Civil Engineer Recruitment

Rainwater for Humanity is seeking a team player with at least a B. Tech / B.E. Degree in Civil Engineering to  join us.

Rainwater for Humanity is a start-up community project in the Kuttanad region initiated by Mahatma Gandhi University School of Environmental Sciences in India and Brown University students and graduates in US. Rainwater for Humanity uses rainwater harvesting as an entry point to improve community health and empower women in the Kuttanad region of Kerala, India. Our vision is a low-cost rainwater harvesting system that will be affordable and functional in a low-lying wetland region like Kuttanad. We have started in the Achinakom Village. By designing a low cost rainwater harvesting system with financing options and involving women throughout, we will extend our operations to other villages in the future. Our local partners include Vechoor Panchayath and a 8,000-member-strong women’s self help group, Kottayam Jilla Mahila Thazhapaya Vikasana Federal Samithi (KJMTVFS). The project leaders include academia and experts from Mahatma Gandhi University, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), KJMTVFS and Brown University.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design different prototypes of low cost rainwater harvesting system functional in a low-lying wetland region like Kuttanad, with the assistance from Brown University R&D team and engineering experts
• Render CAD drawings of the prototypes
• Conduct focus group meetings with local masons in Kuttanad
• Source materials by visiting factories or manufacturers
• Visit and identify appropriate locations for building prototypes
• Participate in the construction of the prototypes
• Assess and monitor the structural stability and durability of prototypes
• Proactively reach out to experts in the engineering field for feedback and guidance
• Communicate frequently, on average once per week with the Brown University R&D team via internet video conference call
• Report regularly, once per month, to the leadership team on the result, evaluation and ongoing progress of prototyping. This prototyping updates should be compiled with the Program Coordinator’s monthly report

REQUIREMENTS

• Persistence and passion in serving marginal communities
• Determined in achieving RW4H’s vision of providing clean drinking water through appropriate low cost design
• Entrepreneurial, ambitious, adaptive, systematic and results-oriented thinking
• Bachelor degree or higher in civil engineering. Masters or post-graduate degree preferred
• Proficiency in Malayalam and English
• A 2 months probation period
• Strong system diagram rendering skills, using software such as CAD
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills in accessing materials strength, water pressure and optimization of material usage
• Strong computer skills such as ability to conduct research online, use & communicate via emails, blogs and skype
• Comfort in motivating and working with villagers
• Knowledge in appropriate technology or water treatment a plus
• Experience in bottom-up projects in areas such as appropriate technologies implementation, women empowerment, community health, water and sanitation a plus

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary. Rs 15,000 per month, plus bonus. Salary negotiable depending on candidate’s experience
• Opportunity to build an innovative startup with the counsel and support of numerous leaders, academic experts and activists from India and the US
• Satisfaction from working in a team dedicated to provide a sustainable source of water and living to the Kuttanad communities and beyond

START DATE & LOCATION

The Engineer will begin work in December 2009. The location of work is in Kottayam, Kerala State of India. The project has a timeline of 1 to 2 year(s) at present.

HOW TO APPLY?

1. Send your resume/CV and a cover letter to info@rainwaterforhumanity.org at least 1 day before December 16
2. Attend the walk-in interview. Please bring the original and a copy of your degree certificate(s), academic transcript(s) and relevant award(s)

Date: December 16, 2009 (Wednesday)

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Venue: School of Environmental Sciences, MG University

For enquiries, contact –9446058120 / 9447914132 / 9605442580