– Position: WASH Intern (1)
– Reporting to: WASH Coordinator
– Location: Kameme, Chitipa
Job Summary
- Employer: Caritas Commission
- Job Type: Internship
- Location: Chitipa, Malawi
- Category: Public Health
- Closing Date: 2026-10-15
Key Responsibilities
- Mobilize communities to participate in WASH project activities.
- Facilitate the formation and training of project structures, including water point committees, sanitation entrepreneurs, village health promoters, borehole area mechanics, project volunteers, and other relevant groups.
- Supervise the construction or rehabilitation of water networks/schemes, gravity flow systems, wells, and boreholes.
- Supervise and monitor the drilling and installation of boreholes.
- Mobilize targeted households or communities to construct improved pit latrines at the household level.
- Conduct hygiene and sanitation promotion and education campaigns.
- Conduct water-related disease prevention campaigns.
- Promote household-level water treatment.
- Conduct cooking demonstrations with beneficiaries.
- Coordinate food distribution.
- Facilitate mobile clinics on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
- Conduct health education on NCDs.
- Develop and document project success stories and lessons learned.
- Network with other stakeholders within the project impact area.
- Participate with other staff in regular planning, reviews, and coordination of project activities.
- Prepare and submit work plans and field reports.
Requirements
- A first degree in a relevant field, such as Public Health, Water and Sanitation, Environmental Health, or Nutrition.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to apply for a WASH Intern position at an organization like Caritas Commission in Malawi?
Most WASH internships require a diploma or degree in Public Health, Environmental Science, Water Engineering, or a related field. Practical experience through university projects or volunteer work with community water programs is highly valued by Malawian NGOs.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a WASH Intern?
Daily tasks include assisting with hygiene promotion campaigns in rural communities, collecting water quality data, supporting latrine construction monitoring, and preparing reports for district health offices. You may also help train community health workers on sanitation best practices.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for interns at Malawian NGOs compared to corporate settings?
NGO culture in Malawi emphasizes community engagement, flexibility with field travel, and collaborative decision-making rather than rigid hierarchies. Punctuality is expected, but understanding of rural travel challenges is common; dress codes tend to be modest and practical for fieldwork.
What career progression opportunities can a WASH Intern expect after completing this internship?
Successful interns often advance to WASH Officer roles, then Project Coordinator or Program Manager positions within NGOs or government ministries like the Ministry of Health. Some pursue specialized certifications and move into WASH consultancy or international development roles with UN agencies.
What benefits are typically offered to interns in Malawi's public health sector?
Benefits vary significantly by employer but may include modest stipends, transport allowances for fieldwork, accident insurance during community visits, and sometimes accommodation support for rural placements. Formal benefits like pension and medical aid are rare for internship positions.
How should I prepare my application and what do Malawian employers look for in WASH Intern candidates?
Tailor your CV to highlight community engagement experience and any data collection skills; include references from academic supervisors or previous volunteer supervisors. Employers prioritize demonstrated commitment to rural development, Chichewa language proficiency, and willingness to work in remote districts with limited resources.