Shelter Associate in UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Hardship LevelDFamily TypeNon Family with Residential LocationFamily TypeNon Family with Residential LocationDanger PayResidential location (if applicable)Budapest, HungaryGradeGS6Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral ServiceReasonRegular > Regular AssignmentRemote work acceptedNoTarget Start Date2025-01-01Deadline for ApplicationsDecember 30, 2024Standard Job DescriptionShelter AssociateOrganizational Setting and Work RelationshipsThe 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.DutiesTechnical 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 QualificationsYears of Experience / Degree LevelFor G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higherField(s) of EducationNot applicable.Certificates and/or LicensesCivil Engineering; ArchitectureRelevant Job ExperienceEssentialKnowledge 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.DesirableKnowledge 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 SkillsSP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)CO-Drafting and DocumentationSP-Shelter and Infrastructure CoordinationIT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)Language RequirementsFor 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 Operational Context:The ongoing conflict with the Russian Federation is significantly impacting civilian homes and infrastructure on a daily basis. The Shelter Unit of UNHCR Odesa, responsible for Odeska, Mykolaivska, and Khersonska oblasts, implements a range of shelter and repair solutions, from immediate emergency responses following shelling to more durable repairs for dwellings and civilian infrastructure. The UNHCR Odesa Shelter Unit employs over nine different types of interventions, selected based on the context and capacity assessed during evaluations. Reactivity and adaptability are key to proper project implementation. The Shelter Associate will follow up on numerous cases, preparing technical documents from initial decision-making to the completion of assistance for internally displaced persons or war-affected populations. The implementation of these projects requires flexibility, agility, and dedication to be solution-oriented and avoid delays in assisting beneficiaries and communities. The selected candidate is expected to handle a significant volume of work in changing environments with stretched resourcesRequired languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English,Ukrainian,Desired languages,,Operational contextOccupational Safety and Health Considerations:Nature of Position:Living and Working Conditions:SkillsAdditional QualificationsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD), SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D), SP-Shelter and Infrastructure CoordinationEducationCertificationsArchitecture - Other, Civil Engineering - OtherWork ExperienceCompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awarenessUNHCR Salary Calculatorhttps://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScalesCompendium Additional InformationFunctional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance Show more Show less Посадовий рівень Старший середній рівень Тип зайнятості Повний робочий день Посадові обов’язки Інше Галузі Міжнародні справи