Shelter Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established to provide aid and support in some of the world's most challenging environments, NRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on delivering high-quality assistance and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees, encouraging professional growth and innovative teamwork. NRC emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to contribute to a safe environment free from exploitation and harassment.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Assistant position at NRC involves overseeing daily works and construction sites, ensuring adherence to NRC policies and government regulations. The role requires the implementation of the shelter portfolio according to the established plan of action, preparing status reports for management, and maintaining proper documentation. The Shelter Assistant will engage with beneficiaries to ensure that the projects target those most in need and will actively participate in capacity-building initiatives. This position also involves technical responsibilities such as preparing technical drawings, conducting needs assessments, and explaining project methodologies to stakeholders. The Shelter Assistant will be responsible for ensuring the safety of beneficiaries and workers during project implementation and will document the progress of construction activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Shelter Assistant include supervising daily works and construction sites, adhering to NRC policies and government regulations, and assisting with the implementation of the shelter portfolio. The Shelter Assistant will prepare technical drawings, Bill of Quantities (BoQs), and cost estimations, conduct needs assessments, and facilitate community mobilization activities. They will explain project methodologies to beneficiaries, conduct follow-up visits, and prepare progress reports. The role also involves technical oversight of construction activities, ensuring safety measures are in place, responding to beneficiary inquiries, and participating in distribution site activities. Additionally, the Shelter Assistant will document project progress and develop success stories from project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Shelter Assistant position should possess a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and SPHERE standards. They should have experience working in a humanitarian or recovery context, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Good written and spoken English is essential, and knowledge of local dialects is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate documented results related to the responsibilities of the position and possess sound communication, interpersonal, analytical, and negotiation skills. Basic computer skills, especially in Word and Excel, are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in one of the Engineering Majors (civil, structural, water, etc.) or equivalent experience is required for this position. Candidates with a background in social work, construction, or similar fields will also be considered. A basic understanding of community mobilization and technical implementation of construction projects is necessary, along with experience in overseeing site-level construction activities and documenting progress.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have prior experience as a Shelter Assistant or in a similar role within a humanitarian context. They should have experience in monitoring construction activities, conducting needs assessments, and working with vulnerable households in urban settings. Experience in field-level coordination with community stakeholders and local government officials is also important. Proven experience in efficiently performing assigned tasks and coordinating technical aspects of implementation activities is required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with good written and spoken skills. Knowledge of additional local dialects is considered a plus and can enhance communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. NRC is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contributing to a safe environment free from exploitation and harassment. The organization has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment.