Officer – Engineering - Field Technician

Officer, Engineering (Field Technician)

Evidence Action · Mbale, Uganda · Contract · Posted 2026-11-03

Workplace: on_site

Department: Programs

Description

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

The Officer, Engineering (Field Technician) is the primary technical presence for Safe Water Now’s chlorine dispenser infrastructure. Working at the intersection of engineering, program implementation, and community engagement, this role ensures that chlorine dispensers and In-Line Chlorination (ILC) devices remain functional, properly maintained, and trusted by the communities they serve.

The Officer independently manages the full hardware lifecycle in their area: from preventive maintenance and repairs to retrofits, re-installations, and field testing of new hardware innovations, while maintaining accurate inventory and data records that inform engineering decisions at the programme level. Beyond the technical mandate, the Officer directly supervises and builds the capacity of Community Service Assistants, serves as the field-level link between engineering teams and implementation staff, and engages local stakeholders to protect dispenser infrastructure and sustain community uptake of safe water.

This is a hands-on, mobile role that demands strong technical judgement, disciplined data practice, and the ability to represent Evidence Action credibly with communities and local authorities.

Responsibilities 

Hardware Maintenance & Technical Operations

• Conduct field and workshop repairs, retrofits, and re-installations of chlorine dispenser components (casings, tanks, valves) to maintain device functionality and reduce hardware replacement costs
• Perform regular hardware spot checks across the assigned area and ensure identified faults are escalated and resolved within agreed timelines
• Support the assembly and field testing of new hardware innovations; maintain complete records of trial tests and share structured progress reports with the Engineering team and Area Coordinator
• Maintain an accurate inventory of all dispenser parts and repair tools within the assigned office/hub and proactively flag reorder needs before stock runs critical

Data, Reporting & Work Planning

• Collect, verify, and submit complete data for every dispenser repair, maintenance action, and re-installation undertaken, in line with programme data standards
• Develop weekly work plans and field activity reports, ensuring transparency on progress, emerging hardware issues, and field observations relevant to the Engineering team
• Conduct physical and phone back-checks on ongoing field activities and report findings to the Area Coordinator

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

• Engage communities and local stakeholders on correct dispenser usage, chlorine safety, and the importance of protecting infrastructure from vandalism and theft
• Serve as a field-level communication channel between Engineering, program implementation staff, and communities — relaying updates on hardware changes or new developments in both directions

Team Leadership & Field Support

• Supervise, mentor, coach, and conduct structured performance shadowing of Community Service Assistants in the execution of their duties
• Support broader field office activities as needed, including chlorine deliveries and quality assurance data collection
• Manage allocated funds for field and engineering activities in strict compliance with Evidence Action’s finance policy
• Operate and maintain assigned motorcycles responsibly, monitoring maintenance and repair costs
• Other duties and responsibilities as guided by the Supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Chlorine device functionality rate across assigned area
• % of reported dispenser faults resolved within 48 hours
• Data completeness and submission timeliness rate
• Number of structured CSA coaching/shadowing sessions conducted per month, with documented performance outcomes
• Community engagement touchpoints per cycle, with dispenser vandalism/theft incidents tracked

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Water Technology, Hydrology, Water & Sanitation Technology, Civil Engineering (with water/structural bias), Plumbing or Environmental Engineering, from a recognised institution. Candidates holding an Advanced Diploma in a relevant technical discipline will be considered, provided they bring a minimum of three (3) years of directly relevant field experience in water, sanitation, infrastructure maintenance, or a related technical programme.
• At least 2 years of experience working with communities or social enterprises/NGOs 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 using electronic data collection platforms, specifically open data kit (ODK) and survey CTO preferred
• 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
• Strong communication and documentation skills for reporting field observations and technical findings
• Good language skills in English is a must. Proficiency in speaking the local language/dialect used in target areas is a definite advantage (including Lusoga, Lugisu, Lugwere, Lunyole, Atesot, Japadhola among others)
• Self-driven and highly motivated to deliver results within tight deadlines.
• Willingness to be based in Eastern Uganda (either of Busoga or Bumasaba regions) with regular travel to field sites

Position Location 

This role will be based in either of Jinja, Mbale or surrounding districts, 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

Apply

Apply at Evidence Action

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