Snr. Shelter Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

E (most hardship)Non FamilyUNOPS LICA52025-04-01January 29, 20251- Completion of secondary education with a certificate in civil engineering, architecture, or physical planning.
2- A technical background and experience in Shelter/Settlement, Infrastructure rehabilitation, and computer-aided drafting (CAD) experience are distinct advantages for this role.
3- Minimum one year working with UN/UNHCR/Humanitarian experience; undertaking comprehensive shelter needs assessment and supporting response in a displacement context.
4- Knowledge of Sphere standards and a strong understanding of UNHCR Programme/Partnership management, including Results-Based Management, are an added advantage.
5- Understanding/experience/knowledge of UNHCR's core mandate and protection work, particularly responses to basic needs and essential services, is desirable and an added advantage.

 

Standard Job Description

Senior Shelter Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Shelter Assistant assists in carrying out 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 assist in the day to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
The incumbent assists the supervisor in 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. S/he provides technical assistance in general infrastructure and construction implementation and monitoring.
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 always 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.
The Senior Shelter Assistant normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague.


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 the preparation, data collection and review of shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply.
- Work with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the shelter beneficiary selection process prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable Persons of Concern (PoC).
- Assist in the daily management of all UNHCR construction and infrastructure projects through Direct Implementation and Implementing Partners within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance with established UNHCR and national standards.
- Follow up of the design and construction of infrastructure (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 and they are implemented according to plans, completed within designated timelines, budget and ensure that this information is shared with relevant colleagues.
- Work closely with other relevant sectors such as WASH, education and health so that shelter and infrastructure implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
- Assist implementing partners on technical shelter and infrastructure issues.

Coordination
- Provide technical assistance in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of PoC.
- Work with the government, relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination of shelter and infrastructure projects within the AoR.
- Collaboration
- Actively work with Programme as a member of the Multi-Functional Team and participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
- Assist in the preparation of bid documents for all construction and infrastructure projects including technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc.
- Assist in the technical evaluation of received bids as well as in the review/inspection of the quality of shelter and infrastructure products/works during implementation and at completion.

- 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 G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Civil Engineering; Architecture;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Relevant working experience, including collaboration with different international organizations. Good technical knowledge about construction standards and guidance, particularly knowledge on all shelter typologies utilized in UNHCR refugee responses.

Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, environment and land use. Good knowledge of Auto Cad, site surveying and experience in undertaking related topography assessments/ feasibility studies for site identification and environmental impact studies whilst using surveying tools (including GPS equipment, GIS software).

Functional Skills
SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning
SP-Topographic Surveying
IT-Computer Literacy
WA-WASH-related Technologies
(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

Construction, Drawing, Infrastructure Projects, IT-Computer Literacy, SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning, SP-Topographic Surveying, Work Relationships

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS): Engineering

Certifications

Architecture - Other, Civil Engineering - OtherBuilding Services and Facilities, Work Context: Interagency Coordination, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons

Other information

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants.This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No