Structural Engineer – Earthquake Damage Assessment

Conduct rapid structural integrity assessments and support reconstruction planning after the earthquake.

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UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Conduct rapid structural integrity assessments and support reconstruction planning after the earthquake.

You have:

  • Bachelor Degree with Minimum 7 years of experience in structural assessments and post-disaster evaluations or Master Degree with minimum 5 years experience.
  • Previous experience in structural assessments processes is strongly preferred; experience in post disaster is an asset.
  • Ability to conduct visual and technical assessments of buildings for safety and structural soundness.
  • Familiarity with international best practices and standards for building assessments.
  • Proficiency in GIS and data mapping technologies.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The recent earthquake in the Sagaing Region has resulted in significant damage to residential housing, public buildings, and critical public infrastructure. As part of the early recovery and reconstruction efforts, a rapid structural integrity and damage assessment is required to guide humanitarian response, prioritize interventions, and inform planning for rebuilding and repair.

Under the direct supervision of UNDP focal person and in close collaboration with UNDP’s team of technical experts, the UN Volunteer will take the following key responsibilities:

a. Structural Integrity Assessments • Conduct visual and technical assessments of buildings for safety and structural soundness. • Classify buildings into different categories (eg safe, repairable, or unsafe/demolition categories), by applying international best practices and standard. • Identify immediate hazards or risks to occupants and recommend mitigation measures.

b. Housing and Building Assessments • Collect data on the number, type, and condition of damaged buildings (residential, schools, hospital and clinics, etc.). • Categorize damage using standard classifications (e.g., minor, moderate, severe, total collapse). • Map affected areas using GIS or other tools, as applicable. • Prepare documentation including photographs, building sketches, and GPS coordinates records.

c. Reporting and Recommendations • Submit detailed assessment reports with prioritized recommendations for repair and reconstruction. • Provide technical inputs to the recovery planning team. • Present findings to relevant stakeholders including local authorities and humanitarian actors. • Participation in coordination meetings and debrief sessions

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

Bachelor Degree with Minimum 7 years of experience in structural assessments and post-disaster evaluations or Master Degree with minimum 5 years experience. Previous experience in structural assessments processes is strongly preferred; experience in post disaster is an asset.

Myanmar have been significantly affected by ongoing political instability, economic challenges, and natural disasters. Many communities face limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and electricity—especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. The economic situation has worsened, leading to rising prices and job insecurity. Recent natural disasters, like the March 2025 earthquake, have further strained already vulnerable communities, damaging homes, infrastructure, and essential services.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you conducted a structural assessment after a disaster? This question assesses your direct experience with structural assessments in emergency situations. Mention the specific disaster, your assessment process, and the outcomes of your findings.
How do you prioritize repairs in a post-disaster context? Assessing your decision-making and prioritization skills under pressure is crucial for this role. Pro members can see the explanation.
What international best practices do you use when assessing structural integrity? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of how you communicated your findings to stakeholders. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with GIS mapping in previous projects. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure safety when conducting building assessments? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to adapt your assessment process to local contexts? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced during past assessments and how did you overcome them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org