Job Description: Laboratory Manager / Water Quality Specialist

Water Access Rwanda is recruiting a Laboratory Manager / Water Quality Specialist who will take full command of our water quality assurance ecosystem — no shortcuts, no weak systems, no tolerance for non compliance. This role is for someone who thrives on precision, discipline, scientific rigor, and operational control.

You will lead the laboratory, the lab assistant, and a team of field technicians who execute water sampling and chlorine monitoring across Rwanda. You will drive the lab toward full RS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 designation, eliminate inconsistencies, and enforce proper testing standards without compromise.

If you cannot lead from the front, uphold scientific integrity, maintain spotless documentation, and push the WAR Lab to national designation and excellence, this role is not for you. We need someone with relentless follow through, deep technical expertise, and the backbone to uphold quality even under pressure.

Position Details

Position: Laboratory Manager / Water Quality Specialist

Reports to: Production Director

Location: Kigali HQ & Rwamagana Industrial Zone, with frequent visits to field sites across Rwanda

Employment Type: Full time

Renumeration: RWF 735,812 gross + RSSB Contributions and Health Insurance Contribution (PRIME).

Retention: RWF 100,000 Net retention applicable 3-month probationary period with a cliff period of 3years. (If employment ends before a 3-year (36 months) cliff period (except for suspension due to economic or technical reasons), the employee owes back all retention pay received up to termination date.)

Role Purpose

To lead, manage, and own the entire water quality testing and laboratory operations for Water Access Rwanda.

This includes supervising the laboratory team, ensuring full compliance with RS ISO/IEC 17025:2017, coordinating all water quality sampling nationwide, and delivering scientifically defensible results that meet EAS drinking water standards.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Management

• Lead and supervise the lab assistant and a team of field technicians.
• Build technical discipline in sampling, testing, reporting, and chlorine monitoring.
• Enforce strict adherence to SOPs, laboratory methods, and quality protocols.

Designation & Compliance

• Complete designation for E. coli and Chlorine testing.
• Lead the accreditation process for all remaining RS EAS parameters.
• Maintain strict compliance with RS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 at all times.

Water Quality Testing & Method Control

• Own the end-to-end laboratory testing workflow (borehole, system, and post filtration).
• Validate, verify, and continuously improve test methods and internal controls.
• Ensure precise data recording, chain of custody, traceability, and technical records.

Field Sampling Coordination

• Coordinate monthly and quarterly sampling of all INUMA™ Minigrids and other Company's water points.
• Ensure chlorine residuals and E-coli are tested accurately and consistently across all field locations.
• Enforce timely submission and quality of field test samples.

Proficiency Testing & Quality Assurance

• Participate successfully in all PT and ILC schemes (RSB + accredited providers).
• Implement corrective actions for any deviations, non conformities, or PT issues.
• Maintain high accuracy, reliability, and defensibility of all test results.

Filter Design & Post Filtration Verification

• Design filtration systems based on raw water analysis.
• Lead post filtration testing to verify treatment performance against standards.

Laboratory Operations & Resource Management

• Manage reagent procurement, equipment calibration, and stock control.
• Ensure environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, calibration) meet requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and audit ready laboratory environment at all times.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Training on RS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is strongly preferred.
• Additional training in laboratory management or quality systems is an advantage.

Experience

• 2+ years in water quality analysis, laboratory operations, or environmental testing.
• Proven experience supervising technical personnel.
• Experience participating in or preparing for laboratory audits/designation/accreditation.

Skills

• Strong command of microbiological and chemical water testing.
• Strong documentation, data integrity, and record keeping discipline.
• Ability to lead and coordinate field and lab staff across multiple locations.
• Expertise in filtration design is an added advantage.

Behavioral Competencies

• Uncompromising commitment to scientific rigor and quality.
• Strong leadership presence: able to enforce standards without hesitation.
• Clear communication and strong coordination capability.
• Resilient under pressure, with a strong sense of ownership.

Performance Indicators

• Successful completion of E. coli, chlorine, and full parameter designation.
• High score performance in PT and ILC programs.
• Zero major audit findings or non conformities.
• Timely completion of all monthly and quarterly sampling cycles.
• Accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results.
• Team competence, adherence to SOPs, and field sampling discipline.

Working Conditions

• 45-hour work week with flexibility.
• Frequent travel to field locations for sampling supervision.
• Periodic overtime during critical testing or audit periods (compensated with rest days).