Plumbing & Water/Sanitation Technician

Background

The HELPR-1 Project in Vanuatu aims to support the government’s efforts in improving water and sanitation infrastructure in remote island communities. The project involves visiting these islands, collaborating with the relevant government departments, partners, and a Data Officer to conduct an audit of existing, proposed, and aspirational water and sanitation projects. The project activities will take place from the 28th March until December 31st. The initial findings and a central government-led consultation will be discussed in a workshop scheduled for July 13 in Port Vila. Additionally, the HELPR-1 vessel will carry out other project activities, including vaccinations.

Reporting Line

Reports to the HELPR-1 Director of Operations.

Liaison

Liaises with the project management team in Noosa, Australia, and the GoV Water/Sanitation Liaison in Port Vila.

How to apply

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to info@respondglobal.com.

Objectives

1. Perform water and sanitation system troubleshooting, repair, and installation services in remote villages.
2. Complete service/repair/installation reports following all works, applying root cause analysis techniques.
3. Manage equipment and consumables used at each site daily.
4. Utilize supplied tools and safety equipment.
5. Provide support on the HELPR-1 Vessel as requested.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the water and sanitation audit activities, including planning and scheduling site visits, data collection, and analysis. Collaborating with provincial water departments and regularly consulting with water committees in each village, HELPR-1 conducts site visits to collect data and report to the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) regarding the active support and strengthening of water committees in each village. Follow up with provincial water department officers to identify which villages have reported issues with their water systems. The team will also check the water sources to ensure that the villages have access to clean drinking water and will provide updates to the DoWR on the status of these water sources.
2. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of water and sanitation audit findings, progress, and challenges faced during the project.
3. Collaborate with the Data Officer to ensure proper documentation and organization of water and sanitation-related project data and records.
4. Prepare and contribute to daily situation reports, providing updates on water and sanitation project activities, challenges, and achievements.
5. Assist in the preparation of periodic and end-of-project reports, compiling relevant water and sanitation data, analysis, and recommendations.
6. Maintain regular communication and coordination with the project management team in Noosa, Australia, and the GoV Water/Sanitation Liaison in Port Vila, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
7. Foster effective relationships with stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works, Partners, and local communities, to ensure cooperation and support throughout the water and sanitation-related aspects of the project.
8. Provide logistical support for water and sanitation-related project workshops, meetings, and events.
9. Ensure logistical records for the Plumbing Team are up to date.
10. Daily mission planning for the Plumbing Team.
11. Perform varying corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance for water supply systems (including pumps, pipes, and tanks) and sanitation systems (including toilets, septic systems, and drainage).
12. Identify and resolve issues with water and sanitation systems, including diagnosing problems, conducting repairs, and ensuring optimal functionality.
13. Perform new installations of piping, water tanks, pumps, toilets and related sanitaryware.
14. Complete detailed service/repair/installation reports following all works, including root cause analysis.
15. Record all equipment and consumables used at each site daily.
16. Utilize supplied tools and safety equipment.
17. Provide support on the HELPR-1 Vessel as requested by the Director of HELPR-1
18. Work remotely from a maritime vessel to the provinces (rotations according to ship schedule).

Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate for this role should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Certified Plumber with relevant trade qualifications.
• Strong coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster positive relationships with stakeholders and the project management team.
• Extensive knowledge of water supply and sanitation technologies, and the ability to oversee and perform repairs, installations, and maintenance activities.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in remote and challenging environments, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Vanuatu’s water and sanitation landscape and experience working with local communities is desirable.
• Specific skills in water and sanitation system troubleshooting, repair, and installation, including experience with various plumbing systems, pumps, tanks, and sanitaryware.

Desired:

Experience installing solar pumps.

Salary

148,000VUV + 4% VNPF per month.

Start date

April 14th 2025.

You will be provided with food and comfortable lodgings onboard HELPR-1. All persons on board HELPR-1 must abide by the Respond Global’s Code of Conduct, including a zero-tolerance ban on alcohol, kava and drugs.

How to apply

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to info@respondglobal.com.