Haiti: Engineering Intern - Haiti

WORK FOR AN AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN HAITI

POSITION OPENING: ENGINEERING INTERN

Industry: Non-profit/International Development

Function: Engineering

Employer: Build Change

Job Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Term: 3 months minimum

Salary: Unpaid, with housing, a food stipend, and local transportation provided

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, 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 46,000 safer homes, impacting an estimated 230,000 people.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: *Engineering Intern*

Build Change is seeking Engineering Interns to participate in its technical assistance and training programs in Haiti. We offer an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in design, supervision and project management in international disaster response/disaster risk reduction programs. Build Change is flexible for the term and start date of the internship, but require a minimum three months commitment. English and French language skills are required for this opening.

Typically, engineering interns work on one or several projects along with tasks and responsibilities outlined below. Examples of potential projects include:

· Assisting with the development and adoption of national construction standards in Haiti, including English-to-French translation and coordination with the applicable government agency.

· Providing engineering input and assistance in the development of a Construction Administration Manual for use in Haiti.

· Providing engineering input and assistance in the structural evaluation and strengthening design of schools in Haiti.

· Providing assistance in disaster-resistant housing design and construction quality control as implemented in an ongoing program project.

General Responsibilities

· Develop a thorough understanding of the structural engineering design resources developed by

Build Change for use in Haiti.

· With local staff, aid in the application of these resources to provide technical assistance to homeowners to design safe houses, supervise construction, and train builders in disaster-resistant construction practices.

· Check design documents, drawings, bills of quantity, and construction inspection checklists.

· Assist in solving problems and generating solutions in the field for special cases.

· Assist with the development of Build Change technical resources.

· Assist in the development and implementation of training for local engineers, architects, drafters, and other technical staff.

· Assist with technical translation between English and French or Creole.

· Promote good communication between the technical group and other departments within Build Change.

· Undertake assignments at the discretion of the Lead Engineer and Director of Programs.

Qualifications

· At least 3 years of study toward a bachelor‐level degree in engineering at a reputable institution.

· Recent graduates and Master’s candidates are also encouraged to apply.

· Interest in earthquake‐resistant design and construction of masonry and timber buildings.

· A basic understanding of good construction practices and the principles of earthquake- and typhoon-resistant construction. Familiarity with international building codes and guidelines, such as the IBC, ASCE 7, ASCE 41, ACI 318, NDS for wood construction, ACI 530, etc. is a plus.

· Good communication skills.

· Fluency in English and in French.

· Willingness to work in informal, dense, urban communities.

· Valid passport.

· Computer skills including Microsoft Office and AutoCAD or Revit.

· No ego, drama, or pessimism; the successful candidate will be flexible, humble, patient, and have a good sense of humor.

To Apply

Send your CV and cover letter to Pierre Paya, Project Engineer, at pierre@buildchange.org (please cc: info@buildchange.org), with “Engineering Intern Haiti” in the subject line. Qualified women, citizens of Haiti and individuals with Creole language skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls please.