Shelter Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. In the Middle East, NRC has over 3,000 dedicated staff members focused on aiding those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. NRC's humanitarian interventions are grounded in its programming expertise across several core competencies, including Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and it actively encourages innovative ideas and responsibility at all levels of the organization.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Specialist role at NRC Syria is a pivotal position that encompasses overseeing all programmatic and technical aspects of NRC's Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI) programming within the country. The role requires close collaboration with the Head of Programme and director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, as well as the NRC programme team, to advance integrated shelter, settlements, and infrastructure approaches. A significant focus will be placed on market systems, urban recovery, and scalable, community-anchored solutions. The Shelter Specialist will lead the development of shelter programming, ensuring that interventions are high-quality and context-responsive, moving beyond mere service delivery to embrace market-aware, systems-oriented, and settlement-based approaches. This position is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of shelter responses in Syria, particularly in urban displacement contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter Specialist will be responsible for rolling out the NRC Shelter & Settlements programme strategy in Syria, ensuring alignment with NRC's programme policy and the Global Integrated Approach for Housing and Infrastructure Recovery. Key responsibilities include designing and guiding programmes that link cash and voucher assistance (CVA) to shelter market activation, applying market systems thinking to identify constraints and opportunities for sustainable responses, and supporting the development of settlement-based approaches that integrate housing, infrastructure, and service delivery at the neighbourhood level. The role also involves providing technical guidance on infrastructure recovery interventions, developing assessment tools for programme design, and collaborating with MEAL teams to capture system-level changes. Additionally, the Shelter Specialist will provide technical support for the recruitment and capacity building of senior shelter staff and carry out other relevant tasks as assigned by the Head of Programme or country management group.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Shelter Specialist position must possess at least four years of experience in a senior-level project implementation or technical advisory role within an international humanitarian organization, specifically in a humanitarian or recovery context. Extensive technical knowledge of shelter standards and principles is essential, along with a demonstrated capacity to develop effective responses to identified shelter needs. Previous experience in urban programming displacement in complex settings, a solid background in protection and Housing Land and Property rights, and strong project cycle management skills are also required. Candidates should have a good understanding of their leadership skills and the ability to lead and influence effectively. Familiarity with donor priorities and compliance requirements related to infrastructure and market-based programming is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Shelter Specialist position includes a relevant degree in fields such as urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, shelter programming, or related areas may be preferred, as they can enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience, particularly in senior project implementation or technical advisory roles within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex emergencies and recovery settings, ideally with experience in Syria or similar environments. Experience in urban planning, market-based programming, and infrastructure recovery at the neighbourhood or settlement level is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders in Syria.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require travel up to 40% within areas of operation. The salary and benefits will be determined according to NRC's national or international salary scale, specifically at Grade

• NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity and inclusion without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility, while also providing numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.