The community in Guanajay, Artemisa Province, Cuba, is affected by an unstable water supply. The problem is mainly caused by insufficient pumping capacity and ageing infrastructure. According to local information, interruptions can last more than four days at a time and affect an estimated 4,500 residents.

The support from Engineers Without Borders Denmark (EWB-DK) will be provided online as technical advice to local water engineer Jorge L. Cobas Vidal and the local water utility. You do not need Spanish language skills, as a Danish contact with close ties to the local Cuban community will act as interpreter and support the team.

 

What will the volunteer team help with?

The team will provide practical, remote technical advice to help the local partner assess possible solutions and plan the next steps.

The work is expected to include:

• Reviewing the available information and identifying important data gaps or questions that should be clarified before further decisions are made on design or procurement.
• Assessing the proposed pumping needs at screening level, including flow, head, power supply, 60 Hz compatibility and possible solar pumping solutions.
• Preparing a short consultation note with assumptions, practical recommendations, key risks and suggested next steps for the local partner.
• Advising on sustainable and maintainable technical solutions.
• Suggesting options for local sourcing of equipment, where possible.
• Supporting technical documentation for fundraising, including EWB-DK’s professional assessment of proposed solutions and equipment.

The final scope can be adjusted with the volunteers.

 

Expected time commitment

Expected weekly time commitment: 5–10 hours, depending on role and availability
Expected duration: 2–6 weeks
Format: Online collaboration

Due to the time difference, online meetings are expected to take place between 14:00 and 22:00 Danish time.

 

Who are we looking for?

You must be a member of EWB-DK/IUG and have an @iug.dk email address.

We are looking for: 1 team lead and 1–3 specialists in water supply or pumping systems.

 

Team Lead

Role: coordinate the volunteer team and contribute to clear communication with EWB-DK/IUG and the local partner.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience coordinating a small volunteer or project team.
• Ability to keep an online advisory process structured and on track.
• Ability to manage partner dialogue, meeting notes, action lists and follow-up.
• Ability to combine specialist input into a short, practical consultation note with assumptions, risks and recommended next steps.

 

Specialists in water supply or pumping systems

Role: contribute technical knowledge on water supply, pumping systems and practical solution options.

We are looking for volunteers with:

• Practical experience with water supply systems, pumps, hydraulics or electro-mechanical water infrastructure.
• Ability to assess proposed pump requirements at screening level, including flow, head, electrical supply and likely operational constraints.
• Ability to advise on simple, robust and maintainable solutions.
• Ability to identify where more local data is needed before decisions are made.
• An innovative and flexible approach, with an interest in finding workable solutions under challenging conditions.

For all volunteers, it is an advantage, but not a requirement, if you have experience with international cooperation or projects under challenging and resource-constrained conditions. Experience with water supply projects, solar pumping, boreholes, water distribution networks or pump control and protection is also relevant. Spanish language skills may be useful, but are not required.

 

How to apply

Send your CV, including relevant experience related to the profiles above, to:

LRO@IUG.DK

Applications will be reviewed by the EWB-DK Response Coordinator and the EWB-DK Technical Committee. Applicants who are not selected will receive a written response.