Haiti's watersheds suffer from environmental degradation from uncontrolled urbanization, population movement from upper watersheds to the plains, and loss of cover in the hillsides due to use of erosive annual crops. This has resulted in increased flooding and erratic water supply and lowering of GW levels as well as increased brackishness (due to seawater intrusion) of the GW. There are also diminished stream flows and significant problems with irrigation infrastructure. The agricultural productivity of the plains remains untapped. Not only will land uses need to be changed, but critically eroded areas such as ravines will have to be stabilized. Making the problem worse is the systematic challenge of dependency and lack of a culture and understanding of maintenance.

Establish structures that strategically stabilize hillsides and control floods in the plains
Restore irrigation systems
Increase potable groundwater levels in the watershed
Rebuild and repair critical transportation infrastructure in the watershed
Install and maintain flood warning systems

Civil Engineering Degree and current P.E. license
Fluent French Speaker; Preferable Creole as well; Haitian national or Haitian diaspora ideal
International experience, preferably in Haiti or Caribbean
Broad background in civil engineering including experience in irrigation systems, flood control and river bank stabilization structures, secondary and tertiary road systems (including bridges and drainage structure), rural water and sanitation systems.
Experience in managing infrastructure projects from the design phase through procurement (bid documents) and construction management
Individual will be leading a group of at least 3 Haitian engineers and will be part of the project's core management team (all senior expatriates)

2009-05-31