Shelter Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Emergency Shelter and Housing Unit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Country Office in Kyiv. UNHCR is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees and displaced people. Established in 1950, the organization operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of individuals and families who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. UNHCR'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 and in safety when the time is right. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working tirelessly to uphold the dignity and rights of those they serve.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Emergency Shelter Response Programme, which includes the distribution of Emergency Shelter Kits (ESKs), Emergency Shelter Materials (ESMs), and winterization assistance such as Rapid Thermal Kits (RTKs). The successful candidate will be responsible for operational support, coordination, communication, reporting, information management, compliance support, data collection, and procurement assistance. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment. The Shelter Assistant will report directly to the Assistant Shelter Officer and will be expected to monitor program progress, assist in data collection, and ensure compliance with UNHCR procedures and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Shelter Assistant include:

• Operational Support: Implement and follow up on activities under the Emergency Shelter Response Programme, including managing requests, deliveries, and distributions of ESKs, ESMs, and RTKs.
• Coordination and Communication: Facilitate communication between UNHCR Field Offices, logistics focal points, suppliers, and partners, and assist in planning field visits and monitoring activities.
• Reporting and Information Management: Consolidate and organize reporting related to partner distributions, monitor documentation compliance, and assist in data collection for reporting purposes.
• Procurement and Administrative Support: Prepare draft payment requests for shelter materials, support technical reviews of supplier submissions, and ensure proper documentation is maintained.
• Post-Distribution Monitoring: Support data collection and analysis related to emergency shelter interventions, ensuring findings are organized for internal follow-up and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
The essential minimum qualifications for the Shelter Assistant 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 a similar role.
• Good technical knowledge of construction in Ukraine, including an understanding of Ukrainian construction legislation.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, is required.
• The ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment and contribute to a multinational team.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of shelter construction and management, as well as compliance with relevant legislation and standards in Ukraine.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the field of shelter assistance, construction, or a related area. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage operational tasks, coordinate with various stakeholders, and contribute effectively to program implementation.

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

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The position is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week, from Monday to Friday. Candidates should be aware that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and they may need to complete a written test as part of the selection process. A competency-based interview will also be conducted for all shortlisted candidates.