Background

Innovation: Africa (iA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose team of dedicated problem solvers work together to bring solar and water technologies to rural communities in Africa. We use solar energy to pump clean water and provide schools, orphanages, and medical clinics with light and refrigeration to store vaccines and medicines. iA has completed over 300 solar, water, and agricultural projects, providing light, clean water, food and proper medical care to more than 6 million people in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly trained and qualified individual to join our Zambia team as A Field Maintenance Technician. This position works under the supervision of the Senior Engineer and is responsible for overseeing iA’s solar electrification projects predominantly at schools and health centers, the technical implementation of iA solar systems including the Energy Box, liaising with local contractors and in-house engineers, as well as providing technical support in all sites post completion. The Field Maintenance Technician will also be responsible for all iA field activities, including identifying and selecting the beneficiaries of our projects, actively engaging in community mobilization and sensitization, establishing and maintaining regular communication with the communities we serve, implementing project-related activities, providing regular reports and ongoing monitoring of the projects. Candidates should expect frequent travel to the field to identify new projects, oversee the construction and implementation of ongoing projects, and monitor completed projects.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, operation, and maintenance of solar-powered water systems.
• Ensure proper functioning, safety, and sustainability of all infrastructure.
• Provide community technical training, monitoring, troubleshooting, and documentation
• Troubleshoot PV systems, inverters, controllers, and batteries.
• Conduct solar system performance tests and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Install and maintain Grundfos pumps and CU controllers.
• Perform AC/DC wiring and diagnose electrical faults.
• Conduct pump startups, flow/head performance tests, and system optimization.
• Install water pipelines, valves, tank connections, and water treatment units (ILC’s).
• Fix leaks, replace fittings, and maintain filtration systems.
• Respond to technical breakdowns and maintain digital O&M; logs.
• Train pump operators and water committees on daily system checks.
• Collect field performance data using mobile apps.
• Provide technical orientation to community beneficiaries.
• Manage inventory, tools, and spare parts.
• Assist procurement with technical specifications.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a dedicated team-player with strong interpersonal skills who has a background in water engineering, community development and mobilization, and working with international stakeholders. The candidate must demonstrate a proven passion for working with the community and possess detail orientation and problem-solving skills.

Requirements:

• Certificate or Diploma in Solar Technology, Electrical, Plumbing, or Water Engineering.
• Experience with solar installations, pumps, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read engineering schematics and operate test equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Must be a registered Member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).
• Must be in possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.
• Experience supervising rural electrification works in NGO community development projects
• Proven experience working with water projects is a benefit
• Technologically oriented with excellent computer skills, including proficiency in email and Microsoft Office software
• Ability to commit to flexible working hours
• High proficiency in English; both writing and speaking
• Ability to relocate to Chipata and/or Kazungula Region in Zambia
• Able to speak Zambian Local languages and with a good personality

Team Info

As an international organization, our team works in New York, Israel, and Africa, and is constantly on the move. To maintain close contact despite our travel schedules, we regularly use technology solutions, such as WhatsApp, slack and Skype. The ideal candidate thrives in this type of fast paced environment and is comfortable working with colleagues in different time zones and continents.

• Support installation, operation, and maintenance of solar-powered water systems.
• Ensure proper functioning, safety, and sustainability of all infrastructure.
• Provide community technical training, monitoring, troubleshooting, and documentation
• Troubleshoot PV systems, inverters, controllers, and batteries.
• Conduct solar system performance tests and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Install and maintain Grundfos pumps and CU controllers.
• Perform AC/DC wiring and diagnose electrical faults.
• Conduct pump startups, flow/head performance tests, and system optimization.
• Install water pipelines, valves, tank connections, and water treatment units (ILC’s).
• Fix leaks, replace fittings, and maintain filtration systems.
• Respond to technical breakdowns and maintain digital O&M; logs.
• Train pump operators and water committees on daily system checks.
• Collect field performance data using mobile apps.
• Provide technical orientation to community beneficiaries.
• Manage inventory, tools, and spare parts.
• Assist procurement with technical specifications.

• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Technologically oriented with excellent computer skills, including proficiency in email and Microsoft Office software
• High proficiency in English; both writing and speaking
• Able to speak Zambian Local languages and with a good personality

• Certificate or Diploma in Solar Technology, Electrical, Plumbing, or Water Engineering.
• Experience with solar installations, pumps, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read engineering schematics and operate test equipment.
• Must be a registered Member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).
• Must be in possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.
• Experience supervising rural electrification works in NGO community development projects
• Proven experience working with water projects is a benefit
• Ability to commit to flexible working hours
• Ability to relocate to Chipata and/or Kazungula Region in Zambia