Shelter Expert in People in Need

Please note, dependent on applications, PIN may recruit two individuals, one Expert (grade 7), and one Technical Coordinator (grade 6). Those with relevant Shelter infrastructure experience but not meeting all essential criteria are encouraged to apply 

Base: Kyiv, or another PIN office – Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv

Line Manager: Shelter Technical Lead

Starting date: As soon as possible

Contract duration: 4 months' probation period with prolongation upon successful probation period end

About PIN Ukraine:

People in Need (PIN) has been active in Ukraine since early August 2014. Currently, PIN is one of the major humanitarian actors in Ukraine responding to the recent military escalation, providing humanitarian aid to conflict-affected people across Ukraine. Since 2014, PIN has implemented emergency food and cash assistance, NFI, shelter, protection, livelihoods and WASH interventions supporting 3 million vulnerable IDPs, returnees and host communities in urban and rural areas.

PIN is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic. PIN encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and values diversity.

General information about the role of the person: 

PIN is seeking motivated and dedicated individuals who are eager to contribute to meaningful change in the humanitarian shelter, housing, and energy sector. We value individuals with technical knowledge in construction, housing rehabilitation, and energy systems, as well as a willingness to learn and grow under the guidance of senior technical staff. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys providing practical support, assisting in project implementation, and contributing to high-quality outcomes without taking full ownership of strategic or technical leadership. 

Under the direct supervision of the Shelter Technical Lead and as a member of the Programme Quality Department, the Shelter Expert supports day-to-day activities related to shelter and housing projects. The role involves assisting the technical lead and Program Implementation teams to ensures the implementation of effective and efficient Shelter program with a focus on quality day-to-day technical support to the engineers (in the Program Implementation team), harmonization of approaches, compliance with policies and processes in alignment with PIN's strategic objectives. This includes assisting with project documentation, cost estimates, quality verification, and implementation of household and institutional energy solutions (including renewable and backup systems). 

Main duties and responsibilities: 

Coordination: 

• Coordinate between the Shelter Technical Lead and the field engineers on shelter, housing, and energy projects, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, technical standards, and internal SOPs. 

• Coordinate among engineers and implementation staff across different regions to transfer good practices, harmonize technical approaches, and ensure consistency in implementation. 

• Coordinate with field Shelter Officers/Coordinators to ensure proper follow-up on administrative requirements, project documentation, and reporting. 

• Coordinate with Shelter Officers/Coordinators in different geographical areas to share lessons learned, harmonize processes, and maintain consistent project tracking. 

• Internally coordinate with other departments where needed, such as MEAL, procurement, finance, and Data Management teams, to ensure smooth project implementation. 

Technical Support: 

• Support engineers and field teams in applying updated procedures and adjusting project implementation according to guidance from the Shelter Technical Lead and in coordination with Area Managers and Coordinators. 

• Provide technical input to projects requiring combined expertise in civil construction, shelter, energy systems, and institutional rehabilitation. 

• Support the team in applying innovative approaches, including renewable energy, backup power solutions, and energy efficiency interventions at household and institutional levels. 

• Ensure that all interventions are needs-based, evidence-driven, and compliant with donor and internal policies, SOPs, and safety regulations. 

• Support the team with procurement procedures, tender evaluations, and cost verification in collaboration with Estimators and technical staff. 

• Support the development and use of tools, templates, and guidance documents for shelter and energy programming in coordination with the Shelter Technical Lead and relevant departments. 

Capacity Building and Training: 

• Develop and deliver training for staff, local partners, and contractors on shelter, housing, and energy interventions, technical standards, and best practices. 

• Build the capacity of local communities and partners to implement safe, dignified, and resilient housing solutions, including institutional energy systems. 

• Provide technical guidance and support to field teams to ensure the quality, sustainability, and compliance of shelter and energy interventions. 

Communication: 

• Communicate updates, challenges, and lessons learned to relevant stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making, coordination, and technical quality assurance. 

• Conduct field visits across all PIN’s operational areas (up to 50% of the time) to work closely with engineers, Shelter Officers/Coordinators, and other field staff to identify challenges, monitor implementation quality, and support two-way communication with the Shelter Technical Lead. 

• Liaise with municipal authorities, service providers, and other shelter and energy partners to support project implementation and collaboration. 

Qualification Criteria 

Education and Speciality: 

 Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electric and Electronic, Energy, Alternative Energy, or Mechanical engineering or a related field. 

 Work Experience in the Speciality: 

 Essential: 

• 3+ years of professional experience implementing, designing, or supervising Civil Construction, rehabilitation, renovation or restoration, Shelter/Housing and Public Infrastructure Civil Rehabilitation projects including at least 1 years working in the humanitarian sector in the Shelter, Housing and Settlement sector. 

• Demonstrated familiarity with the Ukrainian urban recovery context, including practical experience working with national and municipal authorities, and a solid working knowledge of Ukrainian construction legislation, State Building Codes (DBN), relevant standards, technical regulations, and permitting or approval processes applicable to housing, public infrastructure, and social institutions. 

• Experience with or technical understanding of renewable and hybrid energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic panels, batteries, inverters, and energy storage solutions, particularly in institutional or humanitarian settings. 

• Previous involvement in humanitarian or recovery projects integrating energy efficiency or green energy solutions will be considered a strong asset. 

• Upper intermediate English  

Desirable: 

• Practical experience supporting, designing, supervising, or technically reviewing energy solutions for social or public institutions (e.g. schools, hospitals, collective centers, social facilities). 

• Exposure to backup power systems, including generators, fuel supply considerations, load calculations, installation, and operational safety. 

• Familiarity with electrical rehabilitation works, including internal wiring, distribution boards, grounding, and basic safety compliance. 

Required Expertise: 

• Strong knowledge of shelter and housing construction, rehabilitation, and civil infrastructure, including structural, architectural, and accessibility considerations. 

• Familiarity with technical standards, regulatory frameworks, Ukrainian construction norms (DBN), and safety procedures applicable to housing, public infrastructure, and social institutions. 

• Knowledge of humanitarian shelter standards (SPHERE, Minimum Standards in Shelter and Settlement, Winterization) and good practices in IDP or displaced population housing. 

• Proficiency in tools for technical design, cost estimation, project documentation, and technical monitoring/verification. 

 Required Skills and Competencies: 

• Energy Systems Knowledge: Practical understanding of renewable energy, hybrid systems, and backup power solutions (generators, batteries, solar PV, inverters) at household and institutional levels.
• Regulatory and Standards Compliance: Knowledge of Ukrainian construction legislation, State Building Codes (DBN), technical standards, safety procedures, and humanitarian shelter standards (SPHERE, Minimum Standards in Shelter & Settlement).
• Technical Documentation: Skilled in preparing, reviewing, and verifying project documents, cost estimates, bills of quantities, defect acts, and SOPs.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to assess technical issues, identify solutions, and make recommendations in line with humanitarian and engineering best practices.
• Field Assessment and Quality Control: Ability to conduct site visits, monitor construction quality, verify contractor performance, and provide technical guidance to field teams.
• Coordination and Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with engineers, civil contractors, project teams, procurement, MEAL, and external stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including donors, field staff, and authorities.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Capacity to work in challenging, fast-changing, and emergency-affected environments while maintaining professional performance.
• Computer and Software Skills: Proficiency with technical design tools, cost estimation software (e.g., AVK-5), and standard office applications. Knowledge and experience in engineering and architectural software such as 3D Max, Autodesk, Revit, and Corona are a strong added value.

Required background and competences:

• At least a bachelor's degree in Civil, Electric and Electronic, Energy, Alternative Energy, or Mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Essential: 3 years of professional experience implementing WASH infrastructure projects  (water and sewage system, district heating, or alternative energy) including at least 1 year working in a humanitarian organization in the WASH sector.  

• Upper intermediate English  

• 3+ years of professional experience implementing, designing, or supervising Civil Construction, rehabilitation, renovation or restoration, Shelter/Housing and Public Infrastructure Civil Rehabilitation projects including at least 1 years working in the humanitarian sector in the Shelter, Housing and Settlement sector.

• Demonstrated familiarity with the Ukrainian urban recovery context, including practical experience working with national and municipal authorities, and a solid working knowledge of Ukrainian construction legislation, State Building Codes (DBN), relevant standards, technical regulations, and permitting or approval processes applicable to housing, public infrastructure, and social institutions.

• Experience with or technical understanding of PIN UKRAINE JOB CREATION REQUEST January 1, 2025 renewable and hybrid energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic panels, batteries, inverters, and energy storage solutions, particularly in institutional or humanitarian settings. 

• Previous involvement in humanitarian or recovery projects integrating energy efficiency or green energy solutions will be considered a strong asset. 

• Practical experience supporting, designing, supervising, or technically reviewing energy solutions for social or public institutions (e.g. schools, hospitals, collective centers, social facilities). 

• Exposure to backup power systems, including generators, fuel supply considerations, load calculations, installation, and operational safety. 

• Familiarity with electrical rehabilitation works, including internal wiring, distribution boards, grounding, and basic safety compliance.

• Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work under pressure in emergencies and manage multiple priorities effectively.

PIN OFFERS:

• A competitive salary according to the People in Need salary scale - 2439 - 2695 EUR GROSS (Depending on the qualifications) +3% increase after probation period

• Opportunities for professional development through various capacity-building activities, including trainings, workshops, and seminars.

• 28 calendar days of annual leave, plus 3 additional New Year bonus leave days.

• Possibility to work one day per week remotely for office-based staff.

• Coverage of accommodation and per diem costs for work-related travel outside the assigned office region and/or in cases of excessive travel distance or time, in accordance with People in Need travel policy.

• Provision of a laptop, mobile phone (including prepaid SIM cards), and People in Need branded items (backpack, thermal mug, notebook, portable power bank).

• People in Need offices are equipped with all necessary security and energy-resilience measures, ensuring uninterrupted internet access.

• Free coffee, tea, milk, and water available in all offices.

• A multicultural and friendly working environment, with approximately 300 staff members in the Ukraine programme.

Application procedure:

Please send clearly marked CV and Motivation letter in English. Please note, only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Written test and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.

Please note that PIN does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.

We support the principles of inclusiveness and non-discrimination in the selection process. You can submit an anonymized resume - without specifying your name, age, gender, photo or other personal data. Such resumes will be reviewed on a general basis in accordance with professional experience and qualifications.