WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

POSITION OPENING: Structural Engineer
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Function: Design, Management and Oversight of Technical Staff
Job Location: Bogota, Colombia, with some travel within Colombia and potentially other Latin American and Caribbean countries
Start Date: Immediate
Term: Part-time basis
Salary: Competitive, consultant agreement

Organization Description

Founded in 2004, Build Change is a non‐profit social enterprise whose goal is to save lives in earthquakes and windstorms. Build Change designs disaster-resistant houses and schools, 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 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 and reconstruction support, including work in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominica, St Lucia, Sint Maarten 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 61,000 safer buildings. In the process, Build Change has created more than 18,000 jobs.

Position Description

For the position of Structural Engineer, Build Change is seeking an exceptionally competent structural engineer with experience assessing, designing and providing structural observation to earthquake- and hurricane-resistant buildings. The successful candidate will have a flexible mindset in applying engineering principles to non-engineered buildings and will be able to provide expert advice, technical work, engineering oversight and advocacy for Build Change’s disaster prevention programs focused on the improvement of existing vulnerable housing.

This position reports to the Colombia Country Program Manager and receives technical direction from the global Director of Engineering.

Specific responsibilities are listed below:

General

• 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.
• Be willing and confident to apply engineering judgment in the absence of code-based guidance.
• Prepare, lead and oversee experimental testing programs performed in conjunction with partners and universities in support resource development.
• Follow Build Change’s construction site safety policies.
• Prepare monthly reports and contribute to internal and external project reporting.
• Provide support to other regional programs and projects as requested by the Director of Engineering.

Internal-facing

• Provide quality oversight on design and implementation, and mentorship to the technical team, including engineers, architects, and drafters, for the Latin America office.
• Oversee the revision and the development of existing and new technical resources, such as manuals and guidelines, as well as new structural and architectural calculations and drawings, bills of quantity, construction checklists, and training materials as necessary for partners and clients.
• Ensure technologies and solutions are consistent with Build Change’s philosophy of disaster-resistance, sustainability, and cultural appropriateness.
• Solve problems and generate solutions in the field for special cases, especially for retrofits and additions to existing buildings.

External-facing

• Assist in stakeholder management with the Colombia Country Program Manager, with particular focus on technical relationships.
• Represent Build Change with partners and advocate for improving standards for and implementation of disaster-resistant construction and user-driven programs.

Skills and Qualifications:

• University degree in Structural/Civil engineering with a minimum 8-years professional experience in related areas. Licensed structural engineer in Colombia will be an advantage.
• Work or research experience in the seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings, including masonry buildings.
• Excellent ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical persons, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy a must. Experience using BIM and Office tools will be an advantage.
• Experience working closely with partner organizations and governmental agencies.
• Experience and participation in a related professional organization will be an advantage.
• 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 and Spanish required.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Then please visit http://www.buildchange.org/careers and select the link for this position. Applications will be accepted until filled and will be reviewed as received. Qualified women and citizens of Build Change’s program countries are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls please.