RDIC - Water Filter Research Leader

Posted by Kim Axworthy to Resource Development International, 5th March 2010, 1:58pm
Location: , Cambodia Link to google map
Applications close 5th April 2010

Download the application form here (Word doc 131kB)

Description

RDI Cambodia (RDIC) is a team driven by compassion to help reduce poverty, by developing and implementing unique resources and appropriate technologies to empower communities towards sustainable change.

RDIC is eager to improve the design, production method and effectiveness of one of its main products: ceramic water filters.  They have requested EWB’s assistance in the development of a research project into ceramic water filter design.  They hope the project will lead to improvements in not only their own products, but also lead to a better understanding of the production and use of these filters as a proven method for domestic water purification worldwide.

This role will be supported by academics at RDI’s partnered organisations, a Dutch consortium of three major laboratories: the Delft Technical University, Aqua for All foundation, and PRACTICA foundation.   Support from the EWB Water Filtration Manufacturing Support Project Team, and the EWB Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Hub will also be available.  Further, the existing EWB field volunteer will provide an orientation and knowledge-transfer in the 4-6 week overlap of their placement, before their return.

This role would be suited to both experienced engineers and engineering graduates with an aptitude for research and identifying process changes.

Key Activities

• Implement research plan: establish research facilities, research production methods
• Conduct field research on the impact of changing material and manufacturing parameters on the effectiveness of ceramic water filters
• Communicate with Dutch research group: regular calls and electronic communication, reporting and video presentations
• Implementation of outcomes: demonstrate where changes will improve quality, efficiency, cost, output etc. of the production facilities
• Dissemination of outcomes: extensive research report written, Ceramic Water Filter Factory Handbook Revised, dissemination platform (website) commissioned
• Monitoring external research and knowledge to inform above activities

Timing

The role consists of three important phases beginning June 2010, including a 12-month field secondment commencing in August 2010.

Phase 1: Pre-departure – June 2010

• Pre-departure preparation (medical, training, administrative)
• Linking with EWB project team (Australia-based) if required for the project
• Linking with a local EWB chapter (enhancing your resources and sharing experience with members)

Phase 2: Field operations – 2010 (start date August 2010)

• Departure to host country and partner organization
• Orientation and handover with support from existing RDI-based EWB field volunteer, and EWB Field Officer; introductions to RDI staff
• Coordinate research into ceramic water filters, leading to reports on findings, and commence dissemination of the results to RDI and other interested producers

Phase 3: Post field alumni – 2011

• Return to Australia to collaborate with South East Asia management team and with and EWB chapter for a minimum period of 12 months
• 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 South East Asian partner organisations

Applications

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

Applications close on Monday 5th April 2010.

Please complete and return applications to Kim Axworthy, South East Asia Program Coordinator by email: k.axworthy@ewb.org.au

Or to EWB’s Perth office:
Engineers Without Borders Australia
c/o Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway, M015
Crawley, Western Australia, 6009

Please DO NOT attach CVs, references or any other documentation.

For more information contact Kim Axworthy;
Email: k.axworthy@ewb.org.au
Ph: +61 8 6488 8039

Criteria

Essential

• Experience in carrying out research, and in preparation of accompanying documentation
• Desire to work closely with local staff
• Technical and research engineering knowledge and experience (university experience counts)
• Affinity with hands-on testing and research, and able to work in difficult conditions (climatic, cultural, etc).
• A positive, enthusiastic, can-do attitude
• Good problem solving techniques and initiative
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Self motivated and well organised, able to work independently with remote supervision

Desirable

• Knowledge of ceramics and ceramics production processes
• Knowledge of water, sanitation, and health in the developing world and approaches to their improvement
• Experience in determining and describing process changes
• Experience with tinkering with machines (mechanical and electrical)
• Experience with internet based information sharing, website design and content management
• Graphical presentation skills, for example with graphical/engineering design/CAD software
• Khmer language knowledge desirable but not essential

Personal Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to teamwork and capacity building techniques
• Ability to cope with cultural and professional isolation and possibly basic living conditions
• Patience, tolerance and flexibility
• Excellent health; physically and mentally capable of working in a new cultural setting in a potentially stressful environment

Allowances

• Volunteers will receive an allowance for living and basic accommodation.
• Volunteers 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 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 July 2010
• A satisfactory medical examination for the applicant.
• A satisfactory criminal record check by the Australian Police for the applicant and all accompanying adults.

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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