UN Volunteer - Structural Integrity and Damage Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing development assistance to the people of Myanmar since the 1950s. Initially, UNDP operated under a restricted mandate from 1993 until 2012, focusing on the Human Development Initiative programme, which aimed to assist communities and individuals in improving their lives and livelihoods. In 2013, UNDP transitioned to working through two country programmes, and from 2018 to 2020, the focus shifted to providing direct support to the Myanmar Government. Following the military takeover in 2021, UNDP Myanmar adapted its approach to directly target the extremely vulnerable populations by meeting their basic needs and supporting community recovery through the Community First Programme, which runs from 2021 to 202

• UNDP has a significant presence in Myanmar, with four field offices covering 11 states and regions, including Mon State, Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine States. The organization collaborates with a wide network of local civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), grassroots partners, and community leaders, which were established under the Human Development Initiative that began in 199
• These networks remain operational, allowing UNDP to quickly connect and deliver support despite the rapid changes in Myanmar's political and social landscape.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in the early recovery and reconstruction efforts following the recent earthquake in the Sagaing Region, which has caused significant damage to residential housing, public buildings, and critical infrastructure. The primary function of this position is to conduct structural integrity and damage assessments to guide humanitarian responses, prioritize interventions, and inform planning for rebuilding and repair. The volunteer will work under the direct supervision of a UNDP focal person and in close collaboration with a team of technical experts. This role requires a combination of technical skills, analytical abilities, and effective communication to ensure that assessments are thorough and recommendations are actionable. The volunteer will be responsible for classifying buildings based on safety and structural soundness, collecting data on damaged buildings, and preparing detailed reports with prioritized recommendations for repair and reconstruction.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting visual and technical assessments of buildings to evaluate safety and structural soundness.
• Classifying buildings into categories such as safe, repairable, or unsafe/demolition based on international best practices and standards.
• Identifying immediate hazards or risks to occupants and recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
• Collecting data on the number, type, and condition of damaged buildings, including residential structures, schools, hospitals, and clinics.
• Categorizing damage using standard classifications, such as minor, moderate, severe, or total collapse.
• Mapping affected areas using GIS or other applicable tools.
• Preparing documentation that includes photographs, building sketches, and GPS coordinates records.
• Submitting detailed assessment reports with prioritized recommendations for repair and reconstruction.
• Providing technical inputs to the recovery planning team. 1
• Presenting findings to relevant stakeholders, including local authorities and humanitarian actors. 1
• Participating in coordination meetings and debrief sessions to ensure effective communication and collaboration among all parties involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a strong understanding of structural engineering principles and practices, particularly in the context of damage assessment and recovery planning. They should demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian principles and possess the ability to work effectively in challenging environments. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. Proficiency in using GIS tools for mapping and data analysis is highly desirable, as is experience in conducting assessments in post-disaster contexts. Candidates should also exhibit a high level of adaptability and flexibility, as the situation in Myanmar can change rapidly.

Educational Background:
A degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in structural engineering or disaster management will be given preference. Relevant certifications in building assessment or safety evaluation may also be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in structural engineering, building assessments, or related fields. Experience working in humanitarian contexts or post-disaster recovery efforts is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context in Myanmar, including knowledge of the political and social landscape, will be beneficial for effectively carrying out the responsibilities of this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all reporting and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar, such as Burmese, is considered an asset and may enhance the volunteer's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UNDP, and it may involve working in challenging living conditions due to the ongoing political instability and economic challenges in Myanmar. The role is full-time, and the duration of the contract will be determined based on the needs of the project and the volunteer's availability. Compensation details, including any allowances or benefits, will be provided during the recruitment process.