Structural Engineer – Earthquake Damage Assessment (Short Term)

Conduct structural assessments and damage evaluations in the earthquake-affected regions.

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UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 9 May 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Conduct structural assessments and damage evaluations in the earthquake-affected regions.

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.

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

How have you conducted safety assessments of damaged buildings in the past? To understand your practical experience and methodology used in assessing structural integrity. Provide specific examples of your assessments, including the criteria you used.
What international best practices do you apply in your evaluations? This assesses your knowledge of standards that guide structural assessments. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe a situation where you had to prioritize between multiple damaged buildings? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure safety for yourself and your team during assessments of potentially unsafe structures? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or software do you use for mapping affected areas? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you communicate your findings to stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced in post-disaster evaluations and how did you overcome them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain how you recommend mitigation measures after identifying hazards? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org