Shelter and Settlement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for their futures. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers. DRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on conflict-affected areas and displacement routes, and aims to facilitate the integration of displaced individuals while supporting their potential return home. DRC has been active in Syria since 2008, initially addressing the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to respond to the ongoing Syria crisis since 201
• The organization emphasizes a value compass that includes humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Assistant will play a crucial role in providing administrative and technical support within the Rural Damascus area, specifically focusing on the Shelter and Settlement sector. This position involves assisting the Shelter and Settlement officer in ensuring the quality of planning, implementation, and follow-up of various sector activities. The assistant will be responsible for a range of tasks, including conducting pre-assessments for shelters, schools, and infrastructure, as well as monitoring ongoing rehabilitation works. The role is designed to ensure compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines while contributing to the development of country strategies that translate into actionable plans and daily tasks. The assistant will also engage with beneficiaries to gather feedback and document the impact of the interventions, thereby supporting the overall mission of DRC in providing effective humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Shelter and Settlement Assistant include conducting pre-assessments for schools, shelters, apartments, and WASH infrastructure. The assistant will be required to draw sketches related to DRC rehabilitation activities and create AutoCAD drawings for selected buildings and facilities. Additionally, the role involves taking photographs of proposed work sites, conducting monitoring visits during implementation, and performing head counts. The assistant will also conduct quality surveys with DRC beneficiaries, supervise and monitor the distribution of equipment and furniture, and submit accurate material prices from the market to the Project Officers on a quarterly basis. Furthermore, the assistant may be assigned other tasks by the direct manager and Shelter Manager as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Shelter and Settlement Assistant position must possess a minimum of 2 years of experience in the construction domain, along with an engineering university degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture. Familiarity with standard procedures and guidelines for shelter and WASH projects is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate competencies in striving for excellence, collaborating with relevant parties, taking the lead in initiatives, effective communication, and upholding integrity in line with DRC's values and Code of Conduct, particularly regarding safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of 2 years of experience in the construction domain, complemented by an engineering university degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of shelter and settlement projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the construction domain. Candidates should have a solid understanding of engineering principles and practices, particularly as they relate to shelter and WASH projects. Experience in following standard procedures and guidelines is also necessary, along with a demonstrated ability to strive for excellence in project execution and management.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for interacting with beneficiaries, stakeholders, and team members, ensuring that all communications are clear and effective. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last until the end of December 2026, and it is classified as a non-management role at level I

• The position is based in Rural Damascus, Syria, with an expected start date of July 01, 202
• Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the provided application form, ensuring that they submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note. Applications that consist of CVs only will not be considered. The application process will close on June 21, 2026, and DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date, potentially closing the advertisement earlier if a suitable candidate is found.