Shelter and Settlement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency dedicated to safeguarding, advocating for, and promoting sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has a rich history of providing humanitarian assistance and protection to vulnerable communities. With a workforce of over 800 employees in Ukraine alone, DRC has been operational in the country since 2014, responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The organization implements emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, utilizing direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its interventions are relevant and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Officer position is a critical role within the Danish Refugee Council, primarily focused on overseeing the implementation of shelter projects in Barvinkove. Reporting to the Shelter and Settlement Team Leader, the officer will be responsible for adhering to project tools, plans, and budgets to ensure effective project execution. This role involves monitoring the progress of repair work, ensuring that contractors meet established quality standards, and maintaining accurate records for reporting purposes. The officer will also be tasked with developing and nurturing relationships with stakeholders, including other humanitarian actors, to facilitate the smooth implementation and coordination of DRC's sectoral activities. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a challenging environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter and Settlement Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: conducting technical assessments of damaged structures, preparing estimation documents for construction companies, and reviewing contractor estimations prior to raising Purchase Requests. The officer will liaise with contractors to monitor rehabilitation work, ensuring quality implementation and certifying final volumes of work. Responsibilities also include conducting pre-technical assessments of buildings to analyze operational states and rehabilitation needs, preparing reports with findings and technical documentation, and developing site work plans. The officer will consider the environmental impact of infrastructure works throughout the project lifecycle, participate in tender material preparation and evaluation, and process data for reporting purposes. Additionally, the officer will visit households for final checks on work performance, collect beneficiary feedback, and support the shelter team in training local partners on best practices related to shelter interventions. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to achieve project targets in coordination with the Shelter and Settlement Manager and higher management.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Shelter and Settlement Officer position, candidates must possess a minimum of three years of professional experience as an engineer or architect involved in construction projects, along with experience in administrative and support tasks. Preferred candidates will have experience managing construction projects or similar roles, ideally with at least two years of relevant experience in humanitarian response for an international NGO, UN agency, or local authority. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with relevant work experience will also be considered acceptable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in engineering principles and practices relevant to the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in engineering or architecture, specifically in construction projects. Candidates with experience in administrative and support tasks will be favored. Additionally, experience in managing construction projects or similar roles within the humanitarian sector is highly desirable, particularly with international NGOs or UN agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries is essential. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international team members and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may also be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is set to last until February 28, 2027, with an initial probationary period of three months. The position is classified under Band H, and the duty station is 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 employees on national contracts. 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 June 12, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closes if a suitable candidate is identified.