CARE Kenya
Water Quality Research Intern
CARE Kenya
Kisumu, Kenya – 2024
Job Category: Research and Innovation
Reports to: Project Manager
Duty Station: Kisumu, Kenya, with field visits in Migori, Siaya, and Busia
Contract Type: Intern
Contract Level: Intern
Contract Duration: 6 months
Application Period: June 2024
Background
CARE is an international NGO with local staff and community partners in 100 countries. We create local solutions to poverty and inequality, striving for dignity for everyone every day and during times of crisis. Our solutions range from disaster response to food and nutrition, education, and work for women and girls, to healthy mothers and children. CARE puts women and girls at the center of everything we do because when they have equal access to resources, they uplift their families and communities out of poverty.
Our staff lives where they work, allowing us to understand the challenges they face effectively. Since World War II, we’ve been committed to this mission, starting with the world’s first CARE Package® for post-war Europe. Our work today is as vital as ever, and we believe that poverty and inequality are historic injustices that can end within a generation. If you share our core beliefs—that poverty is an injustice, solvable, and together we have the power to end it—join us.
Through the Children Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) program, CARE International in Kenya promotes access to safe drinking water and hygiene services in schools, health facilities, and households in Siaya, Busia, Migori, and Kisumu counties. The program aims to improve household water quality and safety by distributing point-of-use (POU) products and encouraging water safety and hygiene behavior changes.
In collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, we are piloting Venturi Passive Chlorinators in healthcare facilities in Kisumu, Migori, and Busia counties. This pilot aims to scale the adoption of Venturi devices as a communal water treatment solution.
Job Summary & Purpose
CARE Kenya’s Internship Program offers recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with CARE. Interns at CARE International in Kenya participate in experiential learning opportunities in the humanitarian and development sectors, contributing to a meaningful internship experience that supports their academic, professional, and personal development.
We seek a motivated and detail-oriented Water Quality Research Intern to join our team. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Water Quality Research Intern will contribute to the passive inline chlorination evaluation and operations research and learning agenda, gaining valuable experience in a multicultural environment. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of water quality and supply principles, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
Technical and Operational Support (40%)
- Support site and context screening to identify optimal sites for Venturi passive chlorinators installation, including field visits, data collection on water system types, and configuration.
- Conduct microbial, chemical, and physical water quality testing.
- Perform routine validation, data sharing, and analysis from site selections, water quality, operational performance, and user feedback using the Survey CTO platform.
- Assist in the installation and routine maintenance of Venturi passive chlorinators at institutional settings.
- Contribute to Venturi cost modeling.
Advocacy, Community Engagement, and Communication (20%)
- Facilitate national and county-level stakeholder dialogue workshops/forums on the Venturi trial design and impact evaluation.
- Monitor device installation/functionality status, efficacy, and utilization during mass installations.
Representation, Liaison, and Networking (20%)
- Engage with stakeholders, providing training and socialization around centralized water treatment and chlorination.
- Support negotiations with national and relevant county government departments.
Research and Documentation (15%)
- Collect and analyze data on gendered patterns in the use and perceptions of Venturi and electro-chlorination devices.
- Develop a user satisfaction feedback tool for healthcare facilities.
- Collaborate with Berkeley to produce a draft implementation guide for Venturi installations at healthcare facilities.
Other Responsibilities (5%)
- Stay updated with CARE’s emerging strategies and approaches, contributing proactively to their implementation.
- Ensure personal safety and security, considering the impact of personal decisions on the safety and security of others.
Qualifications
- Completed Diploma in water supply, water quality, environmental health sciences, community development, or any related field.
- Knowledge of research ethics principles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural professional environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- No work experience required.
- Completion of a research ethics course is an added advantage.
- Competencies in report writing, data collection, analysis, and computer literacy.
Key Relationships
- Program teams
- Program support teams
- Government workers
- Community representatives
- Vendors
Working Conditions
- 90% fieldwork and 10% office work in Kisumu.
CARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer promoting gender, equity, and diversity.
Daedline 7th JUNE 2024
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Sample Cover Letter for Water Quality Research Intern
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
CARE Kenya
[Company Address]
Kisumu, Kenya
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Water Quality Research Intern position at CARE Kenya, as advertised. With a Diploma in Environmental Health Sciences and a keen interest in water quality and community health, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to CARE’s mission of promoting safe drinking water and hygiene in Kenya.
During my academic career, I gained substantial knowledge in water quality testing, data collection, and analysis. My coursework and projects have equipped me with the necessary skills to support the technical and operational aspects of the Venturi passive chlorinators’ installation and maintenance. I am particularly impressed with CARE’s collaborative efforts with the University of California, Berkeley, and I am eager to be a part of this impactful project.
I have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities. These competencies, combined with my proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, make me a strong candidate for this role. I am committed to contributing to the success of CARE’s programs and look forward to the possibility of working with your team to improve water quality and safety for communities in Kisumu and surrounding counties.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications can contribute to the important work being done by CARE Kenya.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Be a Successful Applicant for the Water Quality Research Intern
- Highlight Relevant Education and Skills: Emphasize your background in water quality, environmental health, or related fields.
- Demonstrate Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of past experiences where you have successfully used these skills.
- Showcase Your Communication Abilities: Effective communication is crucial for community engagement and stakeholder interaction.
- Exhibit Attention to Detail: Accuracy in data collection and analysis is vital for this role.
- Emphasize Teamwork and Independence: Highlight your ability to work well in a team as well as independently.
- Mention Any Relevant Certifications: If you have completed a research ethics course, make sure to include this.
- Be Proficient with Software Tools: Demonstrate your competence with tools like Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Your passion for improving water quality and community health should be evident.
- Prepare for Fieldwork: Be ready to discuss your ability to handle the physical demands of fieldwork.
- Understand CARE’s Mission and Values: Show that you align with CARE’s commitment to ending poverty and inequality.
Possible Water Quality Research Intern Interview Questions with Answers
- Why are you interested in this internship with CARE Kenya?
Answer: I am passionate about improving water quality and community health. CARE Kenya’s commitment to these causes aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and values. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work on the Venturi passive chlorinators project and contribute to its success.
- How do you approach problem-solving in a research setting?
Answer: I approach problem-solving by first gathering and analyzing all relevant data. I then brainstorm potential solutions, evaluate their feasibility, and select the best course of action. Throughout the process, I ensure clear communication with team members to incorporate diverse perspectives.
- Can you describe a time when you had to work independently on a project?
Answer: During my final year project, I conducted independent research on water contamination in local communities. This involved data collection, analysis, and reporting. I managed my time effectively, met all deadlines, and achieved positive feedback from my supervisors.
- How do you handle working in a multicultural environment?
Answer: I embrace diversity and am respectful of different cultural perspectives. I believe in open communication and active listening to understand the needs and viewpoints of others, which helps in building strong, collaborative relationships.
- What do you know about passive inline chlorination?
Answer: Passive inline chlorination involves the use of devices like Venturi passive chlorinators to disinfect water as it flows through a system. It’s an effective method for ensuring safe drinking water, particularly in areas with limited resources.
- How do you ensure the accuracy of data collected during fieldwork?
Answer: I follow strict protocols for data collection, use calibrated instruments, and double-check data entries. I also review and validate the data regularly to identify and correct any discrepancies.
- Describe your experience with data analysis tools.
Answer: I am proficient in Microsoft Excel, which I use for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data. I have also used Survey CTO for data collection and analysis in previous projects.
- What strategies would you use to engage the community in a water quality project?
Answer: I would start by educating the community on the importance of water quality and the benefits of the project. I would involve local leaders and stakeholders, use participatory approaches to gather input, and ensure transparent communication throughout the project.
- How do you manage multiple tasks and priorities?
Answer: I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I use project management tools to keep track of deadlines and ensure that I allocate sufficient time for each task. Regular progress reviews help me stay on track and adjust plans as needed.
- What motivates you to work in the humanitarian sector?
Answer: I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations. Working in the humanitarian sector allows me to apply my skills and knowledge to address critical issues such as water quality and public health, contributing to meaningful change.
Wishing you the best in your application process. Remember, our website is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not charge any application or recruitment fees, whether refundable or not.
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To apply for this job please visit www.care-kenya.org.
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