Bridge Program Fellow

Build bridges. Build leaders.

The Engineers in Action Bridge Program is hiring a Fellow (i.e. field intern) to help us empower today’s students to become tomorrow’s global leaders by building pedestrian bridges with underserved communities in Bolivia and Eswatini. The bridges we build over impassable rivers connect rural communities to essential resources and opportunities. The university students who help build those bridges become the leaders our world needs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

We’ve worked with over 1,000 students from over 40 universities to build more than 100 bridges serving approximately 150,000 people in 12 countries, and we’re just getting started. Join us, and become part of the best student-powered bridge building network in the world.

Applicants will participate in a 6-12 month placement as a “Fellow”. The ideal candidate is a professional with international travel experience and a passion for international development.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES

   1. Identify new potential bridge sites
   2. Assist in project site preparation prior to construction
   3. Maintain tool and material inventory, purchase new items if needed
   4. Maintain project site list and map up-to-date
   5. Support the local staff in social and technical surveys of bridge sites
   6. Perform technical tasks such as calculations and design
   7. Answer student project-related questions and review project reports for accuracy
   8. Maintain regular communication with EIA staff and students
   9. Spread awareness of the Bridge Program within Bolivia or Eswatini
   10. Coordinate with community members and other stakeholders regarding project preparation and logistics during construction
   11. Take part in the quality control process during bridge construction
   12. Ensure that EIA safety rules are respected
   13. Carry out financial tracking and reporting
   14. Review and create documents for the development of the Bridge Program
   15. Contribute to our Social Media
   16. Other general tasks as requested

2. QUALIFICATIONS

   1. Passion for the EIA Bridge Program’s mission and international non-profit work
   2. Experience and/or knowledge of surveying basics (Auto Level and Total Station)
   3. Experience in international or community development
   4. Exceptional, professional, and detail-oriented organizational skills with excellent time management and communication skills.
   5. A positive, optimistic, and can-do attitude with the ability to work with or without direction and or direct supervision.
   6. Creative, energetic, and self-motivated, with a proven track record of taking initiative and problem solving
   7. Comfortable with our perpetual drive for improvement (we are the best in the world at what we do because we love learning from failure)
   8. Fluent written and spoken Spanish or siSwati (conversational or better English preferred)
   9. Proficiency driving a manual transmission vehicle preferred
   10. Candidates with a bachelors in Civil Engineering or International Development preferred
   11. Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner to external partners
   12. Passion for integrating experiential learning pedagogy into traditional engineering curricula.
   13. Professional experience in volunteer management, student empowerment, engineering design, construction management and/or program management, with strong preference for international development experience.
   14. Preference for applicants who have gone through the EIA Bridge Program

3. LOCATION

This position requires a minimum six-month commitment in Bolivia or Eswatini. If the first six month assignment is excellent, an additional six month assignment may be offered.

1. SALARY

Fellows receive a $700/month living stipend (which you don’t have to pay income tax on). This is enough to live comfortably in the cities where our field offices are based, including pocket change for traveling/exploring/etc. All in-country work expenses (e.g. gas, purchases made on behalf of the organization, etc.) are reimbursed. There may be flexibility to increase compensation for this position depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about that possibility if needed.