator process to develop the next generation of safe water programs.  

The Role

The Community Service Assistant (CSA) position is primarily a field-based position which plays an important role as an interface between In-Line Chlorination (ILC) program, and the communities it serves. This position ensures sufficient and uninterrupted supply of chlorine and service/maintenance of the installed ILC devices. This in turn enables the community to access safe water hence improving their livelihood through reduction of waterborne diseases. You will therefore be responsible for field-level implementation, coordinating with local government structures at the community level such as Water Point Management Committees, Water Users Associations (WUAs), Village Heads, Water Point Owners, government extension workers and benefiting communities to promote ILC device use and sustain high adoption rates. You will report to the Lead Officer and also have dotted reporting lines to the Area Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Officer in implementing ILC Program activities per the approved weekly and monthly implementation plans.
• The CSA shall ensure that such program activities as community engagements, WUEMs, verifications and installation are implemented in time and in adherence to the agreed quality standards.
• Conducting ILC device hardware service and maintenance through regular spot checks to ensure proper functionality.
• Delivering chlorine, via motorcycle, to ILC devices located at water points, as assigned.
• Ensure safe handling and accountability of chlorine and ILC device part stocks in the store, office, and designated sites
• The CSA shall from time to time participate in and implement awareness raising activities aimed at promoting changes in attitudes and behaviors as related to household water handling, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
• Thus, he/she shall engage the target community and promoter volunteers to promote ILC devices’ usage, handle any/all possible challenges, and report the same to the supervisor.
• The CSA shall assist the LOs/Coordinators in conducting training and orientation of extension workers, volunteers, and various community structures on program implementation.
• He or she will support the field technicians to install ILC devices whenever necessary, in line with the organization’s protocols, specifications and safety guidelines.
• Collecting all field data for program assessment and accountability, by use of smartphones
• Maintaining high integrity and stewardship of the organizational assets and program field materials assigned for work execution
• The CSA shall assist the LOs to prepare high-quality technical progress reports by timely providing data for various water points as shall be needed.

Requirements

• At least a Diploma in Community Development, Social Work, Development Communication, Project Management or equivalent, with at least 3 years working experience working on WASH interventions, and with communities.
• Motorcycle riding experience, with a valid riding license is a MUST.
• Fluency in English, Chichewa, or any other local languages.
• Excellent communication and community engagement and facilitation skills 
• Good computer, data entry and data management skills are required.
• Community service attitude/ passion to work in a rural community setting
  

Position Location 

The role will be based in Machinga and Mangochi .

Please note that we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a Malawi employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Malawi for roles based in Malawi.

Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Pension/ Retirement savings options
• Paid leave
• Avenues for engagement and recognition.

*Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to representation and inclusion. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.