WASH field support and community engagement
ENGIM - ENTE NAZIONALE GIUSEPPINI DEL MURIALDO
Tena, Ecuador
Description
ENGIM has been active in Ecuador since 2005, promoting the integral development of vulnerable communities. The project operates in the WASH sector to ensure sustainable access to drinking water through participatory design and construction of community aqueducts. The volunteer will support the technical team mainly in fieldwork and manual tasks: - carrying out surveys, collecting topographic data, mapping and verifying water sources; - supporting the design and implementation of aqueducts in rural and indigenous areas; - engaging in manual activities such as pipe transport and installation, trench digging, material handling, and filtration setup; - assisting in community mingas, motivating participation and working alongside local people; - contributing to the creation and training of Water Committees for sustainable management; - helping with logistics such as material preparation, transport, storage, and tool management.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers will be accommodated in a shared apartment or guesthouse in a community near the project area. Basic utilities such as electricity, water, and internet access will be available, though service may be intermittent due to contingencies. A monthly allowance of €800 will be provided, covering daily expenses, food and local transport. A laptop will be provided, and reimbursement for mobile phone expenses is included. Flexible working hours and a combination of on-site and remote work may be available, depending on the autonomy of the volunteer and the schedule of activities.
Training during the activity
Pre-departure training on humanitarian principles, security, and program-specific knowledge Pre-departure training on political and cultural Ecuadorian context On-site training on WASH systems, community water management, technical tools, and intercultural approaches Access to training resources for continuous learning Regular briefings with ENGIM's technical and social staff
Participant profile
We are looking for a motivated person willing to live in Tena, a small city known as the gateway to the Amazon region. The living conditions are simpe, with access to essential services, markets, and leisure opportunities. While a modest lifestyle and respect for local customs are expected, the security situation is relatively stable and less challenging. The position requires a strong inclination for fieldwork in surrounding rural and indigenous communities, often in hot and humid climates, with activities carried out in outdoor and sometimes physically demanding conditions. Degree or technical training in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, Architecture, International Development or similar fields; Additional training in WASH, water resource management, or community participation is an asset. Basic technical knowledge in water systems and project management; Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills; Willingness to work in rural areas and within multidisciplinary teams; Proactivity, adaptability, and problem-solving attitude. Good knowledge of Spanish (minimum level B2); Basic knowledge of technical tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, QGIS, Excel). Proficiency in MS Office / Google Workspace; familiarity with KoboToolbox or similar data‑collection apps desirable Candidates must be 18 to 35 years old, reside in one of the eligible countries (EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey), have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training and not have participated before in individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. When adding together this new volunteering opportunity and any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months.
Activity dates
A total of 31 week(s) during the period 06/10/2025 to 06/05/2026
Activity location
Casa Bonuchelli, Av. Dos Ríos y Correa, Tena, Ecuador
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye
Activity topics
WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene)
Deadline for applications
No application deadline