WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
 
Job Title:                           Design Engineer
Industry:                            Non-profit/International Development
Function:                           Technical
Employer:                          Build Change
Job Location:                     Based in Kathmandu, with possible travel to other areas of Nepal
Start Date:                         Immediate
Term:                                At will employment
Salary:                              Competitive, with emergency evacuation insurance, medical insurance and housing stipend
 

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 since has expanded to include programs in China, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, the Philippines and Nepal. 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 
For the position of Design Engineer, Build Change is seeking an exceptionally competent engineer with experience designing earthquake-resistant buildings.  In addition, the successful applicant will have a proven leadership and teamwork abilities and a demonstrated ability to communicate technical terms and concepts to non-technical persons.
 
This position reports to the Lead Structural Engineer in Nepal.

 
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a thorough, comprehensive understanding of the structural engineering design resources developed by Build Change for stone masonry, confined masonry, reinforced masonry, multi-story reinforced concrete frame, timber frame, and retrofitting solutions.
• 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 solving problems and generating solutions in the field for special cases.
• Assist in the revision or development of new structural and architectural drawings, bills of quantity, construction checklists, and training materials as necessary, for partners and clients.
• 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.   
• Assist in training local engineers, architects, drafters, and other technical staff, including the development of training materials and presentations.
• Prepare monthly reports and contribute to internal and external project reporting.
• Work on technical tasks for other Build Change programs as directed by the Lead Structural Engineer - Nepal or the Director of Engineering.

 
QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and a minimum 1 year professional experience in structural engineering or a Master’s degree in civil/structural engineering, with a strong emphasis on seismic engineering principles.  Experience in designing and supervising construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in a developing country is a plus.
• 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.
• Familiar with international building codes and guidelines.
• Cost estimating, structural design software, and 2d AutoCAD literacy.
• Hands-on construction experience in masonry, reinforced concrete, and carpentry is helpful.
• Project management skillset that includes ownership over milestones, work plans, reporting, using computer tools such as Excel and PowerPoint.
• International development experience and willingness to live and work in a post-disaster setting for at least twelve months; experience in Nepal is a strong plus.
• Fluent English is a requirement.  Excellent, professional communications skills are required.  Fluency in Nepali is a strong plus.
• No ego, drama, or pessimism; the successful candidate will be flexible, humble, patient, and have a good sense of humor. 

 
 
To Apply
Go to www.buildchange.org/about/careers and click on the link for this position. Applications will be accepted until filled.  Qualified women and citizens of Nepal are strongly encouraged to apply.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  No calls please.