Country: Colombia
Closing date: 10 Aug 2019
Local Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Specialist for Colombia
E3 Analytics and Evaluation Project
Company Profile:
MSI, a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area international development firm with a 35-year history of delivering development results across the world. Our core expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation (M&E), institutional development, public sector management, governance and anti-corruption. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Jordan, Kenya, Indonesia, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Colombia and Mexico. As one of the leading companies in our field, MSI has partnered with organizations across all sectors of international development to support clients ranging from large bilateral and multilateral donors such as USAID, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program to national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information on MSI, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
MSI, in partnership with Palladium, implements USAID's E3 Analytics and Evaluation Project, which supports the design and implementation of rigorous evaluations for USAID's Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3). Under this Project, the MSI team is conducting a pilot study in Colombia as part of a larger multi-country study examining partner country architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) capacity and issues related to urban infrastructure.
The study will investigate AEC capacity levels in each country, identify the regulatory environment around codes and standards for construction activities, processes and barriers to monitor and enforce these regulations, and other related issues. The study is also expected to examine how city managers address shocks (e.g., conflict, weather, natural disasters) and population shifts which create internally displaced persons (IDPs), existing strategies involving infrastructure to mitigate these shocks, options for multifunctional buildings to address IDPs, and potential areas for future USAID programming to address these issues. The goal of the study is to create a scalable tool and model that will allow USAID to improve AEC project outcomes while simultaneously providing infrastructure that can mitigate the effects of various shocks.
Position Summary:
MSI is seeking a Local AEC Specialist for Colombia to advise and support the MSI team during field data collection activities in that country. The Specialist will have experience in one of the key sector areas: engineering, construction, architecture, city planning, and/or infrastructure, as it relates to Colombia. Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience working on USAID projects, with other donor organizations specializing in AEC activities, government agencies responsible for standards/codes in construction, and other similar experiences. The Specialist should be familiar with country standards for AEC projects and have knowledge of which government offices oversee these efforts.
Responsibilities:
- Identify government stakeholders involved with the regulation and enforcement of AEC standards.
- Provide information about the AEC sector in Colombia, trends and sources of data for the study.
- Assist in data collection by conducting interviews and focus groups, as well as reviewing relevant documents and data.
- Assist in coordinating meetings with key stakeholders for data collection.
- Review data collection instruments for cultural sensitivity, country norms, technical accuracy, and improved data quality.
- Contribute to relevant study design proposal sections, including data collection instruments, data collection and analysis plans, work plans, sampling plans, and other relevant sections.
- Participate in relevant USAID meetings, in collaboration with the MSI team.
- Contribute to the analysis and write up of the final report, which may include: reviewing and analyzing secondary documents, conducting key informant interviews in person and remotely, conducting structured observations on AEC activities, facilitating group discussions, reviewing trends for the country by sectors, and a write up of sector specific information (if appropriate).
Qualifications:
- Must have at least a Master's Degree in city planning, urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or similar field. Certification in general construction will also be considered.
- Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, including experience conducting relevant AEC activities in Colombia or region.
- Familiarity with codes and standards for construction/engineering/city planning in Colombia is required. Experience with USAID projects or working with USAID/other donors preferred.
- Prior knowledge and experience working in Colombia and region.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with local firms in Colombia.
- Native or near-native fluency in English including speaking, writing, and reading.
- Outstanding analytical and report writing skills.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.
To apply: Please visit our website, www.msiworldwide.com
PI111836499
How to apply: