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.

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) 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. S/He will be responsible for field-level implementation, coordinating with local government structures at district level, and community level structures such as Water Point Management Committees, Village Heads etc. including government extension workers and beneficiary communities in bid to promote ILC device use and sustain high adoption rates. S/He will also ensure proper documentation including office filling of the program documents.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Officer in implementing ILC Program activities per the approved weekly and monthly implementation plans.
• Ensure that such program activities as VCS, WUEMs, Verifications and installation are implemented in time and in adherence to quality standards.
• 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.
• Conduct community mobilization and ensure community participation and inclusion and encourage community ownership over activities implemented under ILC Program.
• Assist the LOs/Coordinators in conducting trainings and orientation of extension workers, volunteers, and various community structures on program implementation.
• Supporting the installation of ILC devices whenever necessary, in line with the organization’s protocols, specifications and guidelines.
• 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
• Proper record keeping by completing relevant forms, documents, and records that are important in inventory tracking
• Engaging the target community and promoter volunteers to promote ILC devices’ usage, handle any/all possible challenges, and report the same to the supervisor.
• 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
• Support the Lead Officer in identification of Promoters and providing the necessary training to the promoters
• Ensure prompt response to ILC device issues
• 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.
• Regularly update the issue log to support updating the lessons learnt log for program improvement.
• Take part in regular team meetings and staff meetings as required

Key Performance Indicators

• Adoption Rate
• ILC devices functionality rates
• Sustained Functional ILC devices numbers
• Promoter retention

• Motorcycle riding experience with a valid driving license from a recognized driving school is a MUST (Please note that you will be requested to attach a valid license in the application)
• Diploma in Community Development Studies, Communication, Social work, Project management or equivalent with at least (2) years working experience working with communities or social enterprises/NGOs in similar role.

• Certificate in similar subject with at least 5 years’ experience in similar role.
• Fluency in English, Chichewa, or any other local languages

Key Competencies and Traits

• Excellent communication skills and good public relations
• High level discipline and good character while engaging with the community and their leaders, program teams and managers.
• Community service attitude/ passion to work in a rural community setting
• High level of integrity and stewardship
• Embraces team work and enjoys working in a team work environment as a team champion
• Good computer, data entry and management skills
• Positive attitude to work and to develop in a fast-paced work environment

Working Conditions

The Community Service Assistant (CSA) position is primarily a field-based position involving working in the field 95% of the time. This involves maneuvering in rural setting terrains with chlorine loads on motorcycles for distribution to the designated representative(s) at each chlorine dispenser.

Physical requirements

This job requires an ability to ride a motorcycle and climb to the top of water storage tanks to install ILC device, deliver chlorine etc.

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.