Assistant Shelter Officer

Organizational Context

The Assistant Shelter Officer contributes to UNHCR's operations by preparing comprehensive sectoral needs assessments, liaising with various sectors, and overseeing construction and infrastructure projects. The role ensures effective shelter responses, considering the needs of displaced populations and host communities, while adhering to UNHCR standards and promoting sustainable practices.

Job Purpose

The Assistant 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. This involves gathering both quantitative and qualitative data on the profile, needs, and living conditions of displaced populations and host communities to ensure an effective response. The incumbent will oversee the day-to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR), ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures throughout the project cycle. This includes supporting the operation in carrying out shelter and infrastructure needs assessments, considering current situations, population planning figures, and expected returns. Close collaboration with UN agencies, implementing partners, NGOs, and government authorities is essential for coordination and provision of shelter and infrastructure solutions, progressively working towards more durable and sustainable local building practices.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Shelter Officer provides technical guidance by assisting in developing and updating shelter approaches, considering area-based strategies, age, gender, culture, climate, environmental protection, and local resources. They participate in needs assessments, liaising with other sectors and ensuring the prioritization of vulnerable populations' shelter needs. The role involves contributing to and reviewing shelter strategies to align with evolving situations and global policies like the Global Compact on Refugees and SDGs. Oversight of construction and infrastructure projects ensures compliance with UNHCR and national standards. The incumbent reviews and monitors shelter programs, initiating responses to gaps in collaboration with UNHCR technical staff, partners, and authorities. Close coordination with water and sanitation, infrastructure, education, and health sectors is crucial for synchronized implementation. They monitor and follow up on the design and construction of infrastructure, confirming approval by relevant authorities and technical soundness. Support is provided to implementing partners on technical shelter and settlement issues, ensuring compliance with strategies and guidance, and disseminating internationally accepted shelter standards. Coordination involves supporting the supervisor in ensuring technically sound shelter and infrastructure development, participating in coordination meetings, and potentially leading the Shelter Cluster. Collaboration includes reviewing technical components of Project Partnership Agreements, providing technical inputs for partner selection, and participating in Multi-Functional Teams. Support is also given to the Supply team for procurement and conducting technical evaluations of bids and works. Risk management and opportunity identification within the area of responsibility are also key duties.

Work Experience

One year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree. Experience in providing hands-on technical support, assistance delivery in emergencies, and relief operations is essential. Familiarity with SPHERE standards, basic survey equipment, digital cameras, GPS receivers, and AutoCAD is required.

Skills

Shelter and infrastructure planning Construction monitoring Needs assessment Project cycle management Coordination with stakeholders Technical evaluation Risk management SPHERE standards AutoCAD Computer literacy Drafting and documentation CAD 3D modeling

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