Pitchandikulam Forest – Project Management Mentor

Posted by Ian Cunningham to South Asia, 8th August 2010, 9:07am
Location: , India
Applications close 6th September 2010

Description

Pitchandikulam Forest Consultants (PFC) have managed long term holistic village development through a range of programs focus on appropriate technology and social enterprise across the state of Tami Nadu for the past 14 years. EWB joined in PFC’s vision two years ago, recruiting volunteers to work with PFC to build the capacity of local staff in a range of areas including GIS and waste water treatment.  The diversity and significance of our partnership has led to PFC’s innovations project becoming the focus of EWB challenge for 2011. 

PFC’s experience is founded on the dedication of the Community Development Project Management Team, with whom the successful candidate will be working to deliver a range of exciting and challenging projects. The volunteer will work alongside project managers while they complete technical aspects of their projects (such as delivery of a WASH program or construction of community centre) to facilitate knowledge transfer and build their capacity to deliver quality project outcomes. During the year for this placement it is expected that the volunteer will work with up to four project managers in this way, while also developing and delivering training across the organisation.

It is expected that the EWB placement will not necessarily be a technical specialist, but have a broad understanding of project management and development practices in areas such as WASH, habitat, energy, transport and other social infrastructures. While undertaking the role the volunteer will:

• Engage in two-way knowledge sharing with up to four key project managers working on a range of development related projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, WASH, health care, environment, education, eco-friendly building techniques and enterprise development.
• Work with local counterparts to construct new infrastructure and maintain existing assets, manage significant budgets and human resources, report on project progress and formulate new project proposals, plans and guidelines.
• Develop relationships with other local NGOs to find new opportunities for collaboration.
• Develop an effective communication strategy to improve internal and external communications.
• Coordinate opportunities for staff to engage in training and other professional development activities.

Working with Pitchandikulam staff based in Auroville, the volunteer will also act as the in-country manager and point of contact for the EWB Challenge 2011, for small component of their per week.  The Engineers Without Borders Challenge (EWB Challenge) is an Australasian design program for first-year university students. Students work in teams to develop conceptual designs for projects identified by EWBs community partners that contribute towards the sustainable development of disadvantaged communities.This design competition will ask students to come up with innovations for the rural habitat project in the Develikulam village. This role will include:  

 

• Providing feedback on student queries via video, audio or written form from questions posted in the EWB Challenge FAQ page.
• Engaging with the EWB Challenge Coordinator in Australia.
• Engaging with the local community and Devikulam staff where appropriate to identify additional resources.
• Adding additional material to the online learning resources.

 Timing

The role consists of three important phases beginning October 2010, including a 12 -month field secondment commencing in January 2011.

 

Phase 1: Pre-departure – October 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 to enhance your resources and support networks and create opportunities for sharing your experience with members

 

Phase 2: Field operations – January 2011 –January 2012

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

 

Phase 3: Post field alumni –January 2012 Onwards

• Assist with technical and functional mentoring of counterparts that you have worked with in Pitchandikulam. Minimum expected commitment of 1hr per week for up to 12 months
• Mentor future field volunteer preparing to work with the Partner Organisation, and ongoing assistance with the research program that is established
• Return to Australia to collaborate with the project team, knowledge hub 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

 Please note, post field alumni tasks are part-time/voluntary.

Criteria

Essential

• Tertiary or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject; such as engineering, development etc. or evidence of extensive Project delivery and management experience.
• Demonstrated post-tertiary experience in community development, Project management and people management or equivalent field(s).
• Experience providing on the job training, professional mentorship or developing educational/training programs or capacity building.
• Strong community consultations skills, experience managing multiple stakeholders in a cross cultural context
• Effective oral and written communication skills- such as those required to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders eg. Government, donors, NGOs, villagers etc. Reporting is also a significant component of this position.
• Ability to work independently/with limited supervision, to manage competing demands in tight time frames and to deal with a range of issues in a complex and diverse work environment
• Understanding of basic accounting and budget processes

Desirable

• Experience living and working in developing context, particularly India
• Ability to speak, read and write Tamil, or eagerness and proficiency in languages.
• Experience in a reporting; especially financial reporting, or complex metrics reporting to funding agencies

Personal Characteristics

• Good sense of humour
• Willingness to learn and participate

 

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.

 

Applications

Please complete the volunteer application. We cannot assess applications that do not address the selection criteria.

 

Applications close on 6th September 2010. Please complete and return applications to Ian Cunningham by email:

i.cunningham ‘at’ ewb.org.au

Or to the EWB National Office, PO Box 388, South Melbourne, VICTORIA 3205

Please DO NOT attach CVs, references or any other documentation. For more information contact Ian Cunningham at the National Office; at the email address above or on:

Ph:+61 3 9696 9040, Fax:+61 3 9696 9034

Confirmation of secondment is subject to:

• Successful interview and reference checks.
• 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 November 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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