Shelter and Settlement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency dedicated to safeguarding, advocating for, and promoting sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has grown to employ over 800 staff members in Ukraine alone since its operations began in the country in 201

• The organization is active in various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, utilizing direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) to implement its emergency response initiatives. DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its mission aligns with the current context and challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Assistant will work under the supervision of the Shelter and Settlement Team Leader, playing a crucial role in coordinating with community representatives to assess and address the rehabilitation needs of damaged housing. This position involves collecting data on various community needs, organizing focus groups to engage with beneficiaries, and registering their needs using KOBO. The assistant will also be responsible for planning site visits, generating lists of addresses, and creating efficient routes for these visits. The role requires effective communication with beneficiaries to arrange meetings for evaluations, execution of works, and signing necessary documents. The assistant will provide beneficiaries with comprehensive information about DRC's activities, conduct explanatory sessions regarding the scope of work, and manage feedback and complaints through established mechanisms. Additionally, the assistant will prepare and sign agreements with beneficiaries, monitor work performance, and ensure proper documentation and archiving of project-related materials. This position is integral to achieving project targets and will involve collaboration with various stakeholders within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter and Settlement Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing letters of inquiry and responses to state authorities and local government bodies; coordinating with community representatives to identify rehabilitation needs; organizing focus groups to assess beneficiary needs; communicating with beneficiaries to arrange meetings and provide information; preparing and signing agreements with beneficiaries; conducting household visits with the Shelter and Settlement Officer for final checks; monitoring work performance and collecting feedback; managing office documentation including contract assignments and archiving; conducting post-monitoring of beneficiary compliance; and performing any additional duties assigned by the Shelter Team Lead to meet project targets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 1 year of experience in humanitarian organizations or the social sector, which is considered an advantage. Proficiency in administrative and support tasks is essential, along with strong computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The ability to communicate effectively in Ukrainian is mandatory, while knowledge of English is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to DRC's core competencies, including striving for excellence, collaboration, leadership, effective communication, and integrity.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Civil Engineering, architecture, or related fields is preferred for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the technical aspects of shelter and settlement work, which is critical for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience, ideally within the context of humanitarian response for an international NGO, UN agency, relevant ministry, or local authority. This experience will equip candidates with the necessary skills and insights to effectively address the challenges faced in the field.

Languages:
Ukrainian is a mandatory language requirement for this position, ensuring effective communication with local communities and beneficiaries. Proficiency in English is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the candidate's ability to engage in broader organizational contexts.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is set to last until February 28, 2027, with an initial probationary period of three months. The role is classified as non-management and is based in Barvinkove. The start date is as soon as possible, and the salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is July 19, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closes if a suitable candidate is identified.