Job Announcement
Research Consultant – Contractor
Based in Mali, or remote
(to begin no later than March 1, 2025)
- About Aquaya
The Aquaya Institute (Aquaya) is an independent, non-profit research and consulting organization dedicated to advancing global health through universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). We deliver critical insights, data, and tools to support informed policy, program, and financing decisions. This knowledge helps to secure safe water and sanitation for underserved populations, improving human health and well-being.
Aquaya has completed projects spanning public health, economics, technology development, and social entrepreneurship in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We have published or contributed to over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and produced numerous other reports and publications.
Aquaya maintains offices in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya. Staff members are also located in the US, France, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Many of our projects are carried out in collaboration with academic research groups and expert consultants.
- About the project
Aquaya is undertaking an evaluation of chlorination strategies at rural piped water schemes in southern Mali. Uduma is a for-profit water utility that manages rural water infrastructure in Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin. Uduma engages in public-private agreements with governments to manage small, piped rural systems, including small solar pumping systems. Currently, Uduma does not perform chlorination at any of their water systems in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire, and their goal is to introduce chlorination in 100% of their systems within the next four years. Uduma will first pilot various chlorination technologies in Mali, including tablet/erosion and injection chlorinators.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Uduma’s pilot approach for chlorinating rural water supplies in Mali. We will also assess consumer acceptance of the pilot intervention and the estimated number of consumers at baseline and after the intervention. The evaluation will involve approximately 100 household surveys, 100 water quality tests, and focus group discussions.
- About the position
We are recruiting a contractor as a Research Consultant for part-time work to help manage fieldwork for the evaluation. This position will be based remotely, with the possibility of travel to Bamako, Mali. The Consultant will be responsible for overseeing project fieldwork and data management, including, but not limited to:
Project Execution
- Lead enumerator training and survey piloting at baseline, and a refresher training for the team ahead of endline data collection.
- Train the laboratory technician on water quality testing protocols including microbial analysis.
- Assist with the translation of fieldwork documents such as survey tools, consent forms, and qualitative data.
- Assist with fieldwork logistics and equipment procurement.
- Troubleshoot challenges that arise during data collection and field inquiries from the data collection team.
- Ensure data quality by leading data QAQC efforts for both survey and water quality data.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with the principal investigator (PI).
- Maintain direct oversight of the data collection team supervisor.
- Ensure that ethical principles are respected.
- Assist the PI with quantitative and/or qualitative data analyses.
- Attend meetings with key collaborators and consultants.
- Criteria for the position
The following qualifications are necessary for this position:
- Demonstrated experience in managing research programs, preferably including household surveys related to water or sanitation.
- Master’s degree – preferably in engineering, science, environmental science, or related field.
- Experience with water quality monitoring, including microbial water testing.
- 2+ years of relevant work or graduate research experience, including managing field data collection.
- Previous international work experience in sub-Saharan Africa is preferred.
- Ability to conduct quantitative data analysis in Excel, R, or Stata.
- Familiarization with mobile data collection software such as ODK, Kobo Toolbox, CommCare, or similar.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Fluency in English and French.
We are also looking for the following skills and attributes:
- Good problem-solving and time management skills.
- Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery.
- Outstanding organization and time management skills, with an attention to detail and an ability to establish systems to manage constant flows of information and deliver on deadlines.
- Proven ability to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while maintaining a positive and productive attitude and a good sense of humor!
- Compensation
This is an hourly contractor position with part-time hours from March to November 2025. We estimate 30-50 consulting days, with higher levels of commitment during the base and endline data collection phases (April and October).
- To apply
Please submit your resume via e-mail to jobs@aquaya.org along with a thoughtful cover letter. There will be an additional screening survey and activity once your resume is received. This position will be open until filled.
In your cover letter, please explain why your skills, background, and accomplishments make you the ideal candidate for this position, specifically highlighting your experience.
In your e-mail subject line, please specify “Uduma Research Consultant 2025”. No phone calls please.
