Shelter Associate

BFamilyFamily GS6General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentNo2025-01-01February 5, 2025

Shelter Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Shelter Associate provides support 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) to ensure that works proceed as designed and comply with established standards and procedures for the full project cycle.
Close and regular contact is maintained with technical and non-technical staff of shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities. The Shelter Associate normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague.
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 planning, design and construction 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 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 carrying out 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 the supervisor in developing and updating shelter strategies 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 the daily management of all construction and infrastructure projects within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance to established UNHCR and national standards/best practices for the full project cycle.
- Follow up 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 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 sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with national and global standards, national and operational strategies and guidance.
- Coordination
- Provide technical support in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of PoC.
- Assist in coordination and management of UNHCR's shelter and infrastructure interventions in a timely, cost-effective, inter-sectoral manner. Work with the government and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership.
- Participate, as technical focal point within the AoR for shelter/infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including Government counterparts to ensure UNHCR's interests and those of the PoC are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner.

Collaboration
- Assist Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects.
- 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.
- Provide support 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.

- 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 G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Civil Engineering; Architecture

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Knowledge of SPHERE standards and the ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, and computer equipment. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programs.

Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, environment and land use. Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of PoC is taken into account while designing and developing shelter options. 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.).

Functional Skills
SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
CO-Drafting and Documentation
SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
(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.

The ideal candidate for the Shelter Associate role should have a solid foundation in shelter and infrastructure planning, implementation, and management, particularly within humanitarian or emergency contexts. Key qualities and skills include:

- Knowledge in planning, designing, and implementing shelter and infrastructure projects, ideally within humanitarian or displacement contexts.
- Familiarity with shelter standards (such as Sphere) and UNHCR guidelines.
- Experience working with different types of shelters, including Emergency and transitional shelters, and the ability to adapt solutions to both urban and rural contexts.
- Extensive hands-on field experience in camp coordination, camp management (CCCM), or site planning.
- Strong experience in community mobilization and engagement, including working closely with local communities, leaders, and displaced populations.
- Demonstrated ability to work in coordination with diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, local NGOs, and international partners.
- Familiarity with sustainable shelter solutions, including environmentally friendly building practices, renewable energy use, and resource-efficient construction methods.
- Ability to collaborate across different sectors, including WASH, protection, public health, and community services, to provide an integrated shelter response.
- Proficiency in coordinate and conduct needs assessments, develop bills of quantities (BoQs), preparing technical specifications, and oversee construction and infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity, with an understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations, including women, children, indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups.
- Ability to identify and mitigate protection risks related to shelter, such as overcrowding, safety, and gender-based considerations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with field teams, partners, and community members.
- Ability to produce clear and detailed reports, including technical assessments, project updates, and monitoring reports.
- Experience in planning and coordinating NFI distributions
- A degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is required.
Training or qualifications in humanitarian shelter and CCCM are advantageous.

Needs Assessment and Community Engagement
The Shelter Associate will support comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in coordination with other relevant sectors, including protection, public health, WASH, community services, and supply management. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be gathered to understand the living conditions and needs of displaced populations and host communities, thereby ensuring an integrated and effective response.

Project Implementation and Coordination
The incumbent will assist in managing the day-to-day operations of construction and infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR), ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures throughout the project cycle. Close collaboration with field teams is essential to guarantee timely service delivery and promote strong community engagement.

To ensure effective coordination, the Shelter Associate will maintain regular contact with technical and non-technical staff, shelter sector members, NGOs, government authorities, and local community leaders. The role requires reporting to the Assistant Settlement Planning Officer while working closely with field units to facilitate information flow and collaboration.

Durable Solutions and Technical Assistance
The Shelter Associate will assist the supervisor in adapting shelter and infrastructure responses to evolving circumstances, progressing towards more durable solutions. This will involve incorporating sustainable local building practices, community-driven approaches, and maximizing local ownership using PwS. Technical support will be provided for infrastructure planning, design, and construction monitoring, with active participation in field-level implementation.

Urban and Protection-Focused Shelter Interventions
In urban settings, the Shelter Associate will ensure shelter responses align with broader urban planning strategies, including assessing residential areas for housing availability and affordability. Field-level engagement with displaced and host communities will be key to understanding socio-economic dynamics and ensuring shelter solutions are appropriate for urban environments.

The incumbent is also expected to be actively involved in monitoring shelter conditions to address potential protection risks and to ensure that the needs of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and elderly persons, are adequately met. This includes mitigating risks related to harm, eviction, exploitation, overcrowding, and unhygienic living conditions.

Environmental Considerations and Social Inclusion
The Shelter Associate will promote environmentally conscious approaches by encouraging low-carbon practices, selecting sustainable materials, and minimizing the environmental impact of shelter interventions. They will work closely with protection and community-based structures to ensure shelters are not only structurally sound but also socially inclusive, fostering a sense of belonging and security among the displaced population.

Field-Level Coordination and Integration
Finally, the Shelter Associate will support coordination efforts at the field level to integrate shelter activities with other sectoral responses, thereby providing comprehensive and holistic support to the people served. The role will focus on fostering synergies across sectors to enhance the quality and impact of shelter solutions in a way that contributes to overall community resilience and cohesion.

Language requirements:
Portuguese level: Fluency C1 (required)
English level: Working Knowledge B2 (required)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Eligibility:

This position is advertised to internal applicants and UNHCR experience applicants. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time of application, recruitment and hire. Only Brazilian citizens or candidates legally present in Brazil will be considered eligible.

Internal candidates:

Candidates: comprises current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above, as well as any candidates serving at higher grades who fulfill the criteria as per the job advertisement. Staff members must serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category.

Candidates with UNHCR experience:

UNHCR experience candidates are current staff members in other categories (GS/FS/NPO), Junior Professional Officers, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce, interns, staff loaned/seconded from another UN organization/international organization/government entity, as well as former UNHCR staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females).

Remuneration:

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission and please refer to the relevant category / grade level at: http://icsc.un.org

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview/meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

Applications:

All applications must be submitted online in Workday. Email applications will not be accepted. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates might be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at inspector@unhcr.org or through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.Portuguese

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The socio-political and economic collapse in Venezuela has precipitated one of the largest mass displacements in Latin America's history. Thousands of Venezuelans, including indigenous communities, have sought refuge in neighboring Brazil. In response, the Brazilian government launched Operação Acolhida (Operation Welcome) in 2018—a multi-agency, government-led humanitarian response supported by UNHCR and other international partners. Operação Acolhida focuses on providing immediate protection and essential services such as temporary shelter, healthcare, documentation, and legal support, while addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups, particularly indigenous populations who face significant cultural and linguistic barriers.

Shelter Associate Role Overview

The Shelter Associate will play a crucial role in UNHCR's response to the Venezuelan migration crisis and other migratory flows in Boa Vista, Roraima, as part of Operação Acolhida. The incumbent will provide technical support for the planning, management, and implementation of shelter solutions for refugees and migrants. This includes ensuring alignment with UNHCR standards and enhancing integration into Brazilian society through localized and community-focused shelter strategies.

The role involves developing alternative shelter solutions for long-term settlement. This will require close collaboration with local governments and stakeholders to promote social cohesion and leverage local resources for community integration. Close engagement with protection, WASH, and community services teams will be critical to ensure a coordinated response that prioritizes both safety and sustainability in shelter interventions. The Shelter Associate will contribute to building cross-sectoral synergies, integrating environmental considerations, and supporting community-driven approaches to shelter solutions.

Living and Working Conditions:

Family duty station A. Very good infrastructure (health, housing, banking transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) Adequate schools. There is no lack of private schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not high.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, Project Coordination, Site Planning, SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination

Certifications

Architecture - Other, Civil Engineering - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance