Manager, Innovation

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action implements large-scale, data-driven health interventions targeting neglected global health challenges. Leveraging evidence from leading research, including Nobel-prize winning economists, the organization reaches over 500 million people across nine countries, partnering with governments to scale interventions. Programs like Deworm the World have provided over 2 billion treatments, generating significant productivity improvements, while Safe Water Now has saved thousands of children's lives through water chlorination efforts. Their Accelerator program explores innovative, cost-effective health interventions.

Role Overview

Based in Mbale, Uganda, you will lead the new In-Line Chlorination (ILC) Innovation Team under the Safe Water Now initiative, which provides automated chlorination to piped water systems reducing child mortality by over 20%. Your responsibility includes building a specialized team, managing rapid field pilots to optimize ILC device performance, lower costs, and enhance community involvement. Successes in pilots will be scaled across regions, aligning with Evidence Action teams in Uganda, Kenya, and the United States, ensuring program leadership involvement at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement focused rapid field pilots to generate actionable recommendations for scaling innovations in the ILC program.
• Define pilot objectives, success criteria, monitor progress, and refine pilot and intervention design continuously.
• Maintain robust data quality standards and measurement protocols to ensure reliable results.
• Decide early whether to accelerate, modify, or halt pilots based on preliminary data signals.
• Own technical aspects of ILC device performance, collaborating with engineering teams regionally.
• Develop expertise in device types and water infrastructure across countries to prioritize pilots and identify new innovation opportunities.
• Engage with external experts to support device design and testing methodologies.
• Contribute to innovation prioritization and testing sequencing with global and regional teams.
• Translate strategic priorities into detailed testing plans with timelines, resources, and decision points.
• Systematically document pilot results, operational knowledge, and technical decisions to inform operational handbooks and expansion playbooks.
• Facilitate coordination between the Innovation team and country, regional, and global stakeholders ensuring innovations integrate smoothly without disrupting ongoing operations.

Performance Metrics

• Number of pilots completed annually (targeting 2-3 months per pilot with iterative adjustments).
• Number of evidence-based decisions derived from pilot data influencing program direction.
• Adoption rate of proven innovations into program operations, manuals, and training materials.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Water Sciences, Environmental or Applied Sciences, Economics, or related disciplines; Master's degree in Water Systems, WASH, Hydrology, or similar technical research is strongly preferred.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience managing technical field operations and applied research programs.
• Proven success designing and running field pilots or structured experiments that led to scalable operational improvements.
• Strong background in WASH, water quality, or close technical fields with preference for engineering-trained candidates.
• Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams including technical field staff.
• Data literacy to design testing protocols, analyze measurement issues, and evaluate significance of results (statistical expertise is not mandatory).
• Adept at navigating complex organizational structures with multiple stakeholders without clear reporting lines.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments requiring rapid iterative cycles and quick project launches under pressure.
• Excellent documentation and communication abilities to translate field data into clear recommendations for diverse audiences.

Location and Legal Requirements

This position is located in Mbale, Uganda, with frequent travel to field sites. Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in Uganda, as visa sponsorship is not available.

Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance including coverage for dependents.
• Retirement savings and pension plans.
• Paid leave entitlements.
• Opportunities for employee engagement and recognition throughout the organization.