Assistant Shelter Officer

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

DFamilyUNOPS LICA82024-12-31December 31, 2024Following an outbreak of violence in Rakhine State in Myanmar on 25th August 2017, in excess of 650,000 Rohingya fled across the border into the Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. This influx has more than tripled the existing registered Rohingya population of 212,500, making the total population being hosted in Bangladesh over 890,000, with new arrivals still ongoing.
The speed and scale of this influx exhausted the capacity of the two existing refugee camps and overwhelmed both local authorities and existing humanitarian actors present in the area. Arriving refugees settled in a spontaneous and haphazard manner and makeshift shelters mushroomed along roads and on any available land in the Ukhiya and Teknaf areas. The resulting situation and the severe congestion of the area is presenting severe risks and challenges in terms of access to services, protection, public health and physical safety, e.g. flooding, landslides, fire. Many shelters are of poor quality and constructed in a manner inappropriate to withstand natural hazards – in an area which is prone to cyclones and flooding. Improvements are needed to improve access to services, assistance and enhance the protective environment of the site. The strategy implemented by the Government of Bangladesh has been the establishment of one so-called “megasite” which expands the official Kutupalong refugee camp and the Kutupalong and Balukhali makeshift settlements with additional allocated land. This policy makes the Kutupalong extension the world’s largest refugee camp in terms of population numbers, but geographically it covers a fraction of the area (approx. 12 km2) of other sizeable camps.
The first three years after the influx much of the focus of humanitarian actors has been implementation of mitigating measures to avert major disasters during the yearly monsoon and cyclone seasons. A medium- to long-term perspective needs to be maintained, given the assumption that the settlements in Ukhiya and Teknaf that are being managed by UNHCR & others together with their partners, will remain in existence for several years to come. In this context, it is extremely important that these settlements be improved in terms of overall settlement planning; location, delivery and management of basic services; living conditions including public space; and disaster risk reduction. At the same time, the needs of the host communities, particularly in areas where they are living in mixed settlements or in close proximity to the camps, must also be addressed.
UNHCR has over the past three years constructed a wide range of buildings and site-infrastructure through direct implementation using contractors, both with in-house design and with consultants. This position is planned to lead a construction team with 5-8 national engineers. The team will ensure a technically professional and efficient implementation of construction projects such as Health facilities, Learning centres, Distribution centres and facilities for security forces. In addition, the team will ensure construction of roads, bridges, canals and soil-retention structures.

Essential
- Knowledge of SPHERE standards and the ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, and computer equipment.
- Hands-on technical support including experience in assistance delivery in emergencies and relief operations.
- Knowledge of computer graphics, AutoCAD and mapping software as well as the capacity to use mapping tools (GPS), and digital photographic equipment, and related software (map info etc.).
- Knowledge of 3D Visualization software, 3D Max, Maya, Cinema 4D is desirable.

Desirable
- Knowledge of UNHCR system and operating modality. Understanding of the humanitarian architecture.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in Architectural Design and Construction Supervision.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in developing detailed design specifications.

Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)
IT-MS Office Applications
IT-AutoCAD (Computer Assisted Design Software)
SP-CAD/CAM Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing
MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation
SP-Sphere Handbook
SP-Shelter Assessment including survey/implementation/monitoring/evaluation/coordination
UN-Knowledge of UN/UNHCR terminology

 

Standard Job Description

Assistant Shelter Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant 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 the Operation is 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 Assistant 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
- Assist in developing and periodically updating a suitable shelter approach within the AoR, taking into consideration area-based approaches, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
- Participate in 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.
- Contribute to 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Support 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.
- Participate in coordination and management of 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.
- 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
- Support Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. Provide technical inputs and advise 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.
- Support Supply team on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services. Draft complete sets of bid documents for all construction and infrastructure projects including technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc.
- 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 P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Architecture; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering;
Construction Management; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Hands-on technical support including experience in assistance delivery in emergencies and relief operations. Knowledge of SPHERE standards and ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, GPS receivers and computer equipment. Knowledge of AutoCAD and other tools forming a part of the UNHCR settlement planning toolkit

Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR system and operating modality. Understanding of the humanitarian architecture.

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.

Required Languages

,

,

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

Other information

This position requires Functional Clearance

Home-Based

No