Technical Lead, Bangladesh

ABOUT FIELD READY

Field Ready is a non-governmental organization that is dedicated to bringing innovation to international disaster relief. Our vision is to meet humanitarian needs by transforming logistics through technology, innovative design and engaging people in new ways. We make useful items to solve problems locally in various sectors such as health, water, and sanitation. We do this by using the latest technology as well as traditional manufacturing machines. We pass on these skills to others through training and pioneering innovative approaches to the toughest challenges. The impact of this is dramatically improved efficiency in aid delivery by quickly meeting needs and cutting procurement costs. Our approach aims to be truly effective and ground-breaking. For more information, please visit: www.fieldready.org

POSITION SUMMARY

Field Ready is leading an exciting 12-month program in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Working with partners on-the-ground, Field Ready will bring its extensive experience in digital and appropriate manufacturing to connect supply and demand, map capabilities and make essential items for frontline workers. The aim of this is to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, this program brings together a set of innovative approaches to make a decided impact in Bangladesh, Iraq, Kenya and Uganda.

Field Ready is looking for a highly capable Technical Lead to support implementation of the project in Bangladesh. The post holder will have a strong engineering background and a solid technical understanding of manufacturing, which they will use to support the team and our manufacturing partners locally and to guide the success of the project.

This person will be responsible for supporting all aspects of technical management and capacity building, working with manufacturing partners in multiple locations. This is a very special opportunity for someone who wants to manage a unique approach combining the latest innovations with traditional methods to improve the delivery of aid.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following are illustrative responsibilities that are expected to evolve over time and depend on the organisational and programmatic needs. An effective Technical Lead will combine relevant technical know-how with excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to ‘get things done’ under challenging conditions. The responsibilities for this task include but are not limited to:

• Responsibility for working with a broad array of manufacturing processes, from digital fabrication to traditional large-scale processes to local craft techniques and provide technical support and professional advice to the team in these areas.

• Strengthen Field Ready’s technology projects by providing support throughout planning and implementation.

• Develop and manage an overall technical work-plan and ensure implementation.

• Oversee quality control and support Manufacturing Engineer with this function, with the guidance of Field Ready’s global technical team.

• Regular communication with technical and admin teams, especially with regards to risk, procurement and project monitoring.

• Ensure the highest possible quality and rigour, with high standards of engineering professionalism.

• Provide detailed technical input into tender documents preparations, proposals, bids evaluations, contracting and facilitation of contracts payments, contractor procurement, supply chain, designs and installation of equipment.

• Represent Field Ready to outside partners when required.

• Management of local contractors and apprentices.

• All other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required competencies:

• Engineering: being skilled in the use of a wide range of manufacturing equipment and experience in mechanical or other allied fields of engineering and being a first-rate ‘maker’. Ability in hands-on making, equipment maintenance/troubleshooting, CAD, concept generation, product development & prototyping essential.

• Project management: the ability to effectively manage technical projects throughout their life cycle, backed up by several years of project management experience.

• Working with others: the ability to work effectively with others and promote a congenial work environment.

• Self-management: the ability to work independently and take initiative to seek out new opportunities and work in a challenging environment.

• Needs assessments: the ability to conduct needs assessments to identify need and engage with users/beneficiaries which may lead to innovative engineering opportunities.

• Humanitarian commitment: an understanding of the principles that govern humanitarian action and commitment to that action.

Required skills and experience:

• English & Bangla: excellent written and interpersonal communication in English and Bangla.

• Manufacturing experience: 5+ years of practical experience of working in the manufacturing, engineering or technical sector.

• Location: Applicants should be in Bangladesh and have the authority, ability and willingness to travel around Bangladesh, where safe to do so.

Desirable criteria:

• Networks: strong connections in the INGO or Aid community or the manufacturing sector and ability to use them for the furtherance of Field Ready’s vision.

• Humanitarian work: Knowledge of or experience in a humanitarian or development setting. Experience working with vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities. Familiarity managing institutional donor grants (e.g., USAID) is a distinct advantage.

• Rohingya: written and interpersonal communication in Rohingya is an advantage.