Settlement Planning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNOPS, which is a part of the United Nations system. UNOPS was established to provide project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to help organizations implement their projects effectively. The organization focuses on sustainable development and aims to support peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. UNOPS operates in multiple countries around the world, working with various partners to deliver impactful results. The organization is committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its operations, ensuring that resources are used effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Settlement Planning Officer position is crucial for overseeing the design, management, and coordination of humanitarian settlement and infrastructure projects. This role is essential in ensuring that planning processes are informed by accurate and context-appropriate data, particularly in light of evolving community needs and challenges. The officer will work under the supervision of the Senior Field/coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator or the Senior Operations Manager, and will be responsible for maintaining effective coordination with various stakeholders, including protection, health, community services, and education sectors. The officer will also provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure that settlement planning activities align with UNHCR's Global Strategy for Sustainable Settlement, Shelter, and Infrastructure. The position requires a proactive approach to addressing the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons, ensuring that settlement designs enhance living conditions and access to services while promoting community engagement and participation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Settlement Planning Officer will conduct assessments to select potential sites for settlements, ensuring that these selections consider protection concerns, environmental factors, and access to basic services. The officer will ensure that settlement layouts are designed to respond to natural topography and drainage patterns, thereby reducing construction and maintenance costs. The role involves providing technical inputs and advice during the implementation partner selection process and developing contingency plans for population movements. The officer will also represent UNHCR in negotiations with government authorities regarding land acquisition and site development, ensuring that settlement plans align with national land use plans. Additionally, the officer will maintain regular communication with the shelter and settlement team in HQ for technical advice and updates, and will be responsible for monitoring settlement and infrastructure works to ensure compliance with plans and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong managerial and technical ability to guide a specialist team in emergency and protracted situations. Relevant experience in humanitarian settlement planning or infrastructure is essential, along with knowledge of technical drawing software and GIS tools. The ability to produce technical plans and specifications, as well as conduct training, is also required. Candidates should demonstrate advanced awareness of various technical sectors and have appropriate work experience in Shelter, Settlements, and Infrastructure in a humanitarian context. Familiarity with AutoCAD software and GIS technology is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of an undergraduate degree in fields such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil/Structural Engineering, or other relevant disciplines. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate in these fields may have an advantage, as the level of experience required decreases with higher educational qualifications. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of settlement planning and infrastructure development in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, 5 years with a graduate degree, or 4 years with a doctorate. This experience should include managerial and technical roles in emergency and protracted situations, particularly in the humanitarian settlement planning and infrastructure sectors. Previous job experience should demonstrate the ability to guide teams effectively and manage complex projects in challenging environments.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS IICA2 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is February 24, 2026, and the application deadline is March 15, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective settlement planning and management. The position may require travel to different sites and collaboration with local authorities and communities.