Shelter Officer – Mogadishu 25 views

Hardship Level: E (most hardship)

Family Type: Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type: Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Residential location (if applicable): Nairobi (CO), Kenya

Grade: PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type: Professional

Reason: Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted: No

Target Start Date: 2023-03-24

Job Posting End Date: April 20, 2023

Standard Job Description: Shelter Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Shelter Officer conducts 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. In first instance, the incumbent ensures that UNHCR Field Operations are supported in carrying out shelter, infrastructure and settlement needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns.

Close and regular contact is also maintained with technical and non-technical staff of UN Agencies, Implementing Partners, and shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities. The incumbent also discusses matters relating to shelter and infrastructure coordination and provision. S/he normally reports to a Senior Shelter colleague or Technical Coordinator and maintains a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.

Specialized functions to be dealt with by the incumbent include shelter & infrastructure design, planning, implementation and construction monitoring including remote monitoring (if necessary) throughout all phases of the sheltering cycle, therefore the person should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering, architecture or a related discipline.

The incumbent ensures that shelter responses within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) 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, 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

• •  Develop and periodically update a suitable shelter approach for the Operation, 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.
  •  Contribute to the development of shelter strategies and periodically review them to reflect evolving situations and ensure alignment with national and global level policies and guidelines including: the Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
  •  Provide shelter responses that are developed in line with the Master Planning Principles and designed to adapt 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.
•  Enforce 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.
•  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.
•  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 BOQs and specifications.
•  Provide technical information on the SIP (settlement information portal), and ensure shelter dashboards are populated with relevant data, prepare mission reports and debrief.
•  Advice UNHCR’s implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with global, national and operational strategies and guidance.
•  Disseminate and ensure 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

•  Ensure that UNHCR’s operation is technically sound in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR 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 advice to Programme during Implementing Partner Selection of shelter sector partners.
  •  Work 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.
  •  Work with the Supply team to advise on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services, including the development of technical specifications, BoQs and drawings for bid documents.

• •  Carry out 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 the 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 P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Architecture; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering;

Construction Management; or other relevant field

Certificates and/or Licenses

Shelter Coordination Training

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Prior experience of implementing 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

SP-Environment Planning

IT-Computer Literacy

SP-Shelter and Site Planning Technical Guidelines and Standards

SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management

SP-Design tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS)

SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning

SP-Global Shelter Cluster Strategy

SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination

(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: Besides the education qualifications and experience in the job description, the candidate should have technical competencies and experiences in UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, environment and land use. Practical knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, humanitarian infrastructures, 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) and considerable Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):: ,

Desired languages: ,

Operational context: Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:: There are 2.9 million IDPs in Somalia and most of them live in over 2,000 IDP sites across the country. Over 800,000 people are displaced every year mainly due to conflict, drought and flooding. Drought and flooding events are cyclic in nature in Somalia. The response to needs in terms of shelter is done through cluster approach. UNHCR is leading the Shelter cluster and work with partners including implementing partners to support the newly displaced population and those living in protracted situation with the emergency shelter and NFI assistance. Transitional and durable shelter supports are also provided however the scale of such support is very limited mainly due to lack of funding and availability of suitable land. In addition to the IDPs, Somalia operation continue to receive returns from various countries mainly from Kenya and Yemen. Returnees receive subsistence allowance to cover the basic need including shelter needs. Also, the Operation has around 30,000 Refugees and Asylum seekers. The shelter needs for this population group is covered through CBI. The incumbent will report to the Sn Programme Officer. S/He will be based in Mogadishu with frequent travel to the field locations to extent support and Guidance the Sub-offices and to monitor the shelter and NFI interventions as required. The incumbent will work together with Partners on different assessments and will represent UNHCR in the Cluster meetings.

Living and Working Conditions:: The security situation in Somalia is well-known for being volatile and unpredictable. The incumbent should therefore have experience in working in stressful conditions, have sound security awareness, and be sensitive to social, cultural and religious norms.

UNHCR has its own accommodation and Office compound within the AMISOM protected area. There are several restaurants and shops within the protected area that staff can find different food and non-food items. There is no banking service but there are several ATM machines within the protected area where staff can withdraw up to 500USD at a time with Visa cards. USD is also commonly used locally in cash during shopping. There is a PX shop within AAIA AMISOM protected area, where basic food, beverage and clothes stuff can be bought. UNSOS has level II hospital in the compound accessible to UN staff on a cost recovery basis through the Office. For recreational activities, the

accommodations as well as UNSOS compound have gym & sport facility that are accessible to UN staff and residents. Also, international staff can walk around certain unrestricted perimeter of the UN compound such the seaside etc. Mogadishu airport called Adan Abdullahi International Airport

located within the AMISOM protected area within few minutes’ drive away from the accommodation. There is reliable telephone and internet service in the compound.

Staff members are provided radio equipment, mobile sim card, laptop and PPE on arrival. Mogadishu is a high-risk non-family E-duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Field missions by international staff requires security escort within a very limited radius of the Town and must be planned in advance in close cooperation with Security Officer.

Staff are required to complete all mandatory trainings including BSAFE before travel, as well as SSAFE is feasible. There is daily UN Flight from Mogadishu to Nairobi. Additionally, there are few airlines with a daily flight from Mogadishu to Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Istanbul.

Additional Qualifications: Skills

Education

BA: Architecture (Required), BA: Civil Engineering (Required)Certifications

Shelter Coordination Training – UNHCRWork Experience

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned RefugeesCompetencies: Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

UNHCR Salary Calculator: https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium: March 2023 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information: Functional clearance: This position requires Functional Clearance