Shelter Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring they find safe refuge and can rebuild their lives. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members globally. The organization focuses on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals, working in collaboration with governments, NGOs, and other partners to address the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Associate position is critical in supporting the coordination of Shelter/NFI (Non-Food Items) assistance across Myanmar, particularly in response to the needs of displaced populations affected by natural disasters or conflicts. The role involves providing technical expertise in Shelter/NFI programming, ensuring that affected communities receive timely and adequate assistance. The Shelter Associate will engage in comprehensive sectoral needs assessments, collaborating with various sectors such as protection, community services, and public health to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on the living conditions of displaced populations and host communities. This position also entails assisting in the daily management of construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures throughout the project cycle. The Shelter Associate will work closely with technical and non-technical staff from various organizations, maintaining regular communication with national and international NGOs and government authorities to ensure effective coordination and response to shelter needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Shelter Associate include:

• Conducting shelter needs assessments in collaboration with relevant sectors, ensuring that the beneficiary selection process prioritizes the most vulnerable populations.
• Assisting in the development and updating of shelter strategies to align with evolving situations and national/global policies.
• Managing construction and infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR), ensuring compliance with UNHCR and national standards.
• Following up on the design and construction of infrastructure projects, ensuring they are technically sound and completed within designated timelines and budgets.
• Coordinating with other sectors such as WASH, education, and health to synchronize shelter and infrastructure implementation.
• Providing technical support to implementing partners on shelter and settlement issues, ensuring compliance with standards and strategies.
• Participating in coordination meetings with stakeholders to represent UNHCR's interests and disseminate information effectively.
• Assisting in the preparation of bid documents for construction projects and evaluating received bids.
• Identifying and managing risks while seeking opportunities to enhance project objectives. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Shelter Associate position include:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Essential knowledge of SPHERE standards and experience in developing shelter and settlement needs assessments.
• Familiarity with UNHCR shelter standards and knowledge of cultural and gender-specific needs in shelter design.
• Proficiency in computer graphics, AutoCAD, and mapping software, as well as the ability to use digital photographic equipment.
• Strong drafting and documentation skills, along with the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Shelter Associate position includes a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering or Architecture. Additional certifications in related areas are desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should possess a solid understanding of shelter and infrastructure development principles and practices.

Experience:
Candidates for the Shelter Associate position should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the field of shelter and infrastructure, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Experience working with displaced populations and knowledge of shelter programming are essential. Familiarity with UNHCR operations and standards is highly desirable, as is experience in project management and coordination with various stakeholders.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Myanmar. Knowledge of the local language is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in both written and spoken forms to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA6 role, which indicates a level of seniority and responsibility within the organization. The target start date for this position is March 1, 2026, and the application deadline is February 15, 202

• The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to work on-site in Yangon, Myanmar. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various partners and stakeholders to ensure effective shelter responses in the humanitarian context.