Associate shelter officer

Organizational Context

The Associate Shelter Officer works within UNHCR, contributing to shelter and infrastructure projects. The role involves preparing needs assessments, overseeing construction, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective and safe shelter solutions for displaced populations and host communities, aligning with UNHCR's mandate and operational context.

Job Purpose

The Associate Shelter Officer is responsible for contributing to the preparation of comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in coordination with protection, programme, community services, public health, WASH, administration, and supply sectors. The incumbent will oversee the daily operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR), ensuring adherence to established standards and procedures throughout the project lifecycle. This includes supporting Field Operations in conducting shelter and infrastructure needs assessments, considering current and projected population figures, and the scale of returns. Close collaboration with UN Agencies, Implementing Partners, NGOs, and Government Authorities is essential for effective coordination and provision of shelter and infrastructure solutions. The role also involves contributing to the evolution of shelter and infrastructure responses towards more durable and sustainable solutions, utilizing local building practices and materials, and considering urban planning strategies where applicable.

Responsibilities

The Associate Shelter Officer will develop and update shelter approaches considering area-based, multi-sectoral, age, gender, cultural, climate, and environmental factors, as well as local resources. They will conduct needs assessments, liaise with other sectors, and ensure vulnerable Persons of Concern (POC) have their shelter needs prioritized. Support will be provided in developing and reviewing shelter strategies aligned with national and global policies, including the Global Compact on Refugees and SDGs. The incumbent will review, identify, and monitor shelter programmes, initiating responses to gaps in collaboration with UNHCR staff, partners, and authorities. They will ensure construction and infrastructure projects comply with UNHCR and national standards, providing technical guidance on shelter and settlement issues to implementing partners. Coordination with government, counterparts, and cluster mechanisms is key. Collaboration with Programme and Supply teams on technical components of agreements, partner selection, and procurement is required. The officer will conduct technical evaluations of bids and monitor the quality of works. They will also support risk management and perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or 2 years with a graduate degree, or 1 year with a doctorate. Experience in implementing shelter and infrastructure projects in humanitarian contexts, designing shelter strategies, project management, and using AutoCAD is essential.

Skills

Shelter and infrastructure project implementation Needs assessment Project cycle management Coordination with stakeholders Technical guidance Construction monitoring Budgeting and cost estimation Risk management AutoCAD Participatory approaches Shelter strategy development Report writing

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