CWS – Stove Design Engineer (reducing indoor air pollution)

Posted by Todd Houstein to CWS (Child Welfare Scheme)/ NAMUNA, 5th March 2010, 10:21am
Location: , Nepal Link to google map
Applications close 5th April 2010

Download the application form here (Word doc 131kB)

Partner Description

Child Welfare Scheme (CWS) are an international development charity, dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people in Nepal.  CWS  work closely with local Nepalese organisations, on projects which are child-focused, child-friendly, and aim to empower children and communities to create a brighter future for themselves.

CWS works to:

• Provide resources to local Nepalese partners
• Develop and support sustainable projects
• Transfer best practice through capacity building
• Advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable children and young people 
• Promote education and awareness of children's rights

Project Background

Indoor air pollution is a huge problem in Nepal where most people burn biomass to cook their food. In the southern half of Nepal, population increases and a lack of central governance, has led to a  decimation of what little wood there was, and so people now burn dung that was previously used as a fertilizer. Community research has revealed that community members in particular women, currently see this problem as the biggest they faced. The request to explore these needs using known clean cooking technologies came not only directly from these groups, but also in the call for nationwide activities to improve indoor air pollution, from the government of Nepal.

Technology

In response to both community concerns and nationwise calls from the Nepali government to address indoor air pollution, CWS is exploring alternative cleaner cooking options working with local partner Namuna. This will include trials of designs of cooking stoves, using local fuels, and cooking commonly eaten food. Contemporary rocket stoves can work efficiently to burn available dung, using less fuel and cutting noxious emissions, whilst venting them away from the indoor environment. Work will be needed to explore the functional design of rocket stove, with design considerations such as the dung/fuel shape, local foods cooked etc.

Local Partners

CWS works with 13 local partner organisations. One such organisation is Namuna, an NGO who implement projects for CWS, and with whom the EWB placement engineer will be working with on a day to day basis to improve current stove design. Namuna are experienced in working with community groups to promote change in behaviour , introduction of new technologies and practices, and are very motivated to be involved in this work.

Anticipated Deliverables

The volunteer will work with Namuna staff, the community and local manufacturers to:

• Undertake pre-departure communications with Nepal project team, with EWB establish Australian based project support if appropriate 
• Research local customs around eating habits and living styles
• Research local/existing stove designs
• Research appropriate designs of dung burning rocket stoves
• Develop locally appropriate design/s
• Test (performance, air quality, useability etc) and modify stove designs as required
• Conduct a limited trial of stoves in local community to assess performance and acceptability
• Table a report on the final design and testing
• Liaise with local fabricators to manufacture the proposed design
• Evaluate the success and sustainability of the project and provide succession plan if appropriate

Once a final stove design has been  agreed upon, Namuna will create a proposal to attract support for the wide dissemination of the stove technology, this process will be monitored and funded by CWS.

Timing

The role consists of three important phases beginning June 2010, including an 8-month field secondment in Nepal commencing in August 2010.

Phase 1: Pre-departure –  June 2010

• 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.

Phase 2: Field operations – August 2010

• Departure to host country and partner organisations
• Undertaking specific role within partner organisation
• Linking with EWB Field Officers to develop appropriate ‘Learning & Change’ materials to share with EWB members and partner organisations

Phase 3: Post field alumni – 2011

• 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
• 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

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 the South Asia Program Coordinator by email to Ian Cunningham (see address below), with 'CWS' as the subject title. Or post to the EWB National Office, PO Box 79, Elsternwick VIC 3185.

Please DO NOT attach CVs, references or any other documentation. For more information contact Ian Cunningham at the National Office:
Email: i.cunningham   *at*    ewb.org.au
Ph:+61 3 9696 9040
Fax:+61 3 9696 9034

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or practical experience
• Positive attitude
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Cultural sensitivity
• Project Management experience

Desirable

• Good communication skills
• Experience working in a team environment
• Fabrication/building experience
• Community development experience

Personal Attributes

• Mild temperament
• A sense of humour!

Additional Secondment Information

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 2009)
• 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. 

Additional Partner Information

www.cwsuk.org
www.ewb.org.au/explore/initiatives/cwspartnership

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