Field Engineer- Vanuatu

Description

Organisation Overview – Field Ready
Field Ready is an international non-governmental organization that works to help communities in challenging and disaster-affected environments produce the items they need locally, at the time and place they need them. The organization focuses on improving humanitarian response by introducing innovation into relief operations and strengthening local supply chains.

Their approach combines modern technology, local manufacturing, and partnerships with aid organizations to create practical solutions for real-world problems. By using both advanced fabrication methods and traditional production techniques, Field Ready supports local capacity building and resilience. The organization also works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aid delivery, particularly in remote or underserved locations such as clinics, distribution points, and emergency shelters. Field Ready is a registered US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Position Overview – Field Engineer (Vanuatu)
Field Ready is seeking a skilled Field Engineer to support its disaster risk reduction and development programs in Vanuatu as part of its wider Pacific regional initiative.

The role involves providing technical expertise, supporting innovation-based projects, and contributing to capacity building activities across local communities and partner organizations. The Field Engineer will work under the supervision of the Pacific Technical Lead based in Fiji and will play an active role in planning and implementing field-based technical work.

The position is based in Port Vila, with frequent travel within Vanuatu and across the Pacific region depending on project needs.

The successful candidate will contribute to designing and implementing practical engineering solutions that combine modern fabrication technologies with locally available materials and skills. They will also support training programs, field deployments, and collaborative problem-solving with local stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
•Apply knowledge of both modern manufacturing methods and traditional production techniques, including digital fabrication and local craft systems
•Identify and work effectively with locally available materials, suppliers, and fabrication capabilities to develop practical solutions
•Provide technical support across project planning, design, and implementation phases
•Deliver or assist in technical training sessions for staff, apprentices, and community partners
•Support the development and execution of technical work plans and ensure timely implementation
•Maintain regular coordination with technical and administrative teams, particularly on procurement, risk management, and monitoring
•Ensure engineering work meets high standards of quality, safety, and professional integrity
•Adapt engineering best practices to real-world field conditions, balancing safety, cost, and feasibility
•Contribute to proposals, technical documentation, procurement processes, and contractor selection
•Represent the organization in discussions with external stakeholders when required
•Supervise or support local contractors and trainees
•Clearly communicate technical ideas and engineering decisions to non-technical audiences

Qualifications and Experience
•Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with strong practical engineering experience
•Hands-on expertise in fabrication, prototyping, maintenance, CAD design (e.g., SolidWorks or similar), and product development
•Strong project management skills across full project lifecycles
•Ability to build and maintain partnerships with external organizations and stakeholders
•Experience working independently in challenging field environments
•Ability to conduct needs assessments and translate findings into engineering solutions
•Understanding of humanitarian or development contexts and principles

Additional Requirements:
•Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
•Experience working in engineering, fabrication, or manufacturing sectors in Pacific Island contexts
•Willingness to travel frequently, including extended field assignments

Desirable:
•Experience delivering technical training or capacity-building programs
•Background working with vulnerable or marginalized groups
•Experience working with donors, NGOs, or grant-funded programs
•Strong connections within maker, engineering, or fabrication networks
•Broad engineering capability across mechanical, civil, electrical, and systems disciplines

Additional Information
This role is open only to citizens and permanent residents of Vanuatu.

Salary range: 2.0 – 2.2 million Vatu per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Field Ready strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter in English via email.

Please include the subject line:
“Application – Field Engineer (Vanuatu)”

Email: hr.pacific@fieldready.org

Applications close on 26 June at 5:00 PM (Vanuatu time).