Volunteer Manual Worker

1. ABOUT WATERSHED

Watershed is a small yet very dedicated organization, specialized in the improvement of WASH facilities in refugee camps. Since 2017, Watershed has been building and improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, as well as safe shelter for refugees arriving in Europe. We strive for quality facilities which provide a small amount of normality to people’s lives.

We know that access to clean water, decent sanitation and shelter are vital for everyone’s dignity, mental and physical health. However, in face of Europe’s biggest migration crisis of the 21st century, thousands fleeing conflict and oppression do not have access to these basic services.

Watershed is widely known for having greatly improved the WASH infrastructure in the Moria refugee camp, as well as in the Kara Tepe refugee camp on Lesvos. By virtue of our team’s synthesis, we also undertake various ad hoc construction projects depending on the refugee camps’ needs.

We are committed to making a difference, where the need is most pressing. When there is a blockage, we unblock it. When something is missing, we replace it. When something is broken, we fix it. When there is a leak, we stop it. If something is dirty, we clean it.

2. ABOUT THE ROLE

We are currently operating in the Pournara refugee camp, near Nicosia, Cyprus, working on the total refurbishment of the WASH facilities of the camp.

We are looking for an open-minded, flexible person with a hands-on mentality to join our on-site team, happy to work as a part of a small and dedicated group, being able to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES*:***

The role revolves strictly around manual work. The ideal candidate will form an integral part of the on-site team during the refurbishment process of the Pournara camp’s WASH facilities in Cyprus. The successful candidate will possess a hands-on, blue-collar mentality and approach to their work, having a good understanding of the type of work Watershed undertakes.

The volunteering role includes:

• helping the on-site team with manual work, especially cleaning of the WASH facilities as part of the refurbishment process
• painting of the WASH facilities
• ad hoc construction/plumbing tasks (guiding and training is provided)
• responding to the current needs of the organisation with any ad hoc duties, as needs arise

REQUIREMENTS:

• availability for at least 3 weeks
• minimum age 21
• awareness about issues faced by migrants and refugees in Europe
• good speaking and understanding level of English
• previous volunteering experience in the humanitarian context is desired but not necessary

The ideal candidate will share and be able to respect as well as relate to our principal values as an organization

• • Practical solutions – Authenticity – On-the-ground mentality – Teamwork – Solidarity – Hands-on spirit – Transparency

Benefits:

• opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the humanitarian field;
• being part of a small NGO that operates with a family-like mentality, focusing on and addressing its staff/volunteer’s personal and professional needs
• provision of professional references
• accommodation can, potentially, be provided, depending on the length of the stay and the timing of the arrival