Preferably based in Uganda, Ghana, or Kenya, but open to the U.S. (to begin as soon as possible, preferably no later than October 2024)
About Aquaya
The Aquaya Institute (‘Aquaya’) is a nonprofit 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 vulnerable populations, improving human health and well-being.
Aquaya’s portfolio spans 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 an office in Nairobi, Kenya, and Accra, Ghana. Staff members are also in the US, France, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Morocco. Many of our projects are carried out in collaboration with academic research groups and expert consultants.
About the Senior Research Manager
We are recruiting for a Senior Research Manager to lead ongoing research programs. This full-time position is preferably based either in Uganda, Ghana, or Kenya and requires the ability to travel across Africa. The Senior Research Manager will be responsible for managing research program activities, including, but not limited to:
Program/project management
- Coordinate activities across multiple team members and countries
- Develop and monitor timelines for completing project milestones
- Develop, modify, and successfully manage project budgets
- Delegate tasks to and/or supervise other employees and contractors as needed
- Oversee execution of contracts/MoUs with partners, sub-grantees, and contractors
- Organize and tactfully lead partner meetings and manage partner communication
- Lead fieldwork logistics and data collection activities with minimal oversight
- Prepare summary presentations to report to funders
Research management
- Develop research protocols and data collection tools
- Manage the ethical approval process and ensure that ethical principles are respected
- Lead training of data collection teams
- Develop and administer effective QAQC methods to ensure data quality
- Manage and analyze quantitative and qualitative datasets
- Lead the preparation of project presentations, reports, briefs, and publications
- Participate in the presentation of results at conferences and workshops
The Senior Research Manager is anticipated to support a variety of research projects, including but not limited to:
Village Savings and Loans Associations – Uganda
Aquaya’s Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) program (2023-2026) evaluates the impact of VSLAs on payments for handpump maintenance and community WASH behaviors in rural Uganda through a randomized, controlled trial. The program also supports Kabarole’s Handpump Mechanic Association to become a functional area service provider.
EnWASH Economics – Ghana
Under USAID/Ghana’s Enhancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (EnWASH) program (2021-2026) and with co-funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Aquaya examines approaches for improving the financial performance of piped water suppliers in rural Ghana. The study involves collecting baseline performance data as well as qualitative information on staff motivation and capacity gaps. Following this assessment, Aquaya will pilot two strategies that have not been documented in the context of rural, public water suppliers: benchmarking (comparative monitoring of key performance indicators) and performance-based incentives (subsidies conditional on meeting certain benchmarks).
Role and Responsibilities
- Monitor current financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals, developing and implementing new strategies as needed.
- Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records.
- Review and present financial reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, providing analysis and recommendations as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory finance requirements, including tax filings, audits, single audits, and other reporting requirements.
- Oversee the organization’s annual budgeting process and provide regular updates and analysis to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Monitor and manage internal controls.
- Lead and oversee the financial activity, including budgets, expenditures, and external reporting for all grants and contracts, including those funded by USAID, to ensure compliance with respective agreements.
- Resolve external issues/problems related to grants administration in a timely manner.
- Work closely with the program team to ensure overall compliance and efficiency of execution of all awards and contracts.
- Review and approve agreement drafts, subaward request letters, negotiated indirect cost rate proposals, and other documents to be submitted to the U.S. government for compliance with Uniform Guidance and FAR.
Criteria for the Senior Research Manager
The following qualifications are necessary for this position except as noted:
- Demonstrated experience in the management and execution of research staff, research processes, and knowledge-focused initiatives related to water or sanitation.
- Ph.D. and Master’s degree – preferably in engineering, science, environmental science, or a related field.
- 2+ years of work experience in research and/or project management (in addition to a Ph.D.)
- Previous international work experience in Africa.
- Ability to analyze quantitative data in Excel, R, or Stata.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Fluency in English.
- Ability to travel to field sites approximately 25% of the time (this is an estimated average and is subject to fluctuation).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high research quality standards.
- Ability to work with remote and culturally diverse teams.
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 with an attention to detail and an ability to deliver on deadlines.
- Appetite for publishing research articles.
- Commitment to enhancing the capacity and skills of junior colleagues.
- Proven ability to work closely 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 and Benefits
This is a full-time position with an initial 3-month probationary period. Aquaya offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience.
To apply
Please submit your resume via e-mail to [email protected] along with a thoughtful cover letter. Submissions will be considered as received, and the position will remain open until filled. There will be an additional screening survey and activity once your resume and cover letter are received.
In your cover letter, please explain why you are interested in Aquaya’s mission and activities, and tell us why your skills, background, and accomplishments make you the ideal candidate for this position, specifically highlighting your experience.
Note that we will not consider applications without a cover letter. In your e-mail subject line, specify “Senior Research Manager 2024”. No phone calls, please.
Aquaya provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
