Assistant Settlement Planning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Assistant Settlement Planning Officer position is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. 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 is guided by the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian action, focusing on providing protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Settlement Planning Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the design and development of sustainable settlements for people of concern (POC) to UNHCR. This position involves working under the supervision of a senior settlement planning colleague and coordinating with various sectors such as protection, health, community services, and water and sanitation. The incumbent is responsible for strategic management and monitoring of settlement planning activities, ensuring effective collaboration with administration, finance, and programmatic issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The role requires analyzing various settlement options, considering risks, resource availability, and the needs of the population, while also engaging with local authorities regarding land acquisition and site development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Settlement Planning Officer's duties include providing technical guidance in conducting assessments and selecting potential sites for settlement planning, drafting settlement layouts and site plans, and collaborating with technical and program colleagues to develop implementation modalities. The incumbent will monitor settlement and infrastructure works, ensuring they are completed within designated timelines and budgets. Additionally, the officer will assist in conducting assessments to ensure that residential areas and key services are resilient to natural hazards, liaise with authorities for strong coordination, and actively support the development of settlement plans in consultation with stakeholders. The role also involves promoting community participation in planning processes and ensuring equitable access to basic services for both displaced and host communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field. Essential qualifications include good knowledge of basic computer software, including engineering design tools, and experience in civil engineering, rural settlement development, emergency management, and environmental planning. The ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and excellent communication skills are also required. Desirable qualifications include proficiency in CAD tools, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in fields such as architecture, civil engineering, construction, or urban planning. Advanced degrees may be considered in lieu of experience, with a graduate degree or doctorate being advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, while those with a graduate degree or doctorate may qualify with no prior experience. A minimum of two years of professional experience in urban planning, urban design, or architecture is preferred, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. A B2 level proficiency in the required languages is expected.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is a regular assignment with a target start date of June 7, 202

• The position is based in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, which is classified as a hardship location. The workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with working hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including a one-hour lunch break. The role involves significant interaction with local authorities and communities, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with working in a humanitarian context. Health hazards in the area include various diseases and environmental risks, and personnel are advised to take necessary precautions.