Officer ,Field Operations, MLE

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.

Safe Water Now Program

Our flagship Dispensers for Safe Water (DSW) provides over 10 million people across rural Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya. Recent evidence highlights that clean water may be among the most effective interventions available to save young children’s lives, averting more than 30% of all-cause child mortality. The dispensers’ program - based on research for Nobel-winning economists - utilizes an innovative and human-centric design to deliver clean water at the source in rural settings, achieving usage rates which are 5x that of comparable interventions.
Given the tremendous benefits of safe water, Evidence Action is rapidly innovating to build the next generation of clean water interventions. We are currently scaling a next generation technology, in-line chlorination (ILC) that targets peri-urban communities in Uganda and Malawi.

The Role

Officer, Field Operations is a member of the Field Operations Team and the larger Monitoring Learning Evaluations department. S/he is responsible for collecting monitoring data for the Dispensers for Safe Water program in Malawi. This is an exciting field position that enables you to interact with local community members as you collect data that informs the program to make justifiable decisions.

Responsibilities 

Data collection and quality

• Accurately and timely collect Dispensers for Safe Water evaluation data, through the administration of questionnaire, collection of samples, and making observations, in the areas of operation, using electronic and/or paper instruments.
• Participate in bench-testing of electronic instruments as part of training and instrument improvement process
• Timely and meaningfully support flow of information from the field to the Program Leadership by utilizing “soft feedback” tools.
• Participate in the data collection training of operation/program field staff.
• Support data flow process from the field to the office, by adhering to the data flow protocol that indicates when and how submit data.
• Support data collection needs from other programs, and other duties as may be assigned by the MLE leadership.

People management

• Enthusiastically provide mentorship to new staff involved in Dispensers for Safe Water data collection activities, including shadowing their work in the initial days in the field.

Stakeholder relationship

• Maintain cordial public relation with local stakeholders, including government officials and community members, through observing meaningful and respectful engagement in the course of field work.

Financial management

• Contribute towards the cost-efficiency of the organization and programs through accurate management of financial payments and expenditures in the field and at the office.

Communication

• On a daily basis share insightful feedback with program leads based on field observations.
• Timely development and dissemination of adoption monitoring reports with program teams at office level.

• Minimum Diploma in a social science discipline with a bias on statistics or research applications, community work, project management or equivalent. Candidates with an M&E background have a definite advantage

• Good language skills in English and Chichewa/Yao both spoken and written
• (1-2) years’ experience working in a research environment administering surveys, working with communities or social enterprises/NGOs.
• Certification in research ethics or ethical standards from a recognized institution (e.g., CITI, TRREE, WHO) is a key added advantage
• Motor cycle riding skills & Valid license is critical and will be an added advantage (Attach your valid license as part of this application)
• Experience using electronic data collection platforms, specifically survey CTO 
• High level of integrity and stewardship
• Embraces team work and aspires and supports the ideals of working in a team work environment as a team champion
• Passion to work in a rural community setting
• Good communication skills. Ability to  communicate well within the organization and with the rural communities and local leaders
• Basic leadership skills in managing people ,working with communities, government officers, schools and  teams
• Good computer skills and comfort to advance the skills in a dynamic IT field.

Working conditions

Must be flexible and able to travel to remote areas (mainly using motor cycles) where the Safe Water Now program operates.

Position Location 

The initial stations will be Zomba and Mangochi but this may change over time to a different location based on need and rotation requirements. Therefore, flexibility with work location is essential.

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.