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: Sint Maarten
Start Date: Immediately
Term: 6-month, with possibility of extension
Salary: Competitive

WHO WE ARE

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.

YOUR NEW OPPORTUNITY

The Project Engineer - Caribbean shall work with the relevant in-country Project Manager and Director of Programs and Partnerships – Latin America and the 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 will initially support one project that involves supervision of post-disaster housing reconstruction in the Caribbean. Build Change previously performed evaluations and developed the construction documents for this work, which is to be performed by a qualified general contractor. The work included structural rehabilitation (masonry & RC walls, light frame roofs, etc.), and associated architectural work (interior and exterior details, doors/windows, waterproofing details/materials/methods, fixtures & finishes, electrical, plumbing).

Build Change will be providing project management and technical and environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) supervision activities during the work for the client. The project is expected to run for approximately 10 months, and the position is entirely on-site.

This position reports to the Project Manager, with technical direction from the Director of Engineering.

Specific project responsibilities are listed below, more general responsibilities and qualifications are provided below:

• Review the project documentation; plans, specifications, reports.
• Review and respond to contractor submittals, requests for information, substitution requests, etc. Administer associated project documentation, logs,
• Attend weekly and as-required project meetings, record minutes and tasks/follow-ups.
• Develop field inspection checklists and documentation.
• Perform field inspection of the construction and component installation with the goal of ensuring compliance with the drawings, specifications and contract documents. Perform ESHS field inspections, as needed, with training and guidance from the ESHS specialist. Field inspection will be a significant component of the position.
• Review materials and construction methodologies proposed by the Contractor according to the construction contract.
• The focus is on structural aspects of the construction, but familiarity/experience with non-structural components, is a plus.
• Represent Build Change in meetings and communications with the contractor, client, and other project partners as coordinated with the supervisor.
• Be comfortable reviewing observed deficiencies and required remedial actions with the contractor in the field.
• Develop practical details and specifications for required remedial works.
• Follow Build Change’s construction site safety policies and the project’s ESHS requirements.
• Prepare monthly reports and contribute to internal and external project reporting.

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:

• University degree in Civil or Structural Engineering with minimum 5-years professional experience in related areas. Work experience in field inspection of housing 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.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Then please visit www.buildchange.org/about/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.