Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The WASH Sales and Market Development Officer (WS-MEDO) will support the pilot phase of iDE’s Market-Based Sanitation (MBS) programme in Southern Province, focusing on establishing a sustainable and competitive supply of the improved ‘Bulondo Bulondo’ latrine solution. The role involves promoting Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) as primary service providers while leading the development of a supporting network of artisans and sales agents. Through direct coaching and mentorship, the WS-MEDO will build the technical, business, and marketing capacity of Local Business Owners (LBOs) to ensure quality, timely delivery and stimulate demand among households and institutional buyers to achieve sanitation sales targets.

The role requires a strong operational focus with experience in promoting startups, specifically in developing product delivery systems, demand management, and fostering an enabling environment through strategic partnerships.

The WS-MEDO will work closely with the iDE Zambia team, Innovation Lab, and Global WASH team to ensure successful pilot delivery and contribute to the broader WASH portfolio.

Responsibilities or duties

Project Implementation and Capacity Building

• Support delivery of the MBS pilot through timely execution of activities and adherence to project objectives as guided.
• Mentoring of LBOs in target districts in general entrepreneurship skills as guided.
• Support LBOs in improving business model effectiveness by managing relationships with suppliers, sales agents, and artisans.
• Coaching and management of sales agents in promoting latrine solutions to target prospects.
• Capacity building and management of masons in the district of operation.
• Support and participate in the testing and iteration of different sanitation financing models.
• Support the integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles into WASH programming.
• Ultimate responsibility for delivery against target sales numbers and order fulfilment.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaborations

• Develop strong working relationships with WASH stakeholders at the district level.
• Work closely with iDE Zambia WASH team to ensure successful implementation of the pilot and contribute to the broader WASH portfolio.
• Collaborate with other consortium members on market uptake outcomes to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Represent iDE Zambia in relevant WASH sector meetings and working groups in the district.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Work with the MERL team to track project indicators and outcomes for project reporting.
• Document key insights, best practices, and challenges from the pilot to inform future scaling efforts.
• Contribute to reports, learning briefs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Input into the refinement of technical product options based on customer feedback and field learning.
• Work closely with the iDE Zambia and Lab Team to document case studies and share learnings.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Education & Professional Experience

• Professional qualification or 3-year diploma in Marketing, Sales, Business Studies, or a related field. Candidates with degrees in Engineering, Water Resource Management, Sanitation, or Public Health will be accepted given significant sales/marketing experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience leading sales or marketing processes with a clear track record of results.
• Personal front-line experience in supporting small business startups in a rural setting preferred.
• Familiarity with market-based approaches through commercial or NGO programming experience.
• Knowledge of WASH programming, focused on sanitation and hygiene, is strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Enthusiastic team player with the ability to motivate and coach marketing/sales Agents.
• Demonstrated expertise in WASH, public health, or market systems development preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including communities, masons, and officials.
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites.
• Sensitivity to rural contexts and working with women, youth, and ethnic groups.
• Willingness to take on additional areas of responsibility relevant to the role.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in uncertain environments and manage stress while problem-solving creatively.
• Requirement for field travel using a motorbike.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• This position requires flexibility, as project demands and field conditions may shift over time.
• The role will be based in Southern Province (Monze/Kalomo)
• Rider’s license required.

Diversity Statement

iDE takes pride in our talented and diverse workforce. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Hiring, promotion, and compensation of employees are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, gender, or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

• Support delivery of the MBS pilot through timely execution of activities and adherence to project objectives as guided.
• Mentoring of LBOs in target districts in general entrepreneurship skills as guided.
• Support LBOs in improving business model effectiveness by managing relationships with suppliers, sales agents, and artisans.
• Coaching and management of sales agents in promoting latrine solutions to target prospects.
• Capacity building and management of masons in the district of operation.
• Support and participate in the testing and iteration of different sanitation financing models.
• Support the integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles into WASH programming.
• Ultimate responsibility for delivery against target sales numbers and order fulfilment.
• Develop strong working relationships with WASH stakeholders at the district level.
• Work closely with iDE Zambia WASH team to ensure successful implementation of the pilot and contribute to the broader WASH portfolio.
• Collaborate with other consortium members on market uptake outcomes to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Represent iDE Zambia in relevant WASH sector meetings and working groups in the district.
• Work with the MERL team to track project indicators and outcomes for project reporting.
• Document key insights, best practices, and challenges from the pilot to inform future scaling efforts.
• Contribute to reports, learning briefs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Input into the refinement of technical product options based on customer feedback and field learning.
• Work closely with the iDE Zambia and Lab Team to document case studies and share learnings.

• Enthusiastic team player with the ability to motivate and coach marketing/sales Agents.
• Demonstrated expertise in WASH, public health, or market systems development preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including communities, masons, and officials.
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites.
• Sensitivity to rural contexts and working with women, youth, and ethnic groups.
• Willingness to take on additional areas of responsibility relevant to the role.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in uncertain environments and manage stress while problem-solving creatively.
• Requirement for field travel using a motorbike.

• Professional qualification or 3-year diploma in Marketing, Sales, Business Studies, or a related field. Candidates with degrees in Engineering, Water Resource Management, Sanitation, or Public Health will be accepted given significant sales/marketing experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience leading sales or marketing processes with a clear track record of results.
• Personal front-line experience in supporting small business startups in a rural setting preferred.
• Familiarity with market-based approaches through commercial or NGO programming experience.
• Knowledge of WASH programming, focused on sanitation and hygiene, is strongly preferred.
• Rider’s license required.