Position: Research Associate

This position is based in Dhaka, located in a partner organisation of WaterAid Bangladesh

WaterAid prioritises Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) as one of its prime advocacy issues considering its implications for environmental sanitation and its importance to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. As part of its evidence-based advocacy initiative, WaterAid is working collaboratively with sector actors and FSM Network of Bangladesh to develop a comprehensive documentation of the existing status of FSM in Bangladesh, including an overview of the national scenario, existing FSM initiatives, and identification of best practices. Alongside, WaterAid Bangladesh (WAB) is looking to support proper implementation of the Institutional and Regulatory Framework (IRF) through identifying the specific roles and responsibilities of Paurashavas. An operational plan for IRF in line with existing policy regimes would create an enabling environment for the LGIs to provide safely managed sanitation services.

The position is responsible for supporting WaterAid’s influencing and enabling agenda on FSM and will work on knowledge creation and dissemination on FSM. S/he should support and coordinate with sector actors for guiding IRF implementation at ground. S/he will also support WaterAid for reviewing the concepts, designs and nature of context, innovation approach, operation/business model reflecting demand-supply chain on FSM endeavors of Bangladesh. S/he will also support to gather global practice/knowledge which will reinforce initiatives of FSM Network of Bangladesh.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Play a key role in coordinating learning sharing on FSM amongst sector actors.
  • Analyse technically the emerging practices on FSM and support on knowledge management
  • Support sector actors to develop operational guideline of IRF
  • Organise periodic learning and sharing meetings to facilitate knowledge exchange within and beyond the sector
  • Identify and support implementation of demand based (urban/rural) WASH technologies,
  • Support planning, developing and implementing FSM related projects in line with SDG6 and aligned to WaterAid’s mission, vision, values and principles.
  • Play key role in action research on FSM led by WaterAid
  • Play key role in developing course materials and curricula for technical universities of Bangladesh
  • Coordinate with other teams of WaterAid Bangladesh to ensure providing necessary support to the FSM Network on their needs.
  • Documentation support to WaterAid on context specific innovations, piloting on FSM
  • Support WaterAid and its partner organisation on capacity development initiative on FSM.

 
Requisite qualifications and experience:

  • BSc in Engineering (civil/environmental) from any recognised University. Master or equivalent degree in Environmental Science/Environmental engineering/Water resources engineering will get preference.
  • 1 to 2 years demonstrated research experience in WASH related activities.
  • Capable to review design, drawing and estimate Water and Sanitation infrastructures independently
  • Experience in writing technical papers, project briefs, “best practices” to contribute in knowledge management.
  • Facilitation and strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Excellent writing and presentation skill in English
  • Working skill on CAD (AutoCAD 2D/3D or similar) is must
  • High level of pro-activeness and creativity, positive attitude and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Able to plan and priorities tasks, competent to solve problem, promote integrity and aptitude to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Ready to undertake extensive field visits as required
Work station : Dhaka, Bangladesh (based in a partner office of WaterAid Bangladesh)
Working hours : Full time (05 days in a week with minimum 37.5 hours per week)
Length of work : Until October 2019. There will be a project completion benefit equivalent to two months’ salary upon completion of the contract i.e. 31st October 2019. Please note that the full duration of the contract must be served to be eligible for the benefit.

Please note that this is not a staff position with WaterAid Bangladesh. The position will be funded by WaterAid Bangladesh and overseen by the partner organisation.

Apply Instruction:

If you are passionate to make a difference,  courageous to improve lives of the poor with water, sanitation and hygiene, confident to meet organisation’s expectations and fulfill the above mentioned requirements, please apply to ““The Head of Human Resource, House 97/B, Road 25, Block A, Banani, Dhaka 1213”” with the following paper works:

  • A supporting statement of no more than one page with a summary of why you are most fits for the position and what in particular you would bring to this position
  • CV with recent photograph
  • The names, positions and contact details of at least two referees, including your current or most recent employer
  • Current salary and Expected salary

Application Deadline: 5th March 2018

Please mention exactly the name of the position applied for at top of the envelope
Women are especially encouraged to apply.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

Candidates will have to be ready to go through an extensive selection process. Any lobbying will be considered as disqualification