Shelter and Settlement Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on responding to displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has been registered in Bangladesh since 201

• The organization has expanded its operations significantly in response to the Rohingya influx, launching an integrated program of support to the government in site management, shelter/NFI, and protection. In 2018, DRC began implementing aid projects to support host communities affected by the influx of refugees. The organization operates with a mission to protect and empower displaced people and support them in rebuilding their lives. DRC has a country office in Dhaka and an area office in Cox’s Bazar, employing a diverse team dedicated to humanitarian efforts across the region.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Team Leader is tasked with providing both technical and operational leadership for the Shelter and Settlement component of the project. This role encompasses supervising a technical team responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance of all shelter and settlement activities. The Team Leader will conduct shelter assessments, technical planning, and site-level risk assessments, as well as prepare and review designs, specifications, and implementation plans for various interventions including shelter upgrading and drainage systems. The position requires ensuring that all activities are based on identified needs and comply with relevant Shelter-CCCM Sector standards and humanitarian technical requirements. The Team Leader will also oversee technical supervision, verify the quality and completion of works, identify technical gaps, and recommend corrective measures to ensure safe and quality implementation. This role is critical in ensuring that the shelter and settlement activities are executed effectively and meet the needs of the affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The core responsibilities of the Shelter and Settlement Team Leader include:

• Overall day-to-day technical coordination and implementation of DRC's Shelter and Settlement activities under the guidance of the CCCM Manager, ensuring timely, quality, and accountable execution of all activities.
• Leading and conducting shelter needs assessments, technical site assessments, and site-level risk assessments to inform project planning and design.
• Preparing, reviewing, and approving technical designs, drawings, bills of quantities (BoQs), specifications, and implementation plans for shelter upgrading, drainage systems, and other related interventions.
• Ensuring compliance of all technical activities and outputs with relevant Shelter-CCCM Sector standards and humanitarian technical guidelines.
• Providing technical oversight and supervision during the implementation of shelter and settlement works, ensuring adherence to approved designs, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Verifying the quality and completion of works, conducting technical inspections, and identifying technical gaps or defects, recommending and following up on corrective measures.
• Developing and maintaining regular activity plans, technical trackers, and BoQ monitoring sheets for the team, providing weekly updates to the CCCM Manager on progress, achievements, challenges, and technical gaps.
• Compiling and analyzing relevant technical and project information and contributing to the preparation of various program reports.
• Documenting all shelter and settlement activities and ensuring that relevant coordination, information management, and activity tracking tools are regularly updated. 1
• Collaborating closely with Protection, CCCM, WASH, and other relevant actors to integrate protection and risk-reduction principles into shelter and settlement interventions. 1
• Supporting information gathering, participatory assessments, and data collection exercises related to shelter and settlement needs. 1
• Assisting the CCCM Manager in leading emergency preparedness and response at the camp level, particularly concerning shelter and settlement needs during emergencies. 1
• Organizing and coordinating capacity-building initiatives for community groups, volunteers, and team members on shelter and settlement technical skills and safe construction practices. 1
• Taking an active operational role in coordinating DRC's shelter and settlement field response during emergencies. 1
• Working closely with community groups and committees to ensure that the concerns and feedback of affected populations are documented and communicated to relevant actors. 1
• Monitoring shelter-related distributions and ensuring compliance with minimum standards and accountability principles. 1
• Coordinating with government authorities and site management to ensure smooth implementation of shelter and settlement activities. 1
• Monitoring emerging risks, technical issues, and service gaps related to shelter and settlement within the camp and communicating relevant information to the CCCM Manager. 1
• Representing DRC in external technical forums as requested by the CCCM Manager. 2
• Assisting with all procurements and logistical arrangements associated with the Shelter and Settlement component.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in nature-based solutions (NBS), shelter construction, site development, landslide risk mitigation, or social infrastructure projects, including cash-for-work modalities. Prior experience in refugee camp or displacement settings is considered a strong asset. Candidates should demonstrate proven expertise in technical design, drawings, and analysis of landslide reduction measures using advanced NBS approaches. A strong understanding of cash-based interventions (CBI) for infrastructure and NBS programming, as well as their integration into wider recovery and resilience outcomes, is essential. Candidates should also possess solid knowledge of emergency shelter, early recovery, and infrastructure interventions, with the ability to design and implement integrated and multi-sectoral approaches. Competence in humanitarian program assessment, response analysis, technical design, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) frameworks is required, ensuring accountability and evidence-based programming. Experience in capacity building, training design, and facilitation of practical workshops for staff, partners, and community members is also necessary. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including concise writing and engaging presentation abilities, are essential. Candidates should demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to take a flexible, creative, and innovative approach when needed. Proven ability to work independently as part of a small team and to form close working relationships with a diverse range of colleagues is crucial. A high degree of motivation, attention to detail, and flexibility, including willingness to deploy at short notice and operate in physically demanding environments, is expected.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical field. Relevant technical training or certification in shelter, construction, or humanitarian response is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as nature-based solutions, shelter construction, site development, landslide risk mitigation, or social infrastructure projects. Experience in refugee camp or displacement settings is highly valued and considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is mandatory. Fluency in Bengali (both written and spoken) is also required. Knowledge of Chittagonian is desired but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national employment contract with an employment band of G. The start date is as soon as possible, and the duty station is in Cox’s Bazar. The closing date for applications is 14 October 202

• The organization offers two bonuses paid on a pro-rata basis with the monthly salary, a relocation allowance, a mobile allowance, leave encashment, group life insurance including family coverage, dental and optical benefits, gratuity, an excellent working environment, and opportunities for growth and various learning and development platforms. All employees are expected to demonstrate DRC's five core competencies: striving for excellence, collaborating, taking the lead, communicating effectively, and demonstrating integrity. DRC is committed to gender equality and encourages female candidates to apply to bridge the gender gap. The organization values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.