Organization: UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Location: Bujumbura | Nairobi
Grade: Junior level – P-2, International Professional – Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Protection Officer (Refugee)
Human Settlements (Shelter, Housing, Land, Property)
Closing Date: 2024-11-13
Grade
PR2
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment
Hardship Level
B
Family Type
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Residential location (if applicable)
Target Start Date
2025-01-01
Target End Date
2025-12-31
Deadline for Applications
November 13, 2024
Standard Job Description
Associate Shelter Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Shelter Officer contributes to the preparation of comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in liaison with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, public health, WASH, administration and supply. To ensure the most effective response, both quantitative and qualitative data should be gathered on the profile/needs and living conditions of both the displaced population and host community. The incumbent will oversee the day to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to ensure that works proceed as designed and comply with established standards and procedures for the full project cycle. In a first instance, the incumbent ensures that UNHCR Field Operation(s) are supported in carrying out shelter and infrastructure needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns.
Close and regular contact is also maintained with technical and non-technical staff of UN Agencies, Implementing Partners, and shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities. The incumbent will also participate in discussions relating to shelter and infrastructure coordination and provision. The Associate Shelter Officer normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague or Technical Coordinator and maintains a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.
The incumbent contributes to ensuring that shelter & infrastructure responses within the AoR evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from sustainable local building practices and materials.
Specialized functions to be dealt with by the incumbent include shelter and general infrastructure planning, design and construction monitoring including remote monitoring, therefore the person should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering, architecture or a related discipline.
Within an urban context, it is essential that shelter responses take into consideration urban planning strategies, including an analysis of residential areas, housing affordability and availability. In addition, regardless of the context, shelter assistance should at all times minimize the risk of harm, eviction, exploitation and abuse, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to services and unhygienic conditions. Special attention must be given to the environment and low carbon approaches, attention to material selection through sustainable means to ensure a green approach to shelter delivery.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
Technical Guidance
– Develop and periodically update a suitable shelter approach within the AoR, taking into consideration area-based multi-sectoral approaches, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
– Carry out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply. Engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the beneficiary selection process prioritises the shelter needs of the most vulnerable Persons of Concern (POC) are addressed.
– Provide support in developing shelter strategies and periodically review them to reflect evolving situations and ensure alignment with national and global level policies and guidelines including: Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
– Provide support in developing shelter responses that are developed in line with the Master Planning Principles and designed to adapt to an area-based approach in implementation.
– Review, identify and monitor shelter programmes within the AoR and initiate responses to address the gaps in collaboration and coordination with key UNHCR technical staff, operational partners and authorities as required.
– When planning shelter solutions, work closely with other relevant sectors such as water and sanitation, infrastructure for reception, education and health so that implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
– Oversee all construction and infrastructure projects within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance with established UNHCR and national standards/best practices for the full project cycle.
– Work with established clear guidance and detailed standards for coordinated shelter assessments, specific to the operational context in line with emergency standards and long-term durable shelter solutions.
– Monitor and follow up the design and construction of infrastructure and other facilities (schools, health centres, reception centres, drainage and roadworks etc) to confirm these are approved by the relevant authorities, technically sound, supplemented with accurate drawings, detailed BQs and specifications.
– Provide technical information on the SIP (settlement information portal), ensure shelter dashboards are populated with relevant data and prepare mission reports and debrief.
– Advice UNHCR’s implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with global, national and operational strategies and guidance.
– Work with appropriate internationally accepted shelter standards, best practice and guidelines and disseminate this information among partners within the AoR to meet quality and oversight expectations
Coordination
– Support the supervisor in ensuring that UNHCR’s operation is technically sound in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of POC.
– Coordinate UNHCR’s shelter and infrastructure interventions in a timely, cost-effective, inter-sectoral manner providing adequate delivery of technical interventions and services to support operational needs. Work with the government and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership within the AOR.
– Where activated, provide support to a close and operational leading role in the Shelter Cluster so that UNHCR’s operational footprint is aligned with the agency goals. In refugee operations, take on the role of the coordination of shelter and settlement activities in line with the Refugee Coordination Model within the AoR.
– Participate, as technical focal point for shelter/infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including Government counterparts to ensure UNHCR’s interests and those of the POCs are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner.
– Coordinate with partners to assess, analyse and map available information on shelter options in the AoR considering relevant policies, guidelines and plans adopted by the Government.
Collaboration
– Provide support to Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. Provide technical inputs and support Programme colleagues during Implementing Partner Selection of shelter sector partners.
– Actively work with Programme as a member of the Multi-Functional Team in the Operation and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
– Work with the Supply team to advise on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services, including the development of technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc. for bid documents.
– Carry out technical evaluation of the received bids as well as review/inspection of the quality of shelter and infrastructure products/works during implementation and at completion.
– Work in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders including local authorities, implementing and operational partners and affected communities on issues related to the shelter and settlement programme, while ensuring full participation of them in all work in order to achieve optimum levels of adequacy in the shelter response, for enhancement of skills development and income generating opportunities.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Architecture; Civil Engineering; Construction Management;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Shelter Coordination Training
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Prior experience of implementing shelter and infrastructure projects in humanitarian context and large scale emergencies coordinating with operational partners governmental technical departments. Prior experience in designing and implementing a shelter strategy, including host family situations, collective shelter and camp settings, in emergency while considering the transition to more sustainable solutions. Project formulation, planning, supervision and management skills. Knowledge of AutoCAD and other tools forming a part of the UNHCR settlement planning toolkit. Previous involvement in implementation processes (including development of bill of quantities, analysis of local capacity and local markets, cost estimations, etc.). Experience of construction management (including site supervision, monitoring, quality control, evaluation etc.) including application of participatory approaches to facilitate active participation of communities into the project cycle and into the construction process. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programmes. Experience in building on existing local capacity and transfer knowledge as appropriate.
Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, WASH, environment and land use. Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, humanitarian infrastructure, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of the refugees is taken into account while designing, developing and implementing shelter options. Familiarity with and considerable Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations. Ability making the linkages to rehabilitation and development programmes will be an added advantage.
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
*SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
The UNHCR Regional Bureau for East, Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes (EHAGL) of Africa is based in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a critical hub for collaboration, strategic engagement, and addressing cross-cutting operational challenges. A Regional Director heads the Bureau and has primary accountability for strategic decision-making, regional prioritization, and quality assurance—and enhanced delegated authorities to manage the region effectively. With functional links to the Divisions at HQs, technical experts are integrated within the regional bureau structures/pillars and lines of authority.
The candidate must be fluent in Korean language.
Experience dealing with KOICA, and knowledge of Korea’s ODA system are both desirable.
Technical Support for Shelter, WASH, and NFI:
– Provide technical support to all UNHCR offices in South Sudan and Burundi as needed for site assessments, layouts, and BoQ preparation, with a focus on KOICA-funded projects.
– Review and update the UNHCR Shelter, WASH, and NFI Roadmap, aligning it with the Global Strategy while considering the current situation in the respective countries.
– Update the NFI SOP as required.
– Support Country Field Offices in preparing for the rainy season or other emergencies as needed, in coordination with the Regional Technical Coordinator.
– Under the supervision of the Regional Technical Coordinator, provide additional technical support to UNHCR Country and Field Offices within the region as required.
Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting for Shelter, WASH, and NFI Activities:
– Support monitor NFI and tent stock levels at the country level.
– Support tracking the progress of NFI and tent distributions.
– Support in the preparation of Reports for Shelter, WASH, and NFI achievements, especially concerning KOICA Funded Projects and other earmarked funded projects.
– Conduct monitoring field visits across various states when required.
– Provide Shelter and NFI inputs for donor proposals.
– Support offices in preparing the 2025-2026 detailed plans for Shelter, WASH, and NFI.
– Assist in developing Shelter, WASH, and NFI partnership agreements, including reviewing partner proposals.
– Ensure all offices are reporting Shelter and NFI activities on TIMS, ActivityInfo in a timely and accurate manner.
Shelter, WASH, and NFI Coordination:
– Represent UNHCR on behalf of the Regional Technical Coordinator at Regional Shelter, WASH, and NFI meetings or cluster meetings, providing relevant inputs when required.
– Support the Regional Technical Coordinator in coordinating technical sectors across the EHAGL region as needed.
– Perform other related duties as requested by the Regional Technical Coordinator.
Functional Clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)
Korean
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning, SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D), SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Architecture, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Construction Management
Certifications
Shelter Coordination Training – UNHCR
Work Experience
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Other information
Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Candidates may be required to sit for written test. Oral interviews are mandatory
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.