Fellowship: AquayaLEARN

(temporary fellowship to begin June 2026)

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 underserved populations, improving human health and well-being.

Aquaya’s portfolio spans public health, economics, technology evaluation, and social entrepreneurship in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We have published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles and produced numerous other reports and publications.

Aquaya maintains offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Accra, Ghana.  Staff members are also in the US, France, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

About the AquayaLEARN Fellowship

The AquayaLEARN Fellowship enables African students and young professionals to collaborate with Aquaya’s research team to develop and implement innovative water and sanitation solutions.

This year, we are looking for fellow(s) to join our Nairobi office to support fieldwork in several initiatives aiming to improve services provided by small water suppliers.

2026 Programs

The Nairobi Chlorination project aims to support kiosk water vendors to improve the quality of water delivered to households in two informal settlements in Nairobi. The project will implement and monitor a pilot program that combines vendor training and education with branding and performance-based rewards to strengthen chlorination practices among enrolled kiosk vendors. Beyond water quality, the program aims to build customer trust and support vendor livelihoods, in partnership with the Nairobi County Public Health Office, Slum Dwellers Institute Kenya, and Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.

The Water Quality Assurance Fund is an initiative that Aquaya developed to improve drinking water quality in rural, low-resource settings. The Assurance Fund incentivizes professional, urban laboratories to extend water quality testing services to surrounding rural areas. The Assurance Fund also guides rural water operators in responding to water contamination and improving treatment. 

Criteria

The following qualifications are necessary for this position:

• Pursuit of an MSc or PhD from a Kenyan university specializing in public health, environmental resources management, urban planning, or other relevant discipline.
• Eligibility to obtain the legal right to work in Kenya.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili/Sheng.
• A passion for applying science and technology to solve fundamental development challenges.

We are also looking for the following skills and attributes:

• Demonstrated expertise in data management and statistical analysis.
• Interest in conducting research that aims to inform decision-making.
• Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Outstanding organization and time management skills, with an attention to detail and an ability to deliver on deadlines.
• Proven ability 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

Fellows will receive the following support:

• A stipend for lodging and additional living expenses.
• Coverage of travel expenses (including a round-trip to Nairobi, as applicable, and research-related travel).

To apply

Please submit your resume via e-mail to aquayalearn@aquaya.org and fill out this Google Form. In your e-mail subject line, specify “Fellowship Application for [your name].” Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026.