Habitat for Humanity Vietnam building site
Photo by HFHV

RMIT - EWB Development Scholarship

Posted by Kim Axworthy to RMIT - EWB Development Scholarship project, 1st June 2010, 2:55pm
Location: , Vietnam Link to google map
Applications close 30th July 2010

Are you an RMIT Engineering student passionate about using your skills to help improve the lives of those less fortunate? Are you interested in living and working overseas this summer? Apply now!

1.       Description

The EWB Development Scholarship provides an opportunity to complete a three month internship with Habitat for Humanity Vietnam.

This opportunity is exclusively for current RMIT students.

You will have the opportunity to use your skills to make a difference to disadvantaged Vietnamese communities, while gaining valuable work and life experiences.

This year's projects will be developed in more detail depending on the successful applicants' skills and fields of study. Previous Scholarship recipients worked on projects including:
- Designing and developing housing upgrades, water and sanitation and housing relocation pilot projects;
- Researching and data collection for baseline studies;
- Developing computer designs of Habitat's existing designs and plans;
- Documenting appropriate construction methods and housing Standards;
- Researching alternative building technologies to form a feasibility report; and
- Evaluating existing and alternative cost estimating methods and processes.

This year, Scholarship recipients will work on projects identified by Habitat for Humanity Vietnam, and will include field visits and working from field offices. The internship is suitable to be recognised as Vacation Work credit, subject to the Scholarship recipients obtaining necessary university approvals.

The scholarship includes flights, accommodation, insurances, in-country support and a modest living allowance for four RMIT engineering students.

Each student will work on a project defined by Habitat for Humanity Vietnam (HFHV), to be developed in more detail following selection of the successful candidates. The priority areas of focus identified by HFHV are:

- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Computing / Information Technology (database and software development, network management).

Two students will work from the HFHV’s Hanoi office and two from their field office in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang.

 2.       Applications

Please complete the volunteer application form including addressing how you meet the selection criteria. We cannot assess applications that do not address the selection criteria.

Applications close on 30th July 2010.

Please complete and return applications to Kim Axworthy, South East Asia Program Coordinator by email:

k.axworthy@ewb.org.au

Please also attach a soft copy of your academic transcript.
DO NOT attach CVs, references or any other documentation.

For more information contact Kim Axworthy;
Email: k.axworthy@ewb.org.au
Ph:+618 6488 8039

CLICK HERE to download the application form.

3.       Timing

As a Development Scholarship recipient, you will be recognised as an EWB Overseas Field Volunteer. This role consists of three (3) important phases beginning following the selection process (including a 3 month field secondment from December 2010).

Phase 1 – September 2010 (Pre-departure)
- Pre-departure preparation (medical, training, administrative)
- Linking with EWB RMIT Chapter (Australia-based - enhancing your resources and sharing experience with members)

Phase 2 – December 2010 (Field operations)
- Departure to Habitat for Humanity Vietnam
- Linking with EWB Field Officers to develop appropriate ‘Learning & Change’ materials to share with EWB members and partner organizations
- Undertaking specific internship role and responsibilities within Habitat for Humanity Vietnam

Phase 3 – March 2011 (Post field alumni)
- Return to Australia to collaborate with project team (if one exists) and with EWB chapter (minimum 12 months voluntary service)
- Participate in various EWB events including the National Conference
- Participate in the development and dissemination of ‘Learning & Change’ materials within the EWB community
- Mentor future field volunteer preparing to work with the partner organisation
- Plan and participate in advertising, promotion and recruitment for future years of the program.

 4.       Criteria

• Must be a current student at RMIT, studying Engineering or a related field
•  Demonstrated ability to communicate and build relationships with a wide range of people, including those from a variety of professional and socio-economic backgrounds
•  Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, (AutoCAD a bonus)
•  Capable of drawing and/or understanding basic architectural plans
•  Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, networking and communication skills
•  Strong analytical and report writing skills
•  Lateral thinking and problem solving skills
•  Ability to cope with cultural isolation and possibly basic living conditions
• Preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment
• Demonstrated understanding of community development principles and approaches
•  An Australian passport with validity until after September 2011

Allowances
- Scholarship recipients will receive an allowance for living and basic accommodation,
- Scholarship recipients will be provided with airfares at the commencement and completion of the placement, plus basic travel insurance and emergency evacuation insurance;

Confirmation of secondment is subject to:
- Formal approval from EWB, RMIT and Habitat for Humanity Vietnam;
- Procurement of visa and permits;
- Satisfactory completion of a first aid certificate;
- Satisfactory participation in a pre-departure briefing run by EWB (in December 2010)
- A satisfactory medical examination for the applicant;
- A satisfactory criminal record check by the Australian Police for the applicant.

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 all children from all forms of harm.

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