Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
System-level chlorination of piped water supply schemes in rural Nepal was demonstrated to effectively improve microbial water quality at both distribution points and household storage containers. However, operational inefficiencies, inconsistent performance, and financial constraints have highlighted the need for further optimization of chlorination arrangements. The Water Supply and Treatment (WS+T) group at Sandec collaborates with Helvetas Nepal to assess different chlorination technologies (passive erosion chlorinators, passive or semi-automated injection of chlorine, and manual chlorination) across varying levels of decentralization. To supplement ongoing research on treatment effectiveness, ease of operation and maintenance (O&M), and user satisfaction, this internship project will assess the financial status of the different arrangements, as measured by capital investments, ongoing operational expenditures, and working ratio. The outputs of the internship will support water service providers in Nepal to identify trade-offs and select the most suitable chlorination approach for a specific context.
Objectives & responsibilities:- Refine relevant capital and operational cost categories to be included in the assessment
- Conduct a detailed cost assessment of 10 different chlorination arrangements installed by Helvetas Nepal, using primary and secondary data sources
- Update the water supply systems using CAD software to include any infrastructure modifications where necessary (e.g., pipeline changes, addition of valves)
- Assess revenue streams (water user fees) and apply this to the working ratio analysis
- Communicate findings to Helvetas Nepal and other sector experts
- Summarize findings in a report and Sandec News article
Candidates for this position should have the following qualifications:
- BSc in environmental sciences or engineering, economic sciences or similar
- Currently enrolled in a Swiss university as a MSc student for the entire duration of the internship
- An interest in environmental health and economics
- Experience with cost assessment is desired
- Experience with CAD design software is desired
- Ability to work independently, manage own time, and take own initiative
- Ability to travel internationally and work in rural alpine settings
- Fluency in English (spoken and written)
Internship duration and reimbursement Four months, starting date in May/June 2025, based on mutual agreement. Sandec will provide an intern salary.
Place of workThis internship will take place at Eawag in Dübendorf, Switzerland (1-2 months), and Helvetas Nepal, Surkhet, Nepal (2-3 months).
SupervisionMarisa Boller (Eawag), Dr Sara Marks (Eawag), Bal Mukunda Kunwar (Helvetas Nepal).
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience, and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult
www.eawag.ch and
www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
Applications must be submitted by 18 April 2025 and should include a cover letter and a CV.
For further information, please contact
Marisa Boller.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.