What's the context and purpose of the role?

You'll work to develop strategies and oversee projects that deliver appropriate irrigation systems in the Thyolo district. You'll work with your local colleagues and a to implement new and maintain existing irrigation schemes. You'll ensure that there is adequate technical training within the Tyolo District to support the development, trial and implementation of new hydraulic ram pumps. You'll be supervising the trials of the test pumps, ensuring that they work properly and meet the needs of the site, adjusting any elements of the design in conjunction with Bunda Farmer School. The school aims to provide farmers with tools that enable them to analyse their own production practices and identify possible solutions to problems they encounter. It's important to note that the schemes you'll be working on will be small-scale.

What does the role involve?

• Providing technical engineering input into the ridge irrigation project.
• Supervising trials of new ram pumps.
• Working with farmers to ensure proper maintenance of the pumps.
• Training farmers in the use of pumps to undertake efficient irrigation of the ridges.

What skills, experience and personal qualities are needed for the role?

You are an Irrigation Engineer (or similar) with a qualification in civil, water or agricultural engineering. You'll need 5 years field experience, preferably in small scale irrigation. Desired skills would include; gravity fed systems, river and stream diversion, small earth dams and other rainwater harvesting techniques. Experience of providing technical training is advantageous as is knowledge of farmer and community mobilisation and participatory extension approaches.

You'll need to be flexible, adaptable and comfortable with managing projects with little professional support. In addition a willingness to listen to others' point of view and a good sense of humour will serve you well in your placement.

And the rest

You'll be based in Thyolo boma, a hilly district with a cool climate year-round, due to its fairly high altitude. Thyolo Mountain offers views of rolling tea gardens and the Mulanje Mountain in the distance. There are wonderful walks to be taken - either through the tea gardens or up into the remaining rain forest of Thyolo - a haven for birdwatchers.

We'll ask you to commit to 12 - 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we'll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local salary, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.

Candidates should apply online at http://www.vso.org.uk/volunteer/ or call 020 8780 7500 for more information.