Volunteer Water & Sanitation Technician

blueEnergy is an international nonprofit organization that works to break the cycle of poverty to create a world of sustainable living and opportunity for all. The organization does this by creating opportunities for sustainable development in severely marginalized communities and by developing leaders working internationally for a more equitable, sustainable world. blueEnergy creates impact in Nicaragua, both locally and nationally, as well as internationally. At the local level, blueEnergy delivers renewable energy, clean water, and other key services to marginalized communities on Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast utilizing a holistic approach to community development and capacity building. At the national level, blueEnergy is facilitating and strengthening a network of renewable energy service providers to expand access to sustainable energy across Nicaragua. At the international level, blueEnergy is playing a lead role in the creation of a network of organizations working with locally produced, small wind turbines for rural electrification.

blueEnergy’s project headquarters are located in Bluefields, Nicaragua. There, the organization recruits a diverse, multi-cultural team of international volunteers and local and international staff. This unique organizational structure amplifies blueEnergy’s impact and provides the volunteers themselves with a transformative experience to help them reach their global leadership potential. The blueEnergy Group is made up of blueEnergy International, blueEnergy US, blueEnergy France, and blueEnergy Nicaragua. More information is available on our website at www.blueEnergyGroup.org.

Description of Position: blueEnergy is looking for talented, committed individuals to join our diverse, dynamic organization, and can offer many opportunities for meaningful personal and professional growth.
Currently blueEnergy is seeking a mature, culturally sensitive, pro-active individual with strong motivation to work in the water and sanitation program team in Bluefields, Nicaragua. As blueEnergy Nicaragua’s Water & Sanitation Technician Volunteer, you will work within the water and sanitation team under the Water & Sanitation program coordinator.

The Water & Sanitation Technician Volunteer will contribute to the research and development of water and sanitation related technologies, document water and sanitation related research and activities, support the execution of water and sanitation related project activities and help train local technicians, as well as collaborate in the development of new project profiles and their corresponding budgets.

Candidates must have exceptional teamwork and emotional intelligence, and be able to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities:

•  Assist in the construction and implementation of appropriate water and sanitation technologies in the RAAS
•  Execute community health promotion trainings in water sanitation and hygiene
•  Contribute to the research and development of new appropriate technologies for the water and sanitation program of blueEnergy
•  Document the work of the water and sanitation team in blueEnergy with reports and multimedia using blueEnergy formats
•  Work with the water and sanitation program coordinator to improve the technologies already in use as well as their implementation process
•  Work with local staff and partners to train them in water technologies and techniques
•  Communicate with water partners to share experience and learn about alternative technologies and techniques

Qualifications:

•  Social sensitivity and teaching skills
•  Basic knowledge of water and sanitation issues
•  Comfort with hand tools
•  Self-starter, flexible, resilient and a sense of humor
•  Intermediate Spanish language (written and spoken) required; fluent Spanish preferred
•  Fluent in English
•  Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective working relationships in multi-cultural environment
•  Pro-active and able to work independently to complete project tasks
•  Attention to detail and ability to follow through on task assignments
•  Experience working with water and/or sanitation projects is a plus
•  Chemical or environmental sciences background, preferably water & sanitation engineer
•  An applicant with an engineering degree or a technician with a minimum of 2 years experience in water projects is strongly preferred
•  12 month commitment (or more)

Starting date:
As soon as possible. If the applicant has a VSI contract, the starting date will be end of April 2013.

Compensation and Fees:
Volunteer or “Volontaire de Solidarité Internationale” (VSI) contract, depending on experience.

Interested in Applying?
Download a copy of our volunteer application HERE (do not take into account question #15, which is adressed to short term volunteers) and submit with your resume and a cover letter to volunteer@blueenergygroup.org

Any question? emilie.etienne@blueenergygroup.org