RIDS-Nepal - IT Specialist/Programmer

Posted by Todd Houstein to RIDS-Nepal, 5th March 2010, 10:30am
Location: Anywhere
Applications close 19th April 2010

Partner Description

Rural Integrated Development Services – Nepal (RIDS-Nepal), works in partnership with individuals and communities to improve their living conditions and livelihoods through long-term holistic community development projects. RIDS-Nepal work spans nine villages in the three Village Development Committees in remote north western Nepal.

All their work is planned designed, implemented and monitored jointly with communities in their villages, their language and their context. Special focus is given on the poor, marginalised and disadvantaged people and community groups in remote, difficult to reach mountain communities.

RIDS-Nepal core work, the “Family of 4” holistic community development concept, involves the installation of pit-latrines, smokeless stoves, solar home systems and improved village drinking water system to improve the health of communities. Once these projects are implemented elements of the “Family of 4 PLUS”, consisting of solar passive green houses, non-formal education programs, solar food driers, indoor slow sand water filters, nutrition program for malnourished children and heated bathing centres, are added to compliment these basics.

Project Background

RIDS-Nepal require remote IT assistance (eg. Australia-based) to conceptualise, develop and build, in close partnership with the RIDS-Nepal IT personnel and leadership, NEW, Internet based software tools for a new “Education Site”, as part of the existing RIDS-Nepal web site. The “Educational Site” has to provide “tools” such as Java script and Flash Applets to provide new types of teaching tools about the approach, implementation and possible life changing impact and synergistic benefits of the HCD (Holistic Community Development) projects RIDS-Nepal is implementing in Humla.

The project tasks include the following:

• There is quite a lot of freedom is this project, and the volunteer will be expected to help define the terms of reference/scope with RIDS-Nepal staff
• Developing some simple, Internet based examples with applets and the needed relevant software packets
• Development of educational tools e.g. for the topics: Indoor lighting (Solar PV); hygiene (Solar Thermal); Cooking and heating Stove; nutrition, greenhouse etc.
• Ongoing expansion of project based on achievements

Timing

This project will be based in Australia and with periodical Skype etc communication with the IT personnel in Nepal and meetings with the Project Director in Melbourne.

This position may be undertaken part time is ideal for someone who is not able to leave his/her job in Australia for 5 and more months but still wants to be able to participate his//her skills and expertise for the overall improvement of RIDS-Nepal’s aim to enable wider public access to the teaching and learning of HCD concepts and outcome.

The role is expected to commence April 2010, through there is some flexibility. A time commitment of approximately 10 hours per week over 5 months is required.

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 degree (Software Engineering, Computer Science etc)
• Creative thinking in programming design
• Demonstrated experience in PHP, Flash, Java script etc
• Understanding, experience or willingness to learn about social change through education

Desirable

• 2 years + work experience in project related fields
• Experience designing educational programs or similar for the community

Additional Secondment Information

This assignment will be undertaken remotely and therefore no living or accomodation allowance is provided. There may be the option for volunteers to work from the EWB National Office or home if they prefer.

Additional Partner Information

www.rids-nepal.org
www.ewb.org.au/explore/initiatives/ridspartnership

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