Senior Shelter Associate

Organizational Context

UNHCR provides support in carrying out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments, liaising with various sectors to gather quantitative and qualitative data on displaced populations and host communities. The role supports daily operations of construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with standards and procedures throughout the project cycle. Close contact is maintained with sector members, NGOs, and government authorities.

Job Purpose

The Senior Shelter Associate provides crucial support in assessing shelter and infrastructure needs, working collaboratively with protection, programme, community services, public health, WASH, administration, and supply sectors. The role ensures effective response by gathering comprehensive data on displaced populations and host communities. It supports the day-to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR), ensuring adherence to established standards and procedures for the entire project lifecycle. Regular interaction with technical and non-technical staff from shelter sector members, national and international NGOs, and Government Authorities is essential. The incumbent assists in evolving shelter and infrastructure responses to changing situations, moving towards durable solutions and incorporating sustainable local building practices. Technical support is provided for infrastructure planning, design, and construction monitoring, with a focus on urban planning strategies and minimizing risks like harm, eviction, and exploitation. Environmental considerations and low-carbon approaches are prioritized in shelter delivery.

Responsibilities

Assist in conducting shelter needs assessments, coordinating with protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration, and supply sectors. Prioritize vulnerable Persons of Concern (PoC) in the shelter beneficiary selection process. Support the development and updating of shelter strategies, aligning with national and global policies like the Global Compact on Refugees and Sustainable Development Goals. Oversee daily management of construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with UNHCR and national standards. Monitor and follow up on infrastructure design and construction (schools, health centers, etc.), verifying technical soundness, accurate documentation, and adherence to plans, timelines, and budgets. Coordinate shelter and infrastructure implementation with WASH, education, and health sectors. Provide technical assistance to implementing partners on shelter and settlement issues, ensuring compliance with standards and strategies. Offer technical support for shelter, construction, and infrastructure development to meet PoC needs. Coordinate and manage UNHCR's shelter and infrastructure interventions efficiently and cost-effectively, fostering strong coordination with government and counterparts. Act as the technical focal point for shelter/infrastructure in coordination meetings, representing UNHCR and PoC interests. Review technical components of Project Partnership Agreements involving construction. Collaborate with the Programme team as part of the Multi-Functional Team to ensure protection and assistance needs are met. Draft bid documents, including technical specifications, BoQs, and drawings. Assist in the technical evaluation of bids and inspection of work quality during implementation and upon completion. Support risk management and opportunity identification within the area of responsibility. Perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Experience in developing shelter and settlement needs assessments and gap analysis for shelter programs. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications for preparing schedules, bills of quantities, and cost estimations.

Skills

Shelter needs assessment Data gathering (quantitative and qualitative) Construction project management Infrastructure project management Coordination with NGOs and government authorities Urban planning considerations Risk management Drafting bid documents Technical evaluation of bids Quality inspection Word processing Spreadsheet applications

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