Field Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Field Office in Kharkiv. 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 country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work encompasses a wide range of activities, including emergency response, shelter provision, legal assistance, and advocacy for the rights of displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Field Officer position in Kharkiv is crucial for overseeing the UNHCR's Emergency Shelter and Housing activities in the Sumska and Kharkivska oblasts. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of engineers and architects responsible for implementing various housing projects, including emergency shelter repairs and renovations of war-damaged houses. This role requires a strong technical understanding of construction processes and project management, although it does not involve detailed design work. Instead, the Field Officer will focus on monitoring and ensuring that construction projects are executed according to UNHCR standards and local regulations. Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including local authorities and private sector partners, is essential for the success of the projects. The position also involves regular travel within the oblasts, including overnight stays in remote locations, to ensure effective oversight and coordination of activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: coordinating with government and local authorities to identify and assess construction projects in line with UNHCR's strategic objectives; estimating project costs for repairs and rehabilitation; coordinating with contractors, design service providers, and housing teams; monitoring and reporting on the activities and outputs of various stakeholders; assisting with the procurement of services and providing inputs for design solutions; supervising construction and renovation works; reviewing and approving technical documentation; ensuring compliance with technical requirements; writing regular reports on project progress; participating in duty travel teams for project implementation; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is required, along with a solid understanding of construction processes and project management. Excellent communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, are essential. The ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment and contribute to a multinational team is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the technical aspects of construction and project management, which are essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the field of construction, project management, or a related area. This experience should ideally include work in humanitarian settings or with organizations focused on emergency response and housing solutions.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse communities and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of six months and is a full-time position, with official working hours from Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. The role is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category, indicating a level of responsibility and expertise. Candidates should be aware that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and they may be required to complete a written test as part of the selection process. A competency-based interview will also be conducted for all shortlisted candidates.