Background


On January 12, 2010 an earthquake, registering over 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the Republic of Haiti killing more than 200,000 people, displacing over a million and affecting a total of 3,000,000.

The epicenter of the quake was close to Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, destroying and heavily damaging homes, schools, churches, and critical infrastructure. The Government of Haiti (GoH) was also devastated by the earthquake, which destroyed most public buildings and records and took the lives of many key staff. More than one year after the earthquake, Haiti’s peace and recovery are threatened by a growing cholera epidemic, a challenging political transition, abject poverty, and lack of basic services. The goal of USAID/OTI’s efforts in Haiti post-earthquake is to reinforce stability and lay the foundation for longer term development.

In January 2010, USAID/OTI launched an 18-month-long quick-response program in partnership with Chemonics known as Haiti Recovery Initiative (HRI), or An’n Leve Kanpe (“Let’s stand up together!”) in Haitian Creole. Over the course of the last year, activities have focused primarily on the following three country objectives:

1.) Community Stabilization
2.) Enabling the GoH to Function
3.) Increasing Citizen Engagement

The USG has since made public the new Post-Earthquake USG Haiti Strategy: Toward Renewal and Economic Opportunity on January 3, 2011. This five-year strategy has two objectives: 1) to catalyze economic growth through investments in agriculture, energy and infrastructure; and 2) to ensure long-term stability through investments in public institutions.

While new USAID programming is coming on board over the next year, USAID/OTI is well-positioned to support the USG’s reconstruction and long-term development plan. This plan seeks to support new and diverse economic opportunities in key development corridors (Port-au-Prince, Saint Marc and Cap Haitian) using focused and catalytic investments in four focus areas or “pillars” of investment critical to achieving economic growth and stability: (A) infrastructure and energy, (B) food and economic security, (C) health and other basic services, and (D) governance and rule of law.


USAID/OTI has been working with Chemonics under the follow-on to HRI (known as HRI-II) since March 14, 2011, and the program is expected to run for a period of 18 months.

Position Purpose:

The Structural Engineer will be responsible for reviewing and the approving the structural components of the preliminary and final design documents submitted by the subcontractor for the rehabilitation of the Maternity Ward at ‘Hopital Saint-Nicolas’ in Saint Marc.

The rehabilitation of the Maternity Ward at ‘Hopital Saint-Nicolas’ in the city of Saint Marc, in the Artibonite region, will support the Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP - Ministry of Public Health and Population) in its effort to equip the city with adequate and comfortable facilities, to welcome and serve the patients as well as their caretakers. Hopital Saint-Nicolas, is the only public hospital in the city of Saint-Marc. The hospital is one of the main referral medical facilities in the region following the January 12th, 2010 earthquake. Each month the hospital facility reports approximately 400 new births, thus the need for upgrading to accommodate the demand. The proposed rehabilitation and remodeling of the Maternity Ward will expand the existing surface area of the building to enhance its functionality, appearance, and increase its operational capacities. The work will provide rooms for six additional services related to family planning, women and child care.

Tasks:

The principal tasks to be completed under this SOW are as follows:

• Review design criteria established for the project and the available records, when available. The Structural Engineer shall also review the schedule of proposed geotechnical testing and constructability of the proposed improvements.

• Review and approve preliminary and final plans, technical specifications, and calculations for the proposed addition to the maternity building and open shelter structure. The work shall include the review of the sizing for all footing, beams, columns, floor slabs, roof slabs, masonry, openings, metal trusses and metal.

• Ensure that infrastructure and rehabilitation activities conform to required minimum engineering design standards as well as the latest requirements of the MTPTC and the International Building Code (IBC).

• The structural engineer should provide periodic inspection during construction

• Participate in meetings with grantees, partners, and representatives of OTI, as required.

1. Registration as independent structural engineer required.
2. University degree in civil or structural engineering required, and experience in construction management preferred.
3. Five years of progressively responsible work experience in the design and/or review of complex structural projects for new construction and rehabilitation projects.
4. Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions for prolonged periods.
5. Good oral communication and writing skills required. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage diverse professional relationships are essential.
6. English, French, or Haitian Creole proficiency required.

Timing/Duration:

Reporting:

The Structural Engineer will report to the Regional Program Manager and overall quality control will be ensured by the Senior Engineer. Chemonics may amend the SOW for this assignment at any time in consultation with the employee.