Engineers Without Borders Australia Water & Sanitation Advisor
Rainwater Cambodia (RWC)’s mission is to support rural communities in Cambodia to find appropriate solutions to access drinking water and sanitation through the development of their capacity and by strengthening the private sector to meet demand. They have a specific focus on formalising the collection and use of rainwater to help Cambodian communities improve their existing, though limited, style of rainwater capture, style and contamination control.
Although employing a relatively small permanent staff of about 10 people, RWC has contributed to the construction of over 800 domestic rain water harvesting systems, directly benefiting 100,000 people, and further have assisted installation of 60 systems at institutions across 14 provinces of Cambodia.
In addition to their rainwater harvesting project work, RWC has recently expanded their work to include sanitary latrines, including demand stimulation and developing innovative WASH facilities. Current projects include:
Supporting Local Authorities for enhancing access to Sanitation and Hygiene in Prey Veng province (SLASH-PV): aimed at empowering the decentralized authorities through good governance and local entrepreneurs to be competent in managing their sanitation situation and to be able to encourage people to use latrines.
SLASH- Kampong Cham project: aimed at eliminating open defecation in the targeted areas, encouraging behaviour changes towards hand washing practices and safe clean water drinking habits, and improving access to sanitation products.
Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP Mekong) project: pilot solar powered drinking water supply project. Aims to demonstrate the appropriateness of renewable energy and clean water use, curbing greenhouse gases emissions. This project will continue to support the 5 year commune development plan through to 2015 through regular support, monitoring and supervision of the management of the piped water system established by RWC specifically regarding technical support.
Partnership with another EWB partner organisation, Live and Learn, to help develop the Ecosan toilet for floating and flood prone communities.
RWC has also partnered with a Netherland NGO, for technical support on sanitation hardware for one year from July 2012 till June 2013 for Batheay Meas in Kampot province. This project will upgrade the sanitation facilities in accordance with the living standard of rural Cambodian in Kampot province.
Project Background
RWC have seen great improvements in their technical and staff capacity development as a result of their previous EWB Field Volunteer. A new field volunteer position is required to continue this success.
The new EWB Field Volunteer will provide technical support to the EEP project, including finalising pipeline installation and testing, monitoring water quality, providing technical training to local entrepreneurs regarding piped water supply and recommending possible solutions to any technical problems, which may not have been foreseen.
The sanitation hardware development project in Kampot from July 2012 till June 2013, requires assistance from an EWB volunteer to assist in sanitation hardware design as upgradable toilet, toilet for disable people and easy shower. RWC with contribution from EWB volunteer will develop the construction manual for each prototype and support local WASH suppliers through technical training and marketing strategy supporting in mobilizing the improved sanitation products in the community.
In addition to these projects, RWC require technical development and professional project management support to their other programs. The EWB field volunteer would play a pivotal role in monitoring the effectiveness of existing system design for both water and sanitation infrastructure and in product development and improvement. Beyond the scope of technical expertise, the volunteer would be highly appreciated in providing recommendations and feedback on current project implementation and solutions to challenges. RWC also require more technical support on both rainwater harvesting infrastructure and sanitation and hygiene facilities for rural communities, following on from Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) triggering.
In 2012-13, RWC hopes to expand its area of focus to include climate change and renewable energy. An EWB volunteer with knowledge and expertise in these areas will be able to assist in designing projects in this area and providing advice and knowledge to staff on climate change issues.
RWC would greatly appreciate the volunteer to assist where possible in leadership and management skills, although this would not be the focus of the placement.
Role Required
The successful applicant will assist RWC with the following key objectives:
WASH product technical review and design. Review and provide advice on ways to improve existing rainwater harvesting and sanitation products. Assist in developing and testing new products where applicable.
Technical capacity building to RWC engineer and technical staff.
Assisting and strengthening RWC organisational management and program development.
Key activities for this placement will include:
Conducting a review of the existing technical systems and evaluate in regards to cost, quality and community needs - Developing new technical designs and testing - Assist in training RWC technicians in new construction techniques if designs are successful - Working closely with RWC engineer in technical aspects of projects; providing advice and support in engineering practices and techniques.
Assist management team in designing new projects and programs within RWC - Provide advice on organisational management techniques.
The volunteer will work directly with their counterparts: RWC’s Program Officer and Engineer, and report to RWC’s Executive Director, as well as to EWB Program Coordinator and Field Officer.
Timing
The role consists of three important phases beginning October 2012, including a 12 month field placement in country commencing on approximately 7th January 2013.
Phase 1: Pre-departure –October 2012
Pre-departure preparation (medical clearances, training, administrative)
Linking with the Australian based EWB project team if required for the project Linking with a local EWB chapter to enhance your resources and support networks and create opportunities for sharing your experience with members Identifying additional resources and support for the project Communicating with the Partner Organisation to discuss and clarify the project and role requirements
Phase 2: Field operations – January 2013
Departure to host country and partner organisations Working alongside your counterpart within the partner organisation to meet your position objectives and build organisational and technical capacity Linking with EWB Field Officers to develop appropriate ‘Learning & Change’ materials to share with EWB members and partner organisations
Phase 3: Post field alumni – 2014
Return to Australia to collaborate with the project team, knowledge hub (if relevant) and with an EWB chapter for a minimum period of 12 months - this is on a casual volunteer basis – e.g. one evening a fortnight Participate in various EWB events including the National Conference and intake presentation evenings Participate in the development and dissemination of ‘Learning & Change’ materials within the EWB community Mentor future field volunteers preparing to work with the partner organisation
To fulfil this role, the volunteer will receive an allowance for living and basic accommodation while overseas, airfares to your host country at the commencement and completion of the placement, travel and emergency evacuation insurance, technical and personal support from EWB staff and chapters.
Selection Criteria
We are looking for people who want to make a difference through a challenging cross-cultural experience, who are committed to having positive impact in overseas communities through all aspects of their placement, and who are willing to share their experiences with others to create change within the engineering sector in Australia. The applicant must be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen or resident, or have a formal and ongoing connection to Australia.
It is important that our volunteers understand that they will be working to build local capacity, rather than to manage and deliver a project themselves, and this should always be their key focus.
For this particular role, it is essential that the candidate has:
Civil or Environmental engineering degree
Knowledge, skills and experience related to water supply, sanitation and/or climate change and renewable energy, ideally in a developing country context
Technical expertise on WASH infrastructure and other structural designs
Knowledge and experience in project design and program development
Willingness and ability to transfer knowledge and skills to local staff
The ideal candidate would also have meeting the following desirable criteria:
Experience and knowledge in technical and management capacity development An open – minded personality, willing to be adaptable to Asian culture Good team player with strong critical thinking skills Understanding Cambodia’s WASH situation and relevant policies and legislation Willingness to cooperate with relevant stakeholders and project partners Good computer skills including relevant engineering software programs Autocad and Epanet
Our field volunteers are expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes:
Humility Cross-cultural communication skills Empathy and caring for others Enthusiasm and passion Creativity Willingness to learn Adaptability and ability to deal with ambiguity Good understanding of capacity development and current development issues Leadership skills and experience in a leadership role Ruggedness and ability to live in harsh conditions
Additional Information
Confirmation of secondment is subject to:
Formal approval from EWB and the partner organisation.
Procurement of visa and work permits.
Satisfactory completion of a first aid certificate.
Satisfactory participation in a pre-departure briefing run by EWB in December 2012.
A satisfactory medical examination of the applicant.
A satisfactory criminal record check of the applicant and accompanying adults by the Australian Police.
EWB adheres to statutory laws in Australia and foreign countries regarding child exploitation, child pornography and the abuse of children. We are committed to the protection of children from all forms of harm.
Please complete the volunteer application form (download fromhttp://www.ewb.org.au/resources/download/2748P2012-08-14_17:36:47) and include a detailed statement addressing how you meet the essential and desirable selection criteria. We cannot assess applications that do not address the selection criteria.
Please complete and return applications to k.axworthy@ewb.org.au .
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