Engineering jobs in international development: What you need to know

Opportunities for engineers abound in international development as governments and donors continue to build basic infrastructure in developing countries, from roads and bridges to water and communications systems. Vacancies in engineering include project management and team lead roles that require mid- to senior-level professionals with sector expertise, recent experience and exposure in international work. “I think the idea of working to alleviate poverty is very appealing to many people,” said Miguel Roca, a veteran in supervising engineering projects in Latin America. “It gives a sense of purpose in life, in what you do. I think that’s something that a lot of people will find truly gratifying.” Indeed, a lot of work has yet to be done. In 2008, the World Bank reported that a sixth of the world population do not have a source of safe water, some 1.6 billion more lack electricity, and some 2.6 billion live in poorly sanitized communities. Remote villages in developing nations – especially in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia – remain cut off with the lack of bridges and paved roads. “Historically, engineers have had blinders on,” said Thomas Colledge, a humanitarian engineering professor at the Pennsylvania State University. “They work in cubicles and say, ‘Throw us the problem,’ will work on it, and will give it to somebody else to work on it.” He added: “What has changed in the last 20 years is the recognition and the acceptance of the engineer’s role in that cultural context.” Here are some sectors requiring engineers in various capacities: Infrastructure Opportunities in this sector range from consulting assignments on infrastructure projects funded by international donors to managerial staff within government. Contractors and funding organizations alike tend to be on the lookout for mid- to senior-level engineers with advanced engineering degrees for road and bridge construction across theMiddle East, Africa and Asia. Some positions advertised frequently as part of international engineering projects: - Project manager or team lead - Highway engineer (design and construction) - Materials or pavement engineer - Civil or structural engineer (eg., for bridge design). Firms such as AECOM and Egis Bceom are continuously seeking engineering experts for development projects around the globe – from highway construction in the Middle East to road rehabilitation in Mongolia. In early 2010, for instance, Egis sought to fill multiple positions – for resident engineer, tunnel engineer, geotechnical engineer, bridge structural engineer and team leader for the construction of an 800-km high-speed railway in China. Experience of at least 10 years is required for all positions. Water, sanitation and environment Jobs in this sector opened up with the international community’s continuing efforts to bring potable water supply and improve sanitation in developing countries. The global discourse onclimate change has also driven firms and funding organizations to take on projects that bring climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies to vulnerable communities. Senior engineers with extensive background in water infrastructure projects have opportunities in team lead positions that involve field management, procurement and quality assurance. Firms are also looking for expert engineers who can provide technical expertise, build capacity and collaborate with local partners. SGI Studio Galli Ingegneria, in early 2010, was looking for highly experienced engineers for a water supply, sanitation and drainage project in the Pacific-Caribbean, with positions ranging from team lead to water and sanitation engineer. Meanwhile, AECOM was looking for water and sanitation engineers for a four-year water supply project in Liberia. Information and communication technology There is a constant need for fast and efficient information exchange and long-distance communication in development work. Funding organizations, nonprofits and contractors continue to build ICT infrastructure in developing communities and require such infrastructure internally, opening up opportunities for mid- and senior-level engineers with background in communication systems and information technology. Apart from technical support, jobs also entail capacity building and training. Other engineering opportunities frequently mentioned by professionals interviewed for this story include: - ICT expert or manager - Electronics engineer - Telecommunications officer Looking to make a career move? Visit our career center for expert advice on how to navigate your job search - all you need is a Devex Career Account to get started.