Shelter and WASH Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization aims to protect the rights of displaced individuals and ensure they have access to essential services such as shelter, education, and legal assistance. NRC employs thousands of staff globally and is known for its commitment to humanitarian principles and effective response to crises.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and WASH Technical Officer position is crucial for the implementation of NRC's projects aimed at providing shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to vulnerable populations. The officer will be responsible for conducting technical assessments, facilitating emergency response activities, and ensuring that all interventions meet the minimum standards set by NRC and SPHERE guidelines. The role requires a proactive approach to mobilizing communities, managing construction activities, and ensuring the quality of work performed. The officer will also be involved in data collection and reporting, ensuring that all activities are documented accurately and that protection concerns are addressed appropriately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Shelter and WASH Technical Officer include adhering to NRC policies and guidelines, conducting technical needs assessments for shelters and schools, facilitating emergency response activities, and producing accurate documentation such as drawings, reports, and measurements. The officer will ensure that minimum shelter and WASH standards are maintained, mobilize communities for construction activities, and suggest improvements to enhance the quality of interventions. Responsibilities also include administrating payment requests, reporting protection-related concerns, and carrying out data collection as required. Specific tasks involve distributing emergency supplies, conducting assessments, monitoring the quality of work, and generating comprehensive reports on field activities. The officer will also be responsible for filing technical documents and assisting in other WASH-related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Public Health, Architecture, or a related field. A minimum of 1-3 years of experience in project work within a humanitarian or recovery context is required, along with experience in water and sanitation projects. Previous experience in contractor and site management is essential, as well as proficiency in MS Office and CAD programs. Fluency in both English and Arabic, both spoken and written, is mandatory, and knowledge of the context of refugee informal settlements or urban settlements is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Public Health, Architecture, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical aspects of shelter and WASH projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 1-3 years of relevant experience working on projects in a humanitarian or recovery context. This experience should include direct involvement in water and sanitation projects, as well as contractor and site management. Familiarity with the challenges faced in humanitarian settings and the ability to adapt to changing environments is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local communities and stakeholders is crucial. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Arabic are the primary languages required for documentation and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve working in insecure environments and requires a strong commitment to NRC's values and principles. The role is full-time and may involve travel to various project sites. The organization is committed to recruiting internationally and providing competitive compensation and benefits to its employees.