Shelter Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. UNHCR's primary goal is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization is committed to providing life-saving assistance and protection to those affected by conflict and persecution, particularly in regions experiencing humanitarian crises.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Associate plays a vital role in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNHCR's Emergency Shelter and Housing (ESH) response within the Dnipro Area of Responsibility (AoR). This position involves direct assistance in the day-to-day operations of shelter, housing, construction, and general infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of assistance to individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Shelter Associate is expected to engage proactively with a wide range of stakeholders, including technical and non-technical personnel from various implementing partners, shelter sector members, field office shelter teams, national and international NGOs, and local government authorities. The incumbent will provide essential technical assistance in various aspects of shelter and infrastructure, including planning, design, construction monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that interventions are timely, cost-effective, and inter-sectoral. A key aspect of the role involves contributing to the evolution of the ESH response, progressively working towards durable solutions and integrating sustainable building practices, especially given the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. The Shelter Associate will also support budget management to fit operational needs and collaborate in drafting the ESH strategy, participating in strategic discussions regarding the ongoing response. The work environment is characterized by high humanitarian needs, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, and disruptions to essential services, making the role both challenging and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter Associate is responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: assisting in carrying out shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, community services, WASH, and administration; working with stakeholders to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable Persons of Concern (PoC); developing and updating shelter strategies to reflect evolving situations; managing construction and infrastructure projects within the AoR to ensure compliance with established UNHCR and national standards; following up on the design and construction of infrastructure projects to ensure they are technically sound and implemented according to plans; coordinating with other sectors to synchronize shelter and infrastructure implementation; providing technical support in the field of shelter and infrastructure development; assisting in the preparation of bid documents for construction projects; and supporting the identification and management of risks while ensuring timely decision-making in the functional area of work. The Shelter Associate will also perform other related duties as required, contributing to the overall mission of UNHCR in providing protection and assistance to those in need.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of SPHERE standards, experience in developing shelter and settlement needs assessments, and the ability to use basic survey equipment and computer software. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, cultural and gender sensitivity in shelter design, and proficiency in computer graphics and mapping software. Functional skills required for the position include CAD modeling for settlement analysis, drafting and documentation, and shelter and infrastructure coordination.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Relevant certifications in civil engineering or architecture are also beneficial for applicants.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the field of shelter and infrastructure, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Experience working with UN agencies, international NGOs, or other humanitarian actors is considered an asset, especially in emergency situations. Candidates should demonstrate experience in project management, including planning, implementation, budget tracking, and reporting.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Knowledge of Ukrainian is also expected, with an overall ability of at least B2 level being desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level. The contract duration is regular, with a target start date of March 11, 202

• The position is based in Dnipro, Ukraine, which is designated as a non-family duty station with a hardship level of E. The living conditions in Ukraine are challenging due to the ongoing conflict, with frequent disruptions to essential services and a volatile security environment. The position may involve travel within Ukraine and requires candidates to be prepared for a dynamic and hazardous security situation. The UNHCR Field Security Unit works closely with other security partners to ensure program delivery within acceptable risk parameters.