What's the context and purpose of the role?

Natural resources are the single biggest contributor to the Indonesian economy, but over exploitation and poor management policies and practices have led to rapid depletion. Water is a crucial issue in the Jeneponto District of South Sulawese, since deforestation in this area began in the 1970s, the impact has been decreasing water resources. Poor people can only hope to get water from domestic-under ground water springs (by wells) for daily consumption but there is an extremely long wait for rain water to use for their lands. You'll work with Bappeda to enhance their internal human resources and ensure that they are in a position to successfully carry out medium and long-term planning for the District's natural resources. By strengthening the skills of Bappeda staff, you'll enable them to improve the welfare of poor families in rural areas. You'll focus on the environmental degradation within the watershed, effecting fresh water supplies and agriculture. The scarcity of water needs to be addressed by a sustainable development plan around Natural Resource Management issues. Your skills and experience in this area will be vital to securing and protecting the watershed, providing more water to better sustain agriculture production for poor farmers in Jeneponto.

What does the role involve?

• Providing technical assistance and support to Bappeda staff on Regional Planning, natural resource management and watershed management.
• Improving the collaborative development approaches at Bappeda.
• Supporting the gathering of information and data required for planning purposes.

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

Educated to Degree level or higher in Regional Planning or a related field, you'll have several years' practical planning experience. You'll be experienced in regional development issues, with a focus on natural resource/watershed management. You'll be comfortable working with a participatory approach and preferably have some experience in hydrology, water systems or other water-related field.

In addition you need to be physically fit and preferably willing to ride a motorbike. The ability to work well with others and be sensitive to cultural differences is essential. You'll flexibility and adaptability to work in an environment that may appear more bureaucratic than you are accustomed to.

And the rest…

Jeneponto also has some small warungs (food stalls), or Warung Kopi (tea, coffee and beverages). There are restaurants serving local food or you can find fresh vegetables, meat and fish in the markets. There are several beautiful beaches and waterfalls to visit during your spare time and public transportation is easily available for travel around and out of the District. You are encouraged to learn Bahasa Indonesia as English is not widely spoken. Initial training will be provided by VSO and you are advised to continue lessons during your placement to get the most out of your time in Indonesia.

We'll ask you to commit to 27 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.