Job Alert: Water Treatment Consultant – Kenya

(temporary, part-time consulting position to begin June 2026; expected level of effort: ~30-60 days)

About Aquaya

The Aquaya Institute (Aquaya) is an independent 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 has completed projects spanning 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 Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya. Staff members are also located in the US, France, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Many of our projects are carried out in collaboration with academic research groups and expert consultants.

Aquaya maintains an office in Nairobi, Kenya. Staff members are also located in the US, Ghana, Uganda, France, and Ethiopia. Many of our projects are carried out in collaboration with academic research groups and expert consultants.

About the Water Quality Assurance Fund

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. 

Aquaya has been implementing the Assurance Fund program in Ghana (Bono and Ahafo regions) since 2020 and in Kenya (Kericho, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties) since 2023. In Kenya, over 30 rural water systems are involved, serving approximately 320,000 people overall.

About the Water Treatment Consultant position

We are recruiting a Water Treatment Consultant to provide in-person technical guidance on chlorination (as well as turbidity removal where relevant) to water systems enrolled in the Assurance Fund program. This will involve at least one visit per water system, lasting approximately 1-2 days. During the visit, the Consultant will assess existing infrastructure and current water treatment practices, and will recommend potential adjustments tailored to each specific site. Adjustments may involve optimizing turbidity removal, selecting or switching between chlorination methods, adjusting chlorine type and dosing quantities, modifying target free chlorine residual (FCR) levels, and/or adding chlorine boosting at select points in the distribution network. The Consultant will also train operators on FCR testing and how to use their own FCR tests to inform dosing decisions. The Consultant will produce a brief site report for each system visited, including findings and recommendations. Lastly, the Consultant will advise operators on safe chlorine handling and PPE requirements.

Criteria for the position

The following qualifications are necessary for this position:

• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in water treatment or water supply engineering
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering, or related field. (Optional) Master’s degree as an advantage
• Extensive, hands-on experience in drinking water treatment engineering, including demonstrated knowledge of chlorination systems, FCR testing, chlorine dosing calculations, and turbidity removal for piped water supply.
• Prior experience working in small, piped water systems in rural areas.
• Proven experience in training or mentoring water operators or field staff.
• Eligibility to obtain the legal right to work in Kenya.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
• A passion for improving the quality of water services in low-income communities.
• Interest and availability to conduct fieldwork in Kericho, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties.
• Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Outstanding organization and time management skills.

Compensation and Benefits

The Consultant will receive a daily stipend. The expected level of effort is 30−60 days. Additionally, Aquaya will cover all work-related travel expenses (accommodation, transport, per-diem for meals and incidentals).

To apply

Please fill out this Google Form and submit your resume via email to jobs@aquaya.org.  Please include “Water Treatment Consultant Application – [your name]” in the subject. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026.

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.