WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Position Title:     Structural Engineer Volunteer
Industry:             Non-profit/International Development
Location:             Kathmandu, Nepal and surrounding area
Start Date:          Ongoing recruitment
Terms:                Preferred time commitment is 2 months minimum, but is flexible.
 
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 2004, Build Change is a non‐profit social enterprise whose mission is to save lives in earthquakes and hurricanes. Build Change designs safe buildings, trains homeowners, builders, engineers and government officials to build them, works with governments to develop and implement building standards, partners with the private sector to improve building materials quality and create jobs, and facilitates access to incentive-based capital for reconstruction and retrofitting by partnering with financing institutions and government subsidy programs. Build Change started its work in Aceh, Indonesia, after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, and has since expanded to include programs in China, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Nepal, and the Philippines. Build Change has trained more than 23,000 people on earthquake-resistant design and construction techniques, and has provided technical assistance for more than 47,000 safer homes, impacting an estimated 235,000 people. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Build Change is seeking an experienced structural engineer volunteer with professional experience designing and supervising the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in a country with well-established building code adoption and enforcement.  Experience applying this background to engineering design and construction in developing countries is desired but not required. 
 
This position reports to the Country Director in Nepal and receives technical direction from the Director of Engineering. 
 
Preferred time commitment is 2 months minimum, but is flexible.  This is an ongoing position with recruitment occurring as needed, when vacated.
 
 
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop thorough, comprehensive understanding of the structural engineering design resources developed by Build Change for confined masonry, reinforced masonry, multi-story reinforced concrete frame, timber frame, and retrofitting solutions and of the resources and experience developed by Build Change in homeowner – or community-driven reconstruction.
• Assist in the development of Nepal-specific technical resources, such as new construction guidelines for different local building types, retrofit guidelines, construction quality checklists and bill of quantity templates.
• Assist in training local engineers, architects, drafters, or other technical staff, including the development of training materials and presentations.
• Assist in solving problems and generating solutions in the field for special cases.
• Assist in controlling the quality of design information & implementation for projects in Nepal.
• Ensure technologies and solutions are consistent with Build Change’s philosophy of earthquake- resistance, sustainability, and cultural appropriateness.   
• Undertake other assignments or tasks as requested by the Director of Engineering or Nepal Country Director.

 
BENEFITS:

• Housing
• Food allowance
• Local transportation
• Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage while in Nepal

 
HONORARIUM:  Varies based on length of commitment.
 
QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in structural engineering in a country with well-established building code adoption and enforcement.  Additional experience in designing and supervising construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in a developing country is helpful.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully in a team environment.
• Understanding of earthquake-resistant design and construction of stone masonry, confined masonry, reinforced masonry, and timber buildings for both new and retrofit buildings.
• Professional Engineering license (or equivalent) in civil (structural) engineering.
• Familiar with international building codes and guidelines, especially those applicable to the Nepali context.
• Cost estimating, structural design software, and 2d AutoCAD literacy.
• Educational background in structural engineering, with strong earthquake-resistant design orientation.
• Hands-on construction experience in masonry, reinforced concrete, and carpentry is helpful.
• Willingness to live and work in a post-disaster setting for at least two months; experience in Nepal is a strong plus.
• Fluent English and excellent, professional communications skills are required.  Fluency in Nepali is a strong plus.
• No ego, drama, or pessimism; the successful volunteer will be flexible, humble, patient, and have a good sense of humor.