(11 August 2006)VSO, the international development charity, is urgently looking to recruit experienced irrigation engineers for placements in Malawi. The engineers will be working on vital irrigation projects, alongside local farmers, in the south of the country to combat the devastating effects of drought and poverty.
With just one rain a year Malawi’s agricultural output is highly insecure and last year alone thousands of people in southern Malawi were badly affected by severe drought and hunger. Working alongside the District Irrigation Task Force, VSO irrigation engineers will have the opportunity to affect practical change on the ground, right where it is most needed. During their placement they will have the opportunity to share their skills with trainees and colleagues, identify new irrigation schemes as well as maintaining and improving existing ones. There may also be the opportunity to work alongside organisations that are campaigning for changes to land and water rights, something that will benefit local farmers.
Gemma Hoskins, placement co-ordinator at VSO, says:
“Irrigation engineers who volunteer with VSO will have the opportunity to help people in Malawi gain greater food security for future years. Living and working in the local community they will be able to see first hand how their skills really can change lives, as well as building a technical support and knowledge base that will be effective long after they leave.
The placements would suit professionals who are flexible and can adapt their professional experience to working within a new and often challenging environment. We would encourage people with a relevant qualification, primarily at degree level, and with at least five years experience to apply.”
Engineers wishing to volunteer with VSO should be prepared to give two years of their time. In return they will receivea modest living allowance, return flights,accommodation provided by the local employer, medical and travel insurance cover, national insurance and pension contributions, visas and work permits,grants before, during and after the placement and a guaranteed minimum of three weeks holiday per year.
For more information about these and other placements please contact VSO on 020 8780 7500, email enquiry@vso.org.uk or visit the volunteering pages.
