WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Job Title:    Project Engineer - Caribbean

Industry:    Non-profit/International Development    

Function:    Technical – Structural Engineering / Project Management

Job Location:     Caribbean    

Start Date:    September 1, 2019    

Term:         4-month consultancy, with possibility of extension    

Compensation:    Competitive, consultant agreement

Organization Description

Build Change is an international non-profit social enterprise founded in 2004 with the mission of greatly reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses caused by housing and school collapse in earthquakes and hurricanes in challenging post-disaster and vulnerable environments. Our team of dedicated staff designs disaster-resistant buildings, trains people to build them, facilitates access to capital for safe reconstruction and retrofitting and works with governments to enforce building standards and develop systems that promote development and progressively reduce disaster risk.

Build Change works in both post-disaster and mitigation contexts and currently has programs in Indonesia, Haiti, Philippines, Colombia, Guatemala and Nepal. In addition, Build Change regularly conducts reconnaissance, consultation or construction industry analysis including in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominica, St Lucia and Micronesia after recent devastating windstorms. To date, Build Change has trained over 43,000 people in disaster-resistant design and construction who in turn have built over 57,000 safer buildings. In the process, Build Change has created more than 18,000 jobs.

To learn more about us and our programs in Indonesia, Colombia, Guatemala, Philippines, Nepal, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands, visit www.buildchange.org.

Position Description

The Project Engineer - Caribbean shall work with the relevant in-country Project Lead and/or Director of Programs and Partnerships - Caribbean overall to deliver technical aspects of assigned projects for Build Change in the region and ensure that engineering deliverables are met including quality assurance, timely reporting and other related requirements. This position reports either to the relevant in-country Project Lead or, if appointed Project Lead, reports to the Director of Programs & Partnerships – Caribbean, with technical direction from the Director of Engineering.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Develop thorough, comprehensive understanding of the structural engineering design resources developed by Build Change for confined masonry, timber, reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry and retrofitting solutions.  

• Take the technical lead in housing reconstruction or rehabilitation projects in the Caribbean with support from the Director of Engineering and/or Engineering Program Associate.

• Control the quality of design information & implementation for assigned projects in the Caribbean.

• Revise or develop new structural engineering technical resources, including but not limited to structural and architectural design criteria, assessment procedures, drawings, bills of quantity, construction quality checklists, and training materials for partners and clients.

• Perform site visits, take measurements and complete tablet/mobile assessment questionnaires as required.

• Liaise with the appropriate Build Change in-country Project Lead to provide design solutions and bill of quantities for damaged houses or houses requiring corrective measures.

• Implement technologies and solutions that are consistent with Build Change’s philosophy of earthquake- and hurricane-resistance, sustainability, and cultural appropriateness.

• Assist in the development and implementation of training for engineers, architects, drafters, and other technical staff or partner teams.

• Solve problems and generate solutions in the field for special cases, especially retrofits and additions to existing buildings.

• Represent Build Change in discussions with relevant stakeholders, such as government officials, relief agency partners, and homeowners.  

• Assist in the development technical resources and implementation of projects in other Build Change country programs as directed by the Director of Engineering.

Project Management Responsibilities:

• On a project-by-project basis, implement the project work plan as developed with supervisors.  

• Maintain ownership of project milestones and consistent communication with supervisors regarding schedule or deliverable challenges.

• Work with project technical staff to ensure their proper and effective implementation of the project work plan.  Work with supervisors to resolve any staffing issues if they arise.

• As needed, represent Build Change in meetings and communications with project partners as coordinated with the supervisors.

• Prepare monthly reports and contribute to internal and external project reporting

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering with minimum 3-years professional experience in related areas. Work experience in community led building projects will be an advantage.

• Understanding of, and experience in, earthquake- and hurricane-resistant building design

• Project management experience with demonstrated experience in delivering outcomes on time

• Computer literacy a must. Experience using smart-phone based applications and Microsoft Excel will be an advantage.

• Extensive knowledge of Autodesk Software especially Revit

• Demonstration of leadership ability in a team environment and ambiguous circumstances

• Experience working closely with partner organizations

• Superior organizational skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

• No ego, drama, or pessimism; the successful candidate will be flexible, humble, patient, and have a good sense of humor.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English required. Proficiency in other regional languages such as Spanish, French or Dutch would be a plus.