Water For People
Terms of Reference (ToR) Consultant- Technical Research Associate'
A) Background
About Water For People India:
Water For People India initiated its operations in West Bengal in 1996 in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Consistent with the global vision and mission, we exist to promote the development of safe drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments. Our organizational values are Accountability, Courage, Empowerment, Partnership and Transparency.
B) Job Summary
Water For People India, in partnership with Sankoya Technologies, is implementing an innovative off-grid sanitation technology pilot in Mumbai. The system separates waste at source and treats solid and liquid waste through processes including incineration and pasteurization.
The project is currently in the installation, commissioning and operational phase. The Technical Engineer will provide hands-on technical support for commissioning, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of the pilot system, with a strong focus on mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and mechatronic systems.The role will work closely with Sankoya engineers, contractors, technicians and project staff to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation of the technology under real-world field condition
C) Scope of work & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
A. Installation & Commissioning
• Support installation, assembly, dismantling and reassembly of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Work with Sankoya engineers and contractors during commissioning, dry runs and trial operations.
• Verify equipment alignment, connections, calibration and functionality against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Identify and resolve installation and commissioning-related technical issues.
B. Mechanical Systems & Maintenance
• Operate, inspect and troubleshoot mechanical equipment and process components.
• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance of pumps, motors, blowers, conveyors and other equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical faults and coordinate repairs or replacement of faulty components.
• Maintain tools, spare parts and equipment inventories.
• Support fabrication and field-level modifications where required.
C. Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls
• Support installation and maintenance of wiring, motors, sensors, switches and control panels.
• Undertake basic electrical troubleshooting and fault diagnosis.
• Check sensor and instrumentation functionality.
• Support commissioning and troubleshooting of control systems in coordination with Sankoya engineers.
• Identify recurring electrical/instrumentation issues and recommend improvements.
D. Operations & Performance Monitoring
• Provide technical support for day-to-day operation of the pilot system.
• Monitor equipment performance, uptime and key operational parameters.
• Support testing, optimization and performance evaluation under actual field conditions.
• Assist in monitoring treatment volume, ash generation, water consumption,emissions and other technical KPIs.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions.
E. Troubleshooting & Technical Support
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and process-related breakdowns.
• Coordinate with Sankoya engineers, vendors and contractors for complex technical issues.
• Support system modifications and iterative improvements based on field performance.
• Assist in adapting the technology to site-specific conditions and local infrastructure.
F. SOPs, Documentation & Safety
• Support preparation and implementation of SOPs for operation, cleaning, maintenance and emergency response.
• Maintain equipment maintenance logs, breakdown records, commissioning records and spare-part inventories.
• Support preparation/updating of as-built drawings and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with site safety procedures, PPE requirements and safe operating practices.
G. Testing, Training & Coordination
• Support technical and environmental testing and coordinate with laboratories where required.
• Assist in training operators and technicians on equipment operation, preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager, Sankoya engineers, contractors and vendors.
• Provide technical inputs for project reports, M&E activities and lessons-learned documentation.
D) Deliverables
Deliverable Description
D1 Installation and commissioning support report
D2 Field testing and performance monitoring records
D3 Maintenance, troubleshooting and corrective action log
D4 Technical documentation, drawings and inventory updates
D5 Final technical consultancy report with findings and recommendations
E) Timeline
Project duration: Till 31st December 2026. Consultant engagement shall be on a deliverable basis as approved by the Contract Manager.
F) Consultancy Fee
Compensation between Rs.60,000/- to Rs. 75,000/- based on experience and technical skill. Consultancy fee shall be paid on an approved consolidated amount basis against validated deliverables and invoices. Any travel shall be governed by the organization's Travel Policy.
G) Requirements
Educational Qualification & Experience:
• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in prototype development, wastewater/environmental engineering, or process plants is desirable.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and use basic CAD software is preferred.
• Good communication skills in English and ability to work in multidisciplinary field teams.
Professional Experience:
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in equipment installation, mechanical assembly, maintenance, fabrication, pilot projects, or sanitation/WASH infrastructure.
• Experience in pilot projects, process plants, fabrication, machinery installation or WASH/sanitation infrastructure will be preferred.
• Strong practical knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, motors, sensors and control panels
.Required Skills
• Mechanical assembly, dismantling, repair and maintenance.
• Understanding of machine components, fabrication and equipment installation.
• Basic electrical wiring, motors, sensors, switches and control panels.
• Troubleshooting of mechanical and basic electrical faults.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, PFDs, P&IDs and technical manuals.
• Proficiency with mechanical hand and power tools.
• Basic understanding of instrumentation, sensors and automation systems.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently in a field environment.
• Good technical documentation and reporting skills.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality
Application :Application must be submitted via email to knagar@waterforpeople.org with cc to HR-india@waterforpeople.org with in 09th October 2026 mentioning “Technical Research Associate” in subject line
H) Contract Manager/Reporting:
Project Manager /Sr. Manager – MSG
Note: Consultant shall be required to use his/her own laptop, necessary software, and related equipment to perform the services under this Agreement. The Company shall not be responsible for providing any hardware or equipment for the same.