Technical Specialist
The Aga Khan Foundation (India) is hiring a full-time Technical Specialist in Patna for its decentralized Solid Waste Management project. Ending in January 2029, this Swachh Bharat-aligned initiative focuses on source segregation, circular economies, and improving sanitation workers' livelihoods. Qualified postgraduates with five years of experience must apply by August 23, 2026.
8/12/20263 min read
Aga Khan Foundation India Launches Decentralised Solid Waste Management Initiative in Patna: Driving Sustainability and Livelihood Enhancement
Patna, Bihar: In a significant move towards urban environmental sustainability and inclusive development, the Aga Khan Foundation (India) [AKF] has announced a major decentralized Solid Waste Management (SWM) initiative in selected Ganga wards across Patna. The project, titled "Localising Waste Solutions and Livelihood Enhancement," is designed to transform the urban sanitation landscape of Patna while improving the socio-economic conditions of frontline sanitation workers.
To lead this environmental transformation, AKF India is actively seeking a Technical Specialist – SWM & Environmental Sustainability. This high-impact role offers a unique opportunity for development professionals to drive climate-resilient strategies, circular economy models, and policy compliance at the grassroots level.
Transforming Patna’s Waste Management Landscape
The primary goal of this initiative is to strengthen sustainable Solid Waste Management (SWM) systems in key Ganga wards under the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Danapur Nagar Parishad. By aligning with the government's flagship Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U 2.0) framework and the Namami Gange national mission, the project seeks to achieve:
100% Source Segregation: Encouraging households, community groups, and bulk waste generators to adopt systematic waste segregation.
Decentralised Processing: Scaling up organic and recyclable waste processing via Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), bio-composters, and community composting units.
River Protection: Preventing solid waste discharge into the River Ganga and local drains to ensure healthier river ecosystems.
Garbage Free City (GFC) Certification: Supporting the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in securing top-tier national rankings in the Swachh Survekshan and Ganga Town Assessment frameworks.
Social Inclusion: Empowering Sanitation Workers and Waste Pickers
Beyond environmental metrics, the project places a powerful emphasis on livelihood enhancement and social justice. The initiative seeks to integrate informal waste pickers and municipal sanitation workers into the formal municipal waste management value chain.
By focusing on safer working conditions, robust capacity building, and improved income opportunities, AKF aims to ensure that marginalized community groups become central pillars of the local circular economy. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will also be heavily engaged in community outreach, awareness campaigns, and behavior change communications (BCC).
Career Opportunity: Technical Specialist – SWM & Environmental Sustainability
The Technical Specialist will provide comprehensive environmental oversight, ensure regulatory compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules, and coordinate closely with regulatory bodies like the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
Key Responsibilities Include:
Providing technical oversight for the safe operation of MRFs, transfer stations, and composting units.
Integrating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms by engaging Producer Importers, Brand Owners, and authorized recyclers.
Monitoring and documenting reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and landfill-bound mixed waste.
Conducting environmental assessments (waste characterisation, leachate monitoring, and GIS profiling).
Building capacity for ULB staff, SHGs, and sanitation workers on sustainable SWM practices.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Education: Post Graduate degree in Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Development Studies, or a related discipline.
Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in community mobilization, field coordination, or implementing development projects (preferably in urban sanitation, SWM, or WASH).
Skills: Strong understanding of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), data collection, policy frameworks, and government programs like SBM-U. Willingness to undertake extensive field travel (70-80%) within assigned project areas is mandatory.
Project Tenure and Application Process
Position Location: Patna, Bihar
Position Tenure: Full-time employment contract up to January 2029, renewable based on funding and program needs.
Application Deadline: 23rd August 2026
Interested and eligible candidates who share a passion for working with India's most vulnerable communities can apply directly through the official application form link: Apply Here via Google Forms.
About Aga Khan Foundation (India)
Established in India in 1978, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a leading global development organization tackling the root causes of poverty. Working across seven thematic areas—including agriculture, climate resilience, health, education, and WASH—AKF currently implements programs across rural and urban areas in Bihar, Delhi, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, benefiting over 3.9 million people. AKF is certified as a Great Place to Work®, reflecting its commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and an inclusive work environment.
Explore more jobs