Builder / Carpenter

Background

The HELPR-1 Vessel Project in Vanuatu focuses on enhancing community resilience through energy, water, and infrastructure improvements across the remote provinces. While the Energy and WASH teams provide technical systems, these systems require support from a skilled Builder/Carpenter. The Builder/Carpenter is responsible for the physical construction tasks, infrastructure repairs, and the assessment of community buildings.

Reporting Line

Reports to the HELPR-1 Director of Operations.

Works closely with the Climate Adaptation Program Team including Solar Technician, WASH Technician and Data Officer, as well as local community leaders.

Objectives

The Builder/Carpenter will ensure that all project installations are structurally sound and that community infrastructure is evaluated for safety. The key objectives are:

1. Infrastructure Support: Provide high-quality carpentry and masonry support for the installation of energy and water systems.
2. Building Remediation: Undertake essential minor repairs to community buildings (clinics, schools, community halls) to facilitate project goals.
3. Building Assessment: Undertake building assessments to determine where further work can be recommended for the future.
4. Site Management: Coordinate local labour hire, ensuring safety standards and efficient use of construction materials.

Responsibilities

1. Construction & Technical Support

• WASH Infrastructure: Construct reinforced concrete foundations and pads for water tanks, pumps, and standpipes.
• Roofing & Catchment: Repair or replace roofing and guttering systems to ensure efficient rainwater harvesting for the WASH team.
• Energy Integration: Build secure housing or mounting structures for battery arrays, inverters, and solar arrays where roof mounting is not feasible.
• General Repairs: Perform minor timber framing, door/window repairs, and masonry work on community facilities identified during the audit.

2. Assessments

• Structural Assessments: Conduct visual inspections of community buildings to identify opportunities for improvement

3. Logistical Duties

• Material Management: Maintain the inventory of timber, cement, fasteners, and tools held at the Nambatri warehouse and on the vessel.
• Coordination: Coordinate local community volunteers or hired day-labourers, ensuring safe work practices on-site.
• Reporting: Contribute to daily SITREPs (Situation Reports) regarding material usage, site progress, and structural findings.

Qualifications and Skills

• Trade Qualification: Certified Carpenter or Builder with significant experience in general construction and maintenance.
• Practical Experience:
  • Proven track record in roofing, concrete finishing, and timber framing.
  • Experience working in remote, resource-constrained environments where creative solutions are often necessary.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to work in tropical heat, carry heavy materials, and operate safely from a maritime vessel.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with the technical teams and engage respectfully with Ni-Vanuatu community members. Proficiency in English desirable
• Information Technology: Computer literacy including experience with Microsoft programmes and willingness to learn Kobo Toolbox desirable.
• Tools: Proficiency with a wide range of power and hand tools; ability to maintain equipment in a high-salinity maritime environment.
• Knowledge (desirable): Awareness of Vanuatu Building Standards.

Salary

148,000VUV + 6% VNPF per month.

Start date

March 23rd 2026.

You will be provided with food and comfortable lodgings onboard HELPR-1. All persons on board HELPR-1 must abide by the Respond Global’s Code of Conduct, including a zero-tolerance ban on alcohol, kava and drugs.

How to apply

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to stephanie.aru@respondglobal.com.

Closing date for applications is March 15th.