The EU Aid Volunteers is an initiative of the European Union. It brings together volunteers and organisations from different countries, providing practical support to humanitarian aid projects and contributing to strengthening the local capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities. Participants in the EU Aid Volunteers initiative must be over 18 years of age and be a citizen of an EU Member State or a long-term resident in the EU.
Description
The project EU Aid Volunteers for Resilience and Response Capacities of vulnerable communities through the deployment of EU Aid Volunteers aims at improving the response and the resilience capacities of the most vulnerable local communities through needs-based humanitarian aid (HA) in Latin America, Africa and Eurasia with the involvement of 40 EU Aid Volunteers. It is implemented in 16 third countries and it is composed by a consortium of 2 Sending organizations (AAH Spain and WW GVC Italy) and 19 branch offices as hosting organizations between AAH and WW GVC (Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Senegal, Niger, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Benin, Kenya, Tanzania, Mali, Mozambique, Philippines, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Georgia).
The 2 sending organizations will deploy 40 European citizens in humanitarian aid operations as EUAV, 39 junior and 1 senior. This main objective will be achieved through the Deployment and monitoring of EU Aid Volunteers in Latin America (SO1), Deployment and monitoring of EU Aid Volunteers in Latin America (SO2), Deployment and monitoring of EU Aid Volunteers in Asia and Middle-East (SO3). These specific objectives will be ensured through a defined coordination mechanism between EU and incountry partners (SO 4). The expected impact of the project is fully oriented to a whole process of skills creation and knowledge reinforcement related to the deployed EU Aid Volunteers, suitable to generate change and improvement on preparedness and resilience mechanisms among vulnerable populations, technicians and authorities at different level. Training, communication, dissemination and promotion of vacancies will be a crucial part of the project.
The project will have a 34-months duration and the EUAVs will be deployed for a period of between 4 and 12 months, depending on the profile and needs previously expressed by each interested country. 12 apprenticeships are also foreseen and volunteers will be trained at both HQs.
More info about this project available here:https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/echo/eu-aid-volunteers_en/eu-aid-volunteers…
In the framework of this project AAH deploys 3 EU Aid Volunteers to Colombia. To know more EUAV opportunities in this and other countries with AAH please consult this page: https://www.accioncontraelhambre.org/es/eu-aid-volunteersOperational details & security context
Humanitarian Context
The main objectives of WeWorld-GVC program in Kenya, involving more than 48,000 persons, mostly children and their caregivers, are:
– to enhance resilience of local communities in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASAL), strengthening food security and sustainable production, implementing and disseminating good practices of environmentally sustainable production, in collaboration with local authorities. Family farming, keeping livestock and small scale fishing are the main activities of population living in WeWorld Kenya target area, and the counties of Homabay, Migori, Narok and Isiolo are ASAL, highly vulnerable to climate shocks like droughts.
Sustainable production is a way to enhance resilience and improve living conditions of local communities. Another strategy is to support women economic empowerment actions: strengthening organized groups of women, focused on saving and Income Generation Activities.
Particular attention is given to the economic support to caregivers of Orphans and Vulnerable Children;
– to empower Local Authorities to address maternal and child malnutrition – stunting in ASAL. Aiming at reducing the number of children under 5, who are stunted in Migori County, WeWorld is supporting Migori County to address maternal and child malnutrition, facilitating local political commitment and awareness raising, in the framework of an integrated behaviour change program on Nutrition (Education/Health/Food Security);
– to promote access to water and proper sanitation. Construction of rainwater collection systems, Latrines and handwashing facilities as in schools and communities; campaigns to spread hygiene, promote menstrual management and to fight outdoor open- defecation according to the methodology of “Community Led Total Sanitation”;
– to promote the access to better quality maternal child healthcare and basic education, implementing support activities in the target communities and schools, collaborating with and strengthening Civil Society Organization and Local Authorities, advocating for more inclusive policies in the health and education sectors;
Overall the operations of WeWorld-GVC in Kenya aims at developing the resilience of the groups most at risk, like orphans and vulnerable children (especially because of HIV-AIDS), caregivers, women as well as of local civil society and authorities in order to better deal with and prevent crisis situations like droughts, violations of human rights, malnutrition, lack of foods and resources.
Security conditions
Kenya is a relatively safe country in the majority of the areas. Particular attention though has to be exercised in areas such as the Kenya-Somalia border, some coastal region and some parts of Nairobi, such as Eastleigh and Kibera. Nevertheless, We World-GVC does not work in any of these areas. Increased caution generally in Kenya must be observed due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police are willing, but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited.
Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
The terrorist risk in Kenya is more prominent since October 2013, when the Westgate mall attack (Nairobi) took place and several lives were lost. It is always discouraged to spend time in shopping mall and in areas where big congregation of people meet.
The reconciliation between the majority and the opposition parties, which took place in March 2018, has radically changed the political situation of the country, leading to a general relaxation of the political and social climate and giving new impetus to economic activities. In major urban centers (Nairobi and Mombasa) where aggressions can occur, it is recommended to maintain in every circumstance behaviors inspired by the maximum prudence, adopting all the precautions. The situation could also become tense during the election period and the period immediately prior to that, linked to the political campaign, nevertheless the next elections are due in 2022.
WE WORLD-GVC Kenya works in the counties of Nairobi, Homabay, Migori, Naork and Isiolo The framework of political and social context in these counties can be considered almost safe without particular risks for expatriates, volunteers and local staff (particular attention needs to be paid in Isiolo county and frequent field assessments need to be conducted)
WE WORLD-GVC Italy has elaborated the Safety Measures Guidelines as well as the Safety and Evacuation Plan and a Local Operational Manual for all its local offices (all the documents are regularly updated). The Local operational manual for Kenya has been created, specifically arranged in accordance with the local environment taking into account the specific existing risks in order to develop appropriate security, health and safety procedures for all staff. A copy of the manual is given to the staff and volunteers before arriving in the Country as well as shared with all National staff.
WE WORLD-GVC Kenya guarantees appropriate living and health condition for its staff. No particular health risks are identified. No specific vaccination needed. though the Yellow Fever is endemic, it will be necessary to provide a proof of vaccination. Malaria, tuberculosis, cholera and HIV are prevented with normal precautionary behavior targeted during the in-country induction.
COVID-19 Prevention:
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, WWGVC has established a Crisis Management Team and an assessment mechanism to monitor the situation in each country. We have implemented protocols for prevention, response and business continuity in order to adopt effective measures and safeguard our staff and beneficiaries. All of our staff and our EU Aid Volunteers must respect preventive measures and security protocols at all times, in addition to the measures imposed by the national governments. EU Aid Volunteers are covered by CIGNA insurance for the duration of the deployment and will receive a safety and security induction with a specific focus on COVID prevention. Mobility, access to field activities and offices might be restricted. Smartworking might be requested.
WE WORLD-GVC values:
We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independency.
We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities.
More information is available here:
www.weworld.it
Tasks
Supporting the WASH coordinator
• Taking part in WeWorld-GVC coordination meetings, external conference, workshops related to the WASH sector;
• Being in charge of support organizing, following and supervising WASH related activities in the ongoing projects;
• Collecting, updating and following up information related to the implementation of WASH activities and infrastructures in target communities;
• Supporting the WASH coordination in the implementation of WeWorld-GVC sectorial strategy and policies;
• Supporting BoQ and technical specification of service providers, suppliers and contractors involved in the implementation of the Projects’ activities;
• Supporting proper and smooth WASH activities implementation in strict coordination with WeWorld-GVC WASH coordinator, teams and partners;
• Being responsible to support smooth coordination with local and national authorities regarding WASH activities;
• Working together with local staff to properly perform activities in a coordinated and supportive way;
• Undertaking field missions to monitor the implementation of the field activities;
• Participating in meetings with the communities to gather feedback on beneficiaries’ involvement and ownership of the project and general evalutation.
• Being in charge of monitoring all the phases of WASH activity implementation with particular reference to expected quality and results;
• Supporting in preparing and collecting all sources of verification, deliverables and any other relevant needed documents;
• Constantly reporting to WeWorld-GVC WASH coordinator, line manager and tutor;
• Being in charge of supporting the drafting of interim and final reports related to, but not only, WASH and technical component to be submitted to donors;
• Supporting his line managers in performing of any other requested task, if any.Communication and Awareness on EU Aid Volunteers Initiative
• Promote local volunteerism in disaster risk reduction, prevention and response;
• Train local volunteers on organization and implementation of volunteer-based activities, when applicable;
• Promote partnerships and collaboration between local and European organizations;
• Draft and publish articles describing volunteer’s experience in the field;
• Gather audiovisual materials to be used in a public awareness activity in the volunteer’s local community in Europe;
• In coordination with the NGOs partner of the project, organize and execute a public awareness activity once back in Europe.Other
The EU Aid Volunteer shall perform other duties, as required.
Apprenticeship: n/a
Required competencies
Studies:
- Degree in engineer, environmental science or related water and sanitation specialization;
- Abreast of current development and best practices in Humanitarian Principles and Accountability in WASH Programming;
- Understanding of food security concepts and multi-sectoral programming;
Skills:
- Excellent knowledge of Excel, and good general knowledge of the full Office suite;
- Good interpersonal skills and stress management;
- Strong initiative and autonomy;
- Organizational and project coordination skills;
- Reports drafting;
- Adaptability;
- Team working;
- Intercultural awareness and respectful attitude towards other customs and traditions;
Languages:
- Fluent in English written and spoken;
- Knowledge of Italian and Kiswahili is an asset;
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in developmental or emergency WASH/food security and/or livelihoods program management and technical support;
- Previous experience in developing countries;
Prior volunteer experience is an asset.
Selection criteria
Applications are made directly within the sending organisation, please check out the how to apply section.Eligibility and exception criteria
The candidate for EU Aid Volunteers must be a citizen of the EU or a third country national who is a long-term resident in an EU Member State, and must have a minimum age of 18 years.
Availability for the following activities:
• Full time face-to-face training in January 2022 splited into two parts: a “virtual classroom component” of 4 days (online) followed by an actual face-to-face training of 5 days. Optional courses will only be available in an online version.
• Pre-deployment induction in WWGVC HQ, in Bologna, starting mid February 2022;
• Deployment starting from April 2022.Minimum Requirements
WE WORLD-GVC applies a policy of equal opportunities and accepts applications without distinction on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Condition of service
Learning Opportunities
Before her/his deployment the EU Aid Volunteer will attend an online training and face-to-face training. The latter is composed by a“virtual classroom” of 4 days (online) followed by an actual face-to-face training of 5 days.
The EU Aid Volunteer will have a Learning and Development Plan for the on-going assessment of her/his competences during the deployment.Working and Living Conditions
Hosting Organization:
·The Hosting Organization for the present deployment is WW Kenya;
Length of Deployment:
· 6 months;
Deployment duty station:
Nairobi, Kenya.
Conditions of service during deployment:
· A monthly Subsistence Lump Sum (515,95 Euro per month) intends to cover basic needs and local transport.
· In addition, for each month of deployment 100 euro of post deployment resettlement allowance are foreseen.
· Accommodation, Visa fees, insurance and airfares will be covered directly by sending and/or hosting organization.
· The working calendar will be corresponding to the agenda and system established in the field.
· For each month of voluntary activity two days of rest are foreseen, in addition to public holidays. It is highly recommended not to use the rest days during the first and the last month of deployment.
Conditions related to in-presence training:
· If a candidate volunteer is working outside of the EU, travel costs will be fully covered if EU citizens legally reside in a non-EU country for long-term or forever (i.e. who live in that country);
· EU citizens who are on a temporary assignment in a third country that lasts more than 18 months;
On the contrary, only travel costs from an EU country to the training venue shall be covered if:
· EU citizens on a temporary assignment in a third country that lasts less than 18 months;
· EU citizens selected by the same organization or affiliate with which they have an on-going assignment in the third country if this assignment is longer than 18 months;
Please note that more than one candidate per position will attend the training, to create an additional pool to cover drop-outs and unforeseen needs.
Selection process
Shortlisting and Interviews
To apply, the candidate shall fill out the Application Form online, attach the CV, a Motivation Letter and the Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
• Shortlisting and interviews of the candidates: from 04/11/2021 to 03/12/2021.
• In case of changes of the dates, the candidates will be notifiedInterview Process
• All the interviews will be done online. The interviews have the aim to explore both the competences and the motivations of the candidates;
• The candidates selected for the training will be notified at least one month before the training. The date of the notification may vary according to the number of application received;
• The selected candidate/s will attend an online and in-presence training, which are part of the selection process;
• Please note that more than one candidate per position will attend the training;
• The final decision about the candidate to be deployed will be taken by sending and hosting organization after the training.Expected date decision on outcome01/02/2022
Self assessment questionnaire: 
euav_saq_master_en_kenya.xlsx
