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. UNHCR's primary goal is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. In Ukraine, UNHCR has been active since 1994 and has significantly increased its presence and response efforts following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, focusing on providing protection and assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Associate plays a crucial role in supporting comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in collaboration with various sectors, including protection, community services, and public health. This position requires gathering both quantitative and qualitative data to understand the needs and living conditions of displaced populations and host communities. The Shelter Associate will assist in managing construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures throughout the project cycle. The role involves close collaboration with technical and non-technical staff from various sectors, NGOs, and government authorities, and requires adaptability to evolving situations to work towards durable solutions using sustainable practices. The Shelter Associate is expected to provide technical assistance in planning, design, and construction monitoring, particularly in urban contexts where shelter responses must align with urban planning strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter Associate's duties include assisting in shelter needs assessments, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable persons of concern, and developing shelter strategies in alignment with national and global policies. The incumbent will manage construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with UNHCR and national standards, and will follow up on the design and construction of various infrastructure projects. Coordination with relevant sectors such as WASH, education, and health is essential to synchronize shelter and infrastructure implementation. The Shelter Associate will also provide technical support to partners, assist in the preparation of bid documents, and evaluate bids for construction projects. Regular field visits will be conducted to monitor shelter cluster activities, and the Shelter Associate will support training for partners on the use of the SIDAR platform for coordination of interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of SPHERE standards, experience in developing shelter programs, and familiarity with basic survey equipment and digital tools. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, cultural sensitivity in shelter design, and proficiency in computer graphics and mapping software. Functional skills required for this position include CAD modeling for settlement analysis, drafting and documentation, and shelter coordination.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma or equivalent, 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.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the field of shelter and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on practical knowledge and application of shelter standards and guidelines. Experience in humanitarian settings, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is Ukrainian. A good command of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly for roles that involve interaction with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level. It is a non-family duty station with a hardship level of E, indicating significant challenges in living conditions. The position is full-time, with a target start date of May 1, 202

• The role involves working in a high-risk environment due to ongoing conflict, requiring staff to be prepared for dynamic and hazardous conditions. The UNHCR provides support for staff welfare and safety, including training on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols and risk management.