Shelter & WASH Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee. With a mission to protect the rights of displaced populations, NRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members. The organization focuses on providing assistance in areas such as shelter, education, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). NRC is committed to ensuring that the needs of vulnerable communities are met through effective and timely interventions, while also advocating for their rights and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Shelter & WASH Officer plays a crucial role in the implementation of Shelter and WASH programs in South Lebanon. This position involves conducting technical assessments, managing field teams, and ensuring the quality and timely execution of various interventions. The officer will be responsible for engaging with communities, coordinating with contractors, and overseeing data collection activities. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to adhering to NRC's standards and policies. The officer will also be expected to produce accurate reports and documentation, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter & WASH Officer will facilitate and monitor emergency shelter and WASH activities, ensuring compliance with NRC standards. Key responsibilities include implementing delegated project portfolios, producing technical drawings and reports, engaging with community leaders, and mobilizing communities for project activities. The officer will administer payment requests, lead assessments for housing rehabilitation, and supervise emergency response activities. Regular field visits will be conducted to monitor implementation, and the officer will ensure that distribution sites adhere to security protocols. The role also involves designing tailored solutions for various intervention areas, preparing reports for management, and providing capacity building for Shelter & WASH Assistants. The officer will participate in key informant interviews and collaborate with other NRC competencies and external service providers to ensure effective referral systems are in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of experience in humanitarian or recovery projects is required, along with proficiency in MS Office applications. Fluency in both English and Arabic, both spoken and written, is essential. Candidates should have context-related skills and knowledge, particularly in emergency response, shelter rehabilitation, and water and sanitation projects. Familiarity with the context of refugee informal settlements and urban areas is also important. Behavioral competencies such as planning and delivering results, effective communication, and the ability to cope with change are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the officer has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively carry out assessments, design interventions, and manage construction activities related to shelter and WASH programs.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of experience working on projects in a humanitarian or recovery context. This experience should include direct involvement in emergency response, shelter rehabilitation, and water and sanitation projects. Familiarity with the challenges faced by displaced populations and the ability to work in complex and insecure environments are also important aspects of the required experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and the communities served. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the local context or the populations served by NRC.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in challenging and insecure environments. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, and the organization encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The role may require travel to various locations within South Lebanon, including hard-to-reach areas and Palestinian camps. NRC offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training.