Document

TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN, MYANMAR IS LOOKING FOR A PROJECT ARCHITECT /
MANAGER
Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit, non-governmental organization specializing in urban regeneration,
business development, and education in traditional arts and architecture. Turquoise Mountain Trust has
been successfully completing projects in Afghanistan since 2006, and is now setting up in Myanmar and is
looking to recruit a talented and ambitious Project Architect / Manager who shares the vision of the
organisation and will lead on the planned new building projects.
Job title: Project Architect / Manager
Reporting to: Director - Myanmar
Direct reports: N/A
Contract/Hours: The role is full time at 40 hours per week over 5 days per week between 9 and 5.30.
Occasional out of office hours may be required.
Salary: $2,200 per month
Location: Yangon (Office in Bahan Township)
Main Function
To lead on the physical conservation building projects proposed by Turquoise Mountain in the historic
Downtown area of Yangon and at the University. This will include everything from the design and
specification of repairs and new sympathetic interventions, to finding, training and managing skilled
craftsman to carry out the works. The role has the potential to grow with the organisation as they hope to
take on more buildings.
Key responsibilities
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Building survey: lead on the production of existing measured survey drawings and condition
surveys, with drafting assistance where required.
Design: Produce the design for the repair of buildings summarised on drawings and in
specifications. This will include coordinating the input of other consultants where needed such as
Mechanical and Electrical engineers.
Procurement: Identify suitable contractors to carry out building works and coordinate the
tendering process. Where contractors do not have the required experience of working on historic
buildings, bring in experience craftsman directly.
Skills training: run on the job training to capacity build contractors and workman by supplementing
them with skilled craftspeople and supporting knowledge sharing. Work with international experts
to increase local knowledge with the overall aim of works being carried out to international
conservation standards.
Construction Management: Manage construction works on site, ensuring that the highest quality
standards are achieved, as well as keeping within cost and programme constraints.
Strategy: work closely with the Director to shape the vision for Turquoise Mountain Myanmar in
terms of the projects that are taken on and the direction of the organisation.
Team management: when the organisation grows this role will include managing a team.
It is the nature of the work of TM that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances unpredictable
and varied. All staff are expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and undertake tasks
that are not specifically referenced in the job description.
Person Specification
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Relevant Architectural or Engineering qualification from a higher education institution
At least 15 years of relevant experience in the construction industry
Good knowledge of the local construction industry, including outline costs, quantities and rates
Experience of working on historic buildings using traditional construction techniques
Experience of delivering vocational skills training
Good design skills that can be well communicated through drawing and specifications
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Fluent Burmese and English with good written English
How to apply
Please send CVs and a covering letter by email no later than 26th December 2014 to:Harry Wardill
Director – Myanmar
Turquoise Mountain
harry@turquoisemountain.org
Tel. 092 5383 9440
Background
Turquoise Mountain Turquoise Mountain has a proven track record of urban regeneration, historic
building restoration and revival of traditional crafts. Over the last eight years in Afghanistan, Turquoise
Mountain has engaged in a wide-ranging and ongoing architectural conservation project in the centre of
the Old City of Kabul, Murad Khane, restoring 112 historic buildings and installing full water supply,
sanitation, electricity and stone paving down every street. Alongside the conservation of traditional
buildings, Turquoise Mountain has built a number of new buildings, combining traditional Afghan
building techniques with those of modern earth construction. In 2013 Turquoise Mountain received the
UNESCO Award of Distinction for the restoration of Murad Khane’s Great Serai, and was praised for its
role in renewing local pride and raising awareness of the continued relevance of local cultural heritage.
Turquoise Mountain has always focused on education and traditional skills. It has built the Institute for
Afghan Arts and Architecture and trained thousands of traditional artisans and builders.
Turquoise Mountain is setting up in Yangon and will work in partnership with the Yangon Heritage Trust
in the historic Downtown and with the University of Yangon. Alongside these established and high
profile partners it plans to undertake highly visible demonstration heritage-led regeneration projects to
international standards. It will provide jobs, skills, and a renewed vision for Yangon rooted in a sense of
pride in Myanmar’s history and culture.