Shelter Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Field Office in Odesa. UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. The organization’s mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The Field Office in Odesa specifically focuses on emergency shelter and housing activities in the Odeska, Mykholaivska, and Khersonska oblasts, responding to the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities affected by conflict.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Officer position is crucial for overseeing the implementation of UNHCR’s Emergency Shelter and Housing activities in the Odesa region. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of engineers and architects responsible for managing various shelter programs, including emergency repairs of war-damaged houses and renovations of social infrastructure. The role requires a strong technical understanding of construction processes and project management, although it does not involve detailed design work. The Shelter Officer will be responsible for ensuring the safe and accurate implementation of emergency and winter response activities, which includes close monitoring of all related operations and maintaining effective communication with local authorities and stakeholders. Regular travel within the oblasts, including overnight stays in remote locations, is essential for this role, as it involves direct engagement with communities and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Shelter Officer include: • Monitoring and analyzing response trends related to emergency shelter materials. • Calculating the percentage of UNHCR-supported responses to assess impact. • Providing technical assistance to households receiving emergency materials to ensure proper use and implementation. • Supporting field verification missions to validate the effectiveness of shelter interventions. • Conducting reinforced monitoring of emergency partners to ensure compliance with UNHCR standards. • Ensuring replenishment planning for partner stocks to maintain adequate supplies. • Supporting winterization activities to prepare shelters for harsh weather conditions. • Maintaining incident follow-up and accurate record-keeping for all activities. • Ensuring proper case referral between emergency and durable solutions as needed. • Preparing analytical reports to inform decision-making and strategy development. • Performing other duties as required to support the overall mission of UNHCR.

Required Qualifications:
The essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required for this position include: • A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field. • A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the field, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate: • Good technical knowledge about construction practices in Ukraine, including an understanding of Ukrainian construction legislation. • Excellent communication skills, with a proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving. • Proficiency in using MS Office applications, particularly strong confidence in Excel. • The ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment and contribute to a multinational team’s efforts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the Shelter Officer effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the field of construction, engineering, or a related area. This experience should ideally include work in emergency response or humanitarian settings, providing the candidate with the practical skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of shelter and housing interventions.

Languages:
Knowledge of English and Ukrainian languages is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of six (6) months and is a full-time role, with official working hours from Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. The position is not remote, and candidates should be prepared for regular travel within the designated oblasts, including overnight stays in remote locations. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written test and a competency-based interview as part of the selection process.