WASH Product Technology Specialist (Code: 002-WPTS-IUWASH)
General Position Summary
USAID IUWASH Pasar will achieve its goal over five years through an integrated strategy that affects change within the GOI’s market-enabling environment, among WASH enterprises and within households and communities through three topline objectives: Objective 1: Improved business environment to foster greater private sector contribution for WASH services and products; Objective 2: Enhanced viability of WASH enterprises and increased availability of affordable, desirable WASH products and services to underserved market segments; and Objective 3: Improved key WASH behaviors for increased demand with correct and consistent use of WASH products and services.
PSI seeks an energetic WASH Product Technology Specialist to coordinate product technology and R&D activities and support engineering at national level. It will test, pilot, and refine innovations that can connect B40 households to market-based WASH. The specialist should have experience in commercial product design, manufacturing, and distribution.
Essential Job Responsibilities
The WASH Product Technology Specialist will drive design, manufacturing, and commercialization efforts and facilitate investments to bring transformative products and services to the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector. They will be responsible for supporting the research and development process for creating new prototypes; or redesigning existing products to improve overall transportability, simplify installation, and improve efficiency, desirability, and profitability for service providers. The WASH Product Technology Specialist has deep experience developing and researching consumer products, especially durable products, preferably in the manufacturing and construction sector. In addition, the specialist has a passion for partnership development, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and a positive and action-oriented attitude.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead the design, development, and commercialization efforts for transformative products and services within the water, sanitation, and MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management) markets
Drive the creation of new prototypes or redesign existing products to enhance transportability, installation, efficiency, desirability, and profitability for service providers.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and designers, to guide and oversee all phases of the design process.
Ensure alignment with project timelines, budgets, and quality standards
Stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer preferences in the WASH sector.
Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and product improvement.
Utilize market insights to inform product development strategies.
Apply deep expertise in developing and researching consumer products, particularly durable products, with a strong preference for experience in the manufacturing and construction sector.
Utilize technical knowledge to identify areas for product enhancement and optimization
Prepare comprehensive design briefs outlining project objectives, requirements, and constraints.
Clearly communicate design expectations and specifications to the product development team.
Develop and provide training and capacity building to artisans and manufacturers.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to secure necessary investments and funding for product development initiatives.
Prepare compelling investment proposals and business cases to support project funding.
Cultivate and nurture partnerships with industry stakeholders, research institutions, and organizations.
Seek collaborative opportunities to advance research and development initiatives.
Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the product development team.
Provide mentorship and support to team members, facilitating their growth and development.
Undertake any other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the supervisor
Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, product design, or a related discipline.
At least five years experience in developing and researching consumer products, especially durable products, with a preference for experience in the manufacturing and construction sector.
Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget with at least three years of project management experience preferred;
developing and researching consumer products, especially durable products, with a preference for experience in the manufacturing and construction sector.
Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to prepare design briefs and guide design processes.
Passion for partnership development, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
A proactive and action-oriented attitude with a strong commitment to achieving project goals.
Ability to work with partners, constituents, and teams to generate and create design concepts and ultimately into working prototypes and commercialized products
Business acumen
Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated track record of working with cross-functional teams;
Creative thinker who understands consumer needs and can find unique ways to develop existing/new products;
Demonstrates managerial courage to resolve conflicts and has excellent diplomatic, oral/written skills and presentation abilities;
Advanced report writing skills and proficiency languages (both Spoken and Written): in Bahasa Indonesia is required and in English is highly desirable;
Citizen of Indonesia.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps Indonesia is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps Indonesia is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps Indonesia team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter that specifically addresses how you will handle this job responsibilities via button below and fill in the position code:
“002-WPTS-IUWASH”
The vacancy will be closed on 13 October 2023 and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. We look forward to hearing from those who are interested in taking this opportunity to grow and develop with us.
Thank You,
Human Resources Department
Mercy Corps Indonesia