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 the 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 a 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 with established UNHCR and national standards/best practices for the full project cycle.
• Follow up the design and construction of infrastructure (schools, health centers, reception centers, 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 synchronized 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 a 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.
• 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

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 needs assessments and undertaking gap analysis for the 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)

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Result Orientation
• Managerial Competencies
• Empowering and Building Trust
• Cross-Functional Competencies
• Analytical Thinking
• Technological Awareness
• Innovation and Creativity

Language Requirements

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 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 speak up and seek guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

Language Requirements

• Knowledge of English is Essential.

Additional Information

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training or any other fees).

This is a Temporary Appointment in Field unit Dimma.

An eliminatory or complementary written test for shortlisted candidates may be conducted which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

Operational Context

Nature of the Position

The shelter Associate will be supporting the operation by providing technical support on shelter and infrastructure development and will report to Assistant Protection Officer in Dimma and closely consult with the Associate Civil engineer at SO Gambella.

The incumbent will be based in the UNHCR Dimma field unit to monitor the day-to-day construction activities and the ongoing Projects such as Gym block, sewer line, water supply network, watchtowers, and walkways, and construction of the collapsed wall as well as additional accommodation unit construction in Dimma UNHCR field unit.

S/he will support the field office in preparing bid documents, detailed BQs, specifications, drawing, and design for construction of infrastructure as well as closely monitor the groundwater drill that will be undertaken in 2022.

S/he will also assist in the technical evaluation of received bids, certify any work implemented according to plans and agreement. Provide real-time feedback to contractors on the ground and follow up appropriate measures taken accordingly. Identify maintenance needs of office and guest house and propose required actions to be undertaken.

Furthermore, s/he will also contribute to planning, design, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance of shelter program activities as well as infrastructure development such as schools, health centers, a reception center in line with agreed standards, strategies, and guidelines.

S/he will undertake routine follow-up, supervision, and monitoring of the implementation of the ongoing construction at Dimma UNHCR field office, shelter construction and other infrastructure development-related activities in the camp.

The incumbent should have practical and relevant work experience in the areas of shelter, residential building, and office construction as well as other infrastructure development projects, with civil/construction engineering qualifications.

Living and Working Conditions

Dimma Field office is a non-family duty station located 720 Km from the capital of Gambella regional state. The security situation is relatively calm but unpredictable with sporadic intercommunal conflict and the criminal rate is also relatively high.

The Field Office has an accommodation facility for staff with security guards located in Dimma town. Therefore, the incumbent can live in the UNHCR Compound but is also free to rent accommodation within town.

The town has a limited supermarket, banking, and medical facilities but some food items are available at local markets. It is also 325 km away from Jimma airport. It is accessible and there is a tarmac asphalt road up to Jimma. The town is fast-growing and expanding.

The diversity of topography in Ethiopia has resulted in a wide variety of climates in the country. The climate in Dimma is classified as tropical. The hottest season of the region is in March/April and temperatures may rise up to 45 °C, followed by a long rainy season. The average annual temperature in Dimma is 27.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1148 mm. Remoteness, isolation, and lack of entertainment in social life are the factors to be also considered prior to apply.