C

Family

Family

GS4

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2024-04-01

February 17, 2024

Shelter Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The 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 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 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.
– Assist in the shelter beneficiary selection process prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable PoC
– Assist in the daily supervision of all UNHCR construction and infrastructure projects through Direct Implementation and Implementing Partners within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance to established UNHCR and national standards and that 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.

– Provide support to 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 and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination of shelter and infrastructure projects within the AoR.

Collaboration
– Assist Programme as an active member of the Multi-Functional Team 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 G4 – 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

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. Capacity to work with multi sectorial teams to ensure that relevant issues related to the site/settlements planning are taken into consideration such as the development/maintenance of various infrastructures required. Willingness and ability to work in hardship environments.

Functional Skills
SP-Topographic Surveying
IT-Computer Literacy
(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 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 incumbent will preferably have an educational background in architecture or engineering. The Shelter Assistant normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague.

The incumbent of the position will have to closely follow the coordination of Shelter, NFI and Energy with constant technical inputs, monitoring and expertise. Due to the community approach prone by UNHCR, operations could revert classical housing repairs, Non-Food Items distribution, but also be related to the programming of works concerning community or transit centres, and also deal with a huge emphasize on renewable energy and sustainable development approach. All operations shall be closely coordinated with state institution as Fundelec under the responsibility of the Ministry of energy. Furthermore, the incumbent will monitor the progress of projects presented in the HRP plan or VHF (Humanitarian Venezuelan Funds) ensuring that works are carried out in compliance to established UNHCR and national standards and that they are implemented according to plans, completed within designated timelines, budget and ensure that this information is shared with relevant colleagues.

The incumbent of the position is in daily working contact with UNHCR staff within the Sub Nationals Cluster coordinators Officers. The incumbent will work closely with local and international NGOs involved in implementation of shelter activities, as well as other external partners, including local authorities. At last, the incumbent should also be able to oversee and to advise on practical technical issue as for example managing the installation solar system or similar solution.

Additional duties and activities to be carried out by the Shelter Cluster assistant are:
– Support the Shelter Cluster coordinator in build strong relationships with cluster members for effective collaboration. Provide coordination services, adhering to Principles of Partnership for inclusive and results-oriented cluster coordination. Support the revision and update of contingency plans within the Inter-Agency framework. Contribute to a flexible Shelter Cluster (SC) strategy owned by partners and government.
– Promote accountability to affected populations, involve local stakeholders, and coordinate with government counterparts. Support cluster performance evaluation and enhance response plans. Participated in shelter needs assessments, ensuring timely data availability. Contribute to common funding criteria and resource mobilization in the SC.
– Support capacity building for government counterparts and organizations. Support the deliver shelter training activities for SC members, local partners, and authorities. Ensure the shelter response aligns with relevant technical standards and collaborates with related clusters.
– Support integration of cross-cutting issues like age, gender, environment, and diversity. Contribute to SC information management strategy. Produce analytical shelter reports, maintain an updated SC website, and promote monitoring and evaluation of cluster members’ operations.
– Identify advocacy concerns, participate in meetings with partners and donors, and support the development of reports and advocacy statements. Support the Shelter Cluster Coordinator in the preparation of strategy and advocate for funding. Coordinate with UNHCR and partners for effective communication on SC priorities to donors and others stakeholders.

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. 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. Please also note that recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Spanish

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English

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, SP-Topographic Surveying

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

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

Compendium

Additional Information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks.

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance