Shelter and Settlement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to safeguard, advocate for, and promote sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, particularly in crisis situations. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach involves direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). The organization is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs remain relevant and effective in the face of ongoing challenges.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Assistant plays a crucial role in coordinating with community representatives to identify housing rehabilitation needs and gather data on additional community requirements. This position involves organizing focus groups in collaboration with community representatives to assess beneficiaries' needs and register them using KOBO, a data collection tool. The assistant will also participate in planning site visits, generating lists of addresses, and creating efficient routes for these visits. The role requires effective communication with beneficiaries to arrange meetings for evaluations, execution of works, and signing necessary documents. The assistant will provide beneficiaries with comprehensive information about DRC's activities, conduct explanatory sessions regarding the scope of work, and manage feedback and complaints through established mechanisms. Additionally, the assistant will prepare and sign agreements with beneficiaries, monitor work performance, and collect feedback to ensure project targets are met. Administrative tasks such as document management, archiving, and post-monitoring of assistance results are also integral to this role, ensuring that all processes are documented and compliant with organizational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter and Settlement Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: preparing letters of inquiry and response to state authorities and local government bodies; coordinating with community representatives to assess housing rehabilitation needs; organizing focus groups to meet with beneficiaries; communicating with beneficiaries to arrange meetings for evaluations and document signing; providing information on DRC activities; preparing and signing agreements with beneficiaries; visiting households with the Shelter and Settlement Officer for final checks; monitoring work performance and collecting beneficiary feedback; managing office documents including contract assignments and electronic filing; finalizing and archiving documents upon program completion; conducting post-monitoring via phone calls; and performing any additional duties assigned by the Shelter Team Lead to achieve project targets.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess experience in administrative and support tasks, and be a confident user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency in Ukrainian is mandatory, while intermediate knowledge of English is preferred but not required. Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience, ideally within the humanitarian sector or with an international NGO, UN agency, or local authority.

Educational Background:
Candidates are expected to have a university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related fields. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the technical aspects of housing rehabilitation and community support.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience, preferably in the field of humanitarian response. Experience with international NGOs, UN agencies, or relevant government ministries will be considered an advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational context and challenges faced in humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in Ukrainian is mandatory for this role, as effective communication with beneficiaries and community representatives is essential. While not required, intermediate knowledge of English is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the assistant's ability to engage in broader organizational discussions.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is set to last until 28th February 2027, including a three-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is classified as Band I, non-managerial, and is based in Barvinkove. The start date is as soon as possible, and salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is 11 May 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews may occur on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the closing date if a suitable applicant is identified.