Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Shelter Officer leads the shelter and infrastructure activities of UNHCR ensuring there is strong cross sectoral synergies with other sectors and protection. The incumbent acts as focal point for maintaining effective coordination with any established shelter sector working group. In addition, s/he is responsible for the strategic management and monitoring of construction related implementing partners and contractors, and for collaboration with Administration, Finance and Programme on all programmatic issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). S/he shall be working closely with other sections on shelter and general infrastructure related activities and provides functional shelter and infrastructure guidance to the team as well as to the shelter experts in relevant field locations.
The Senior Shelter Officer should ensure the operation is conducting the most effective shelter and general infrastructure response possible by ensuring comprehensive sectoral needs assessments are carried out in liaison with other relevant sectors. This implies the gathering of both quantitative and qualitative data on the profile/needs and living conditions of both the displaced population and host community, taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns.
The Senior Shelter Officer ensures that shelter and infrastructure responses evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from local building practices and materials.
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 eviction, unsafe conditions, exploitation and abuse, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to services and unhygienic living 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.
In the UNHCR Country Offices the Senior Shelter Officer works closely in a multi-functional team and reports to the Senior Technical Coordinator or Senior Programme Officer and maintains a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.
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
– Develop shelter strategies and periodically review them to reflect evolving situations and align with national and global level policies and guidelines including: The Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
– Support the Operation with the development and periodic updating of a suitable shelter approach, taking into consideration area-based multi-sectoral approaches, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
– Carry out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply. Engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the beneficiary selection process prioritises the shelter needs of the most vulnerable Persons of Concern (POC) are addressed.
– Provide shelter responses that are in line with the Master Planning Principles and designed to adopt to an area-based approach in implementation.
– Review, identify and monitor shelter programmes and initiate responses to address the gaps in collaboration and coordination with key UNHCR technical staff, operational partners and authorities as required.
– When planning shelter solutions, ensure that due consideration is given to standards in other relevant sectors such as water and sanitation, infrastructure for reception, education and health so that implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
– Oversee the adherence of technical elements to standards that reflect UNHCR and other international minimum standards and implementation within budgetary requirements for all shelter and infrastructure works.
– Monitor and follow up the design and construction works to confirm these are approved by the relevant authorities, technically sound, supplemented with accurate drawings, detailed BQs and specifications.
– Ensure technical information is available on the SIP (settlement information portal), ensure shelter dashboards are populated with relevant data, prepare mission reports and debrief.
– Establish clear guidance and detailed standards for coordinated shelter assessments, specific to the operational context in line with emergency standards and long-term durable shelter solutions.
– Advice UNHCR¿s implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with global, national and operational strategies and guidance.
– Ensure the dissemination and compliance with appropriate internationally accepted shelter standards, best practice and guidelines within UNHCR and among partners to meet quality and oversight expectations.
Coordination and Leadership
– Provide strong leadership in ensuring that UNHCR¿s country operation is technically sound in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development so as to best meet the needs of POC.
– Coordinate and manage UNHCR¿s shelter and infrastructure interventions in a timely, cost-effective, inter-sectoral manner providing adequate delivery of technical interventions and services to support operational needs. Liaise with the government, line ministries and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership.
– Where activated, ensure a close and operational leading role in the Shelter Cluster so that UNHCR¿s operational footprint is aligned with the agency goals. In refugee operations, take on the role of the coordination of shelter and settlement activities in line with the Refugee Coordination Model.
– Participate, as technical focal point for shelter/infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including Government counterparts to ensure UNHCR¿s interests and those of the POCs are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner.
– Coordinate with partners to assess, analyse and map available information on shelter options in country considering relevant policies, guidelines and plans adopted by the Government.
Collaboration
– Collaborate with Programme and emphasise the importance of reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. Provide guidance to Programme during Implementing Partner Selection of shelter sector partners.
– Engage with Programme as an active 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.
– Engage with the Supply team and provide guidance on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services, including the development of technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc. for bid documents.
– Oversee the technical evaluation of the received bids as well as review/inspect the quality of shelter and infrastructure products/works during implementation and at completion.
– Work in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders including local authorities, implementing and operational partners and affected communities on issues related to the shelter and settlement programme, while ensuring full participation of them in all work in order to achieve optimum levels of adequacy in the shelter response, for enhancement of skills development and income generating opportunities.
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Architecture; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering;
Construction Management; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Shelter Coordination Training
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Prior experience of managing shelter and infrastructure projects in humanitarian context and large scale emergencies coordinating with operational partners governmental technical departments. Prior experience in designing and implementing a shelter strategy, including host family situations, collective shelter and camp settings, in emergency while considering the transition to more sustainable solutions. Project formulation, planning, supervision and management skills. Previous involvement in implementation processes (including development of bill of quantities, analysis of local capacity and local markets, cost estimations, etc.) Experience of construction management (including site supervision, monitoring, quality control, evaluation etc.) including application of participatory approaches to facilitate active participation of communities into the project cycle and into the construction process. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programmes. Experience in building on existing local capacity and transfer knowledge as appropriate.
Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, WASH, environment and land use. Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, humanitarian infrastructure, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of the refugees is taken into account while designing, developing and implementing shelter options. Proficient in basic computer software¿s, including engineering (AutoCAD) and basic geo-spatial analysis tools (GPS). Familiarity with and considerable Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations. Ability making the linkages to rehabilitation and development programmes will be an added advantage.
Functional Skills
IT-Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
PG-Results-Based Management
SP-Design tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS)
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.
Desired Candidate Profile
Requirements for the position include:
– Strong record of implementation of shelter and housing programmes including in urban contexts and internal displacement.
– Deep understanding of architectural and engineering practices and the interface of humanitarian and development practice, shelter and housing interventions as a key social, cultural and economic action and be able to build upon the local capacity and transfer knowledge.
– Experience in social compensation schemes and social housing policies is an added value.
– Mature experience to pursue strategic technical collaboration with government, donors and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
– Solid technical knowledge on the formulation, contracting and monitoring of construction and infrastructure programmes.
– Demonstrated experience in strategic and innovative thinking while possessing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
– Proven analytical skills and have a strong data orientation as the basis for decision making and be able to steer critical thinking of shelter and housing both at socio-economic and technical level.
– Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, as well as a mature approach are necessary to effectively manage the work.
– Be a strategic thinker and have a broad view of shelter programming across contexts to effectively link to critical issues including protection, environmental sustainability, energy and WASH infrastructure.
– Proven knowledge of HLP considerations in shelter programming is critical.
– Be able to work under pressure and effectively coordinate and delegate to meet multiple competing deadlines in an organized and structured manner.
– Strong diplomatic communication, excellent writing and presentation skills are essential.
– Be able to strategically manage a large team and ensure that the team performs at its best, ensuring distinct roles and building on the strengths of the team members.
– Good understanding of the UNHCR footprint in situations of internal displacement and response in complex emergencies;
– Proven track record in strategy preparation and implementation for complex programmes with multiple outputs and activities;
– Prior experience of implementing shelter, housing and infrastructure projects in humanitarian context and large-scale emergencies;
– Ability to represent the unit and UNHCR at all levels including with the Government and the donors;
– Project formulation, planning, supervision and management skills;
– Proven track record of managing large team of national and international technical and non-technical staff,
– Experience in building on existing local capacity and transfer knowledge as appropriate;
– Understanding of the shift between emergency and durable solutions in the housing sector and experience of compensation schemes, master planning and social housing policy;
– Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, WASH, environment and land use.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Desired languages
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
As the unit lead of the Emergency Shelter and Housing Unit, the incumbent will be expected to set the aims, objectives and activities of the unit through the development and management of the overall shelter and housing strategy. The unit overseas all the operations across the country linking with field-based shelter staff to ensure that the strategy is understood and followed and targets are adhered to. Within the Unit in Kyiv there are a mix of engineers and architects who support the field and ensure UNHCR’s own directly implemented works and those by its 9 partners are undertaken on plan, to budget and to the required standards. The incumbent also plays a key role in representation both within UNHCR but also external with the partners, donors and the Cluster.
Living and Working Conditions:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been present in Ukraine since 1994 but has increased its presence by a substantially larger scale up in the operation’s structure, staffing and response after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The geographical presence within Ukraine has significatively expanded to deliver the emergency response. The functions in the country office are currently divided between Kyiv and L’viv, and new operational offices have been established in the central and western regions. UNHCR now has direct operational presence in Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Kyiv, L’viv, Odesa, Poltava, Uzhhorod and Vinnytsia as well as in Donetsk and Luhansk, which are currently not under the control of the Government of Ukraine. The current structure is the foundation for the 2023 structure, however it will be continuously reviewed and adjusted in response to the evolving operational environment.
The war in Ukraine has caused death and suffering on a dramatic scale and left at least 17.6 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection. At the end of January 2023, over 5.9 million people are estimated to be internally displaced, while 8 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe, most of them women and children.
The massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, with the energy sector being particularly targeted in the fall of 2022, has made life unbearable for millions of people who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and has severely disrupted access to electricity, water, heating as well as critical services, including healthcare, education and social protection services. Humanitarian access continues to be hampered, particularly in areas in the East under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation.
Civilians remain exposed to serious risks to their physical security and integrity, particularly in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. The risk of GBV, including sexual violence, is high particularly in areas of active hostilities. The separation of families is one of the problems most reported by protection actors, particularly following displacement. Populations displaced or affected by the war live in situations of deprivation, following the loss or damage of their housing, loss of incomes, and the lack of access to essential services, such as health care or education.
The Government of Ukraine maintains a strong lead role in responding to the needs of its population and UNHCR supports the Government and its central and local institutions to provide protection, shelter/housing, cash and in-kind assistance to people impacted by the war. Under the leadership of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, UNHCR operates as part of the inter-agency humanitarian response, working in close coordination with local authorities and humanitarian partners. UNHCR is leading three clusters – Protection, Shelter and NFIs, and CCCM and is part of the Durable Solutions Steering Committee
The strategic orientation of UNHCR’s response is to reach people with specific vulnerabilities who remain in frontline and heavily affected areas with immediate relief while supporting displaced people and those who have remained in their homes, or returned, with protection advice, shelter support and cash assistance to enable their attainment of durable solutions.
Security:
The war in Ukraine continues to evolve and areas of Donetska, Luhanska, Khersonska and Zaporizka oblasts in the east and south of Ukraine are currently under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation. The most intense fighting is now concentrated in the east (Donbas) and south of the country. At the same time, long-range cruise missiles and UAVs have been hitting vital infrastructure across the country, including airports at the start of the invasion. The airspace is therefore closed for commercial traffic, leaving cars and trains the only means of transportation across and in and out of the country. Large scale attacks on critical energy and transportation infrastructure have also taken place since October 2022. This has led to frequent power outages, internet, and connectivity problems; coupled with the harsh winter conditions, these developments present an additional challenge to the operational and security environment and affect staff safety and wellbeing.
The UN has not been targeted and retains its impartiality and neutrality when delivering its mandate. However, the danger cannot be fully ruled out, and risks to personnel and dependents, assets, and programmatic activities remain extant.
Security threats and risk levels are being identified and reviewed through comprehensive Security Risk Management SRM processes. The highest residual risks, assessed at this moment in time, emanate from the international armed conflict threat factors and vary from high in non-contested areas, to very high and even extreme, for areas where open armed hostilities are ongoing. In this context, the humanitarian space has shrunk, making access to beneficiaries in contested areas difficult.
To determine if a risk is acceptable, the UNHCR Representative, Heads of Offices and Programme Managers, security staff, and personnel apply the concept, principles, and applicability of the SRM process as defined by the UNSMS. However, the minimal projected risk level in Ukraine is still assessed as “high” which should be strongly considered, and staff applying for positions in Ukraine should be ready to live and work in a very dynamic security environment in which unexpected events could be a daily occurrence. Air raids are common, and staff can be obliged to work from bunkers or underground carparks for several hours. Power and water outages are to be expected in places of residence and shops, restaurants and other services can be disrupted. Curfews are in place country wide. Mission travel must be authorized by the Representative or designated managers and security clearance is mandatory. When necessary, the security unit works closely with UNDSS to make sure that programme activities can go ahead using the SRM processes and procedures that have already been set up and approved by the Designated Official or the ASC. Considering the changing operational and security environment in the country, UNHCR is flexible to relocate its offices to locations that would better serve the delivery of its mandate to help people in need of protection and assistance.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium
March 2023 Compendium – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
How to apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 20 April 2023 (midnight Geneva time)
