Technical Officer - Shelter

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people affected by displacement. With a mission to protect the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, providing assistance in areas such as shelter, education, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization is known for its commitment to accountability, innovation, and inclusivity, and employs thousands of staff globally to carry out its mission.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer - Shelter will be responsible for implementing a plan of action for a portfolio of shelter projects, ensuring that all activities, budgets, and documentation are managed effectively. This role involves day-to-day monitoring of project progress, compliance with NRC policies, and ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable beneficiaries are met. The officer will also be expected to promote technical improvements, prepare periodic reports, and build the capacity of project staff. Collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders is essential, as well as conducting needs assessments and developing technical drawings and guidelines for construction projects. The role requires a proactive approach to integrating disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability into shelter designs, and the preparation of technical reports and documentation of lessons learned is also a key responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Officer - Shelter include implementing the action plan for shelter projects, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines, and monitoring project progress. The officer will conduct needs assessments, develop technical drawings and construction guidelines, supervise construction and rehabilitation of shelters, and ensure adherence to national building codes and Sphere standards. Specific responsibilities include assisting in the development of beneficiary selection criteria, overseeing the recruitment and training of community workers, and managing the procurement of materials and services. The officer will also plan and supervise the distribution of shelter materials, support the development of contingency response plans, and carry out any other tasks as requested by the Project Manager. Capacity building is a significant aspect of the role, involving training and mentoring of shelter assistants and community volunteers, as well as organizing workshops on construction safety and shelter maintenance.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree or higher in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in a responsible position within an NGO or an international/national company, with proven experience in the technical implementation of construction projects. Knowledge of developing bills of quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and construction activities is essential. Strong communication, analytical, and negotiation skills are required, along with advanced computer skills in Word, Excel, GIS, and CAD. Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory, and knowledge of Microsoft Project and other design programs is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree or higher in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of shelter projects and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a technical officer or coordinator role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Experience in complex and volatile environments is preferred, along with documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in insecure environments. The role requires managing resources effectively to optimize results and empowering team members while building trust. The NRC emphasizes the importance of planning and delivering results, and candidates should be prepared to handle the challenges associated with humanitarian work.