WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN THE PHILIPPINES

TITLE: Philippines Project Engineer

Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Location: Makati, Metro Manila (Remote with travel to Bicol, Albay and other provinces, as required)
Start Date: Immediate
Term: 6-month contract

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2004, Build Change is a non-profit social enterprise whose mission is to save lives in earthquakes and typhoons. Build Change provides simple engineering advice to low-income households who do not otherwise have the knowledge to design and build a safe house. Our engineering resources draw on local and international expertise on seismic- and wind-resistant construction practices using local code when applicable to low-rise, residential housing. Build Change’s simplified Design and Construction Guidelines for Residential Houses have been endorsed by DPWH, and our work has received government endorsement and awards worldwide.

Build Change has been working in the Philippines since 2013. Current programs include a retrofit program for non-engineered residential houses in partnership with the local government and private sector financiers, a technical mentorship program to support the construction of safer schools, and technical consultancy to help organizations improve the disaster-resistance of socialized housing.

YOUR NEW OPPORTUNITY

For the position of Project Engineer, Build Change requires a technically competent structural engineer with the ability to understand and apply the fundamental principles behind building code provisions in creative applications. Build Change is piloting simplified retrofitting design procedures based on ASCE41; therefore, the Project Engineer must be flexible enough to apply international design standards to local, low-income construction typologies. With the support of the Lead Engineer, she/he must also be willing to present the design resources to the Filipino engineering community and advocate for the use of simplified procedures to accelerate the design process.

A successful candidate should have experience retrofitting, designing and supervising the construction of earthquake- and typhoon-resistant low-rise buildings constructed with timber, reinforced concrete and masonry. Experience in seismic and wind engineering design and construction supervision in the development context is desirable. The Project Engineer will have proven leadership and teamwork abilities, demonstrated experience in project coordination, and demonstrated ability to communicate technical terms and concepts to non-technical persons. She/he will be responsible for managing the design and construction of housing retrofits by supervising the production of calculations and drawings, producing written reports, and providing technical support to engineering and construction training staff. The Project Engineer will also be responsible for representing Build Change in the engineering community and developing professional relationships with government agencies and other partners.

Build Change is a woman-led organization, and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Develop thorough, comprehensive understanding of the structural engineering design resources developed by Build Change and apply the procedure to design of low-rise home retrofits.
• Supervise and produce designs for disaster-resistant home retrofitting, including calculations and drawing sets following the Build Change simplified procedures based on ASCE41.
• Assist in the revision or development of new structural engineering technical resources, including but not limited to structural and architectural drawings, bills of quantity, construction checklists, training materials for partners and clients, design and construction guidelines, and retrofit technique solution guides.
• Implement technologies and solutions that are consistent with Build Change’s philosophy of earthquake-resistance, sustainability, and cultural appropriateness.
• Assist in the development and implementation of training for partners’ staff, builders, homeowners and Build Change’s technical staff.
• Solve problems and generate solutions in the field for special cases, especially retrofits and additions to existing buildings.
  • Monitor retrofit construction works in the field.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement in technical tools and resources based on field implementation and incorporate these.
• Monitor and report the quality of construction works carried out in the field for retrofits as well as new construction.
• Be willing and confident to apply engineering judgment in the absence of code-based guidance.
• Assist in writing reports of structural observations, calculations, designs, recommendations, field assessments, etc.
• Manage material testing and sampling of existing and future construction materials. Complete analysis of testing results to determine statistical properties such as average, median, standard deviation, maximum, min, etc and compile in report.

Project Management Responsibilities:

• Maintain ownership of project milestones and consistent communication with supervisors regarding schedule or deliverable challenges.
• Support the project technical staff to ensure the proper and effective implementation of the project work plan. Work with supervisors to resolve any staffing issues if they arise.
• Ensure professional project implementation. Assist in controlling quality of design information and implementation for projects in the Philippines.
• Support the field team composed of Build Change and/or partner staff during retrofit construction of houses.
• Coordinate with community organizations, local governments, partner organizations, and homeowners/families as needed.
  • Act as the lead technical representative with a partner microfinance institution developing home retrofit loan products.
• Contribute to internal and external project reporting.
• Other activities as designated by the Lead Engineer or Country Director.

Work Arrangement:

• Home-based, until further notice.
• Requires a working computer with functional Microsoft Office Suite and virus protection at a minimum; a PDF editor, analysis software, and CAD/BIM software a plus.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

You have:

• Degree in civil engineering from a well-respected university. Professional Engineering license (or equivalent) in civil (structural) engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in structural engineering design and supervising construction of earthquake- and typhoon- resistant buildings, including cost estimating.
• Strong understanding of disaster-resistant construction practices and earthquake engineering.
• Effective, timely and clear professional communication skills, including formal and informal oral communication, written communication and visual aids.
• Strong communications skills and ability to make presentations. Experience in teaching or instruction is a plus.

Your experience includes:

• Experience in existing building seismic evaluation and retrofitting.
• Understanding of earthquake- and typhoon-resistant design and construction of confined masonry, reinforced masonry, reinforced concrete, and timber buildings for both new and retrofit buildings. Hands-on construction experience in masonry, reinforced concrete, and carpentry is a plus.
• Strong understanding of the National Structural Code of the Philippines, National Building Code of the Philippines and minimum design standards set in BP 220. Familiarity with ASCE41 is a strong plus.
• Experience with structural design software, Microsoft Office and AutoCAD are required. Experience with Revit, InDesign and Photoshop are pluses.
• Demonstrated project management skillset that includes ownership over milestones, meeting deadlines, work plans, reporting, using computer tools such as Excel and PowerPoint.

You are able to:

• Work in a team and independently with remote supervision.
• Work in areas affected by disasters (earthquakes and typhoons), including short- or long-term relocations.

You would describe yourself as:

• Fluent in written and verbal English and Tagalog, which is required. Other Filipino languages are strong pluses.
• Having no ego, drama, or pessimism; the successful candidate will be flexible, humble, patient, and have a good sense of humor.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Then please visit www.buildchange.org/about/careers and select the link for this position. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, April 25 and will be reviewed as received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls please.