Structural Engineer – Earthquake Damage Assessment (Short Term)

UNDP has been providing development assistance to the people of Myanmar since the 1950s. UNDP operated under a restricted mandate from 1993 until 2012 implementing the Human Development Initiative programme which provided assistance directly to communities and individuals for improving their lives and livelihoods. In 2013, UNDP began working through two country programmes, and between 2018 and 2020 the focus shifted to direct support to the Myanmar Government. Following the military takeover in 2021, UNDP Myanmar pivoted to directly target the extremely vulnerable by meeting their basic needs and supporting community recovery, through the Community First Programme: 2021-2025. We have and extensive presence with 4 field offices covering 11 states and regions, with offices in Mon State - covering Mon and the southeastern regions including Bago – and Kachin and Shan states. UNDP also has a field office in Rakhine State and a sub-office in northern Rakhine.

UNDP Myanmar works with an extensive network of local CSO, CBO, grassroots partners and community leaders established by UNDP under the Human Development Initiative which started in 1993. These networks remain operational, and UNDP has been able to quickly connect and deliver support through them despite rapid changes in Myanmar’s political and social landscape.

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