Field Technician, Innovation and Learning
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.
The Role
You will oversee Field Operations for Evidence Action’s new In-Line Chlorination Innovation Team, under the Safe Water Now Program. Evidence Action's Safe Water Now program provides access to safe drinking water across Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and India through water chlorination. Backed by rigorous research showing chlorination can reduce child mortality by more than 20%, safe water is one of the most cost-effective health interventions globally.
The program's newest intervention, In-Line Chlorination (ILC), automatically treats water as it flows through piped systems, requiring less behavior change from end users than existing solutions. As ILC scales up, core questions remain about how to optimize device performance, reduce operational costs, and strengthen community engagement. Answering these questions well will shape whether ILC can become a scalable, cost-effective model reaching millions more people. Evidence Action is investing in a dedicated Innovation team to find those answers.
As an Innovation and Learning Field Technician, you will be in the field daily: installing and modifying ILC devices at pilot sites, collecting structured data at each visit, and flagging anything that doesn't look right. Reporting to the Senior Associate, Innovation and Field Operations, this is a hands-on technical role suited to someone with strong plumbing or mechanical skills who can follow protocols precisely while thinking on their feet. Based in Mbale, Uganda with extensive field travel.
Responsibilities
Device Installation and Testing
- Provide hands-on support for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of ILC devices in pilot locations
- Conduct routine technical checks to ensure devices are functioning correctly and dosing chlorine appropriately
- Maintain equipment and ensure proper handling of testing tools and materials used during field activities
- Participate in routine team discussions and field debriefs to share lessons learned from pilot implementation
Data Collection and Documentation
- Collect water quality data and operational measurements using approved tools and protocols (e.g., chlorine testing kits, colorimeters, flow measurements)
- Assist in troubleshooting device performance issues and implementing recommended modifications during pilot testing
- Ensure field data is accurately recorded, verified, and shared with the Innovation team for analysis
Key Performance Indicators
- Quality of Pilot Support: You will be assessed on how effectively you support the implementation of innovation pilots, including timely installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of ILC devices
- Data Quality and Reliability: You will be assessed on the accuracy and completeness of field data collected during pilot activities and adherence to measurement protocols
- Device Performance Monitoring: You will be assessed on how effectively device issues are identified, reported, and resolved during pilot implementation
- Contribution to Learning: You will be assessed on the quality of technical observations and documentation that contribute to the Innovation team's understanding of device performance and pilot outcomes
Requirements
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Water Technology, Environmental Science, Public Health, or a related technical field
- 2–4 years of experience in field-based technical roles, particularly in water systems, WASH programs, or infrastructure maintenance
- Hands-on experience installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting water treatment systems or related technical equipment (Plumbing skills mandatory)
- Experience conducting water quality testing using field-based tools (e.g., chlorine testing kits, colorimeters)
- Motorcycle riding skills - With 1.5 years of experience licensed riding
- Strong attention to detail in data collection and adherence to measurement protocols
- Ability to work independently in field environments and troubleshoot technical issues with minimal supervision
- Comfortable working in dynamic environments where pilots may change rapidly based on learning
- Strong communication and documentation skills for reporting field observations and technical findings
- Fluency in English (Local language added advantage)
- Willingness to be based in Mbale, Uganda with regular travel to field sites
Position Location
This role will be based in Mbale, Uganda, with regular travel to field sites.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of Uganda employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Uganda for roles based in Uganda.
Note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.
Benefits
Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide*. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical cover for self and dependents)
- Pension/Retirement savings options
- Paid leave
- Avenues for engagement and recognition