Shelter and Settlement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee. Established to respond to crises, NRC operates in 31 countries, providing emergency and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization advocates for the rights of displaced individuals and works to improve international and local capacities to prevent, prepare for, respond to crises, and recover from them. NRC also manages the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting and advocacy for internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and aims for a diverse workforce in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Officer is responsible for the coherent implementation of Shelter and Settlement projects and for overseeing a team of technical assistants in the intervention area. The officer will implement the assigned Shelter and Settlements project portfolio in accordance with the action plan, ensuring daily monitoring of project execution progress. The role requires adherence to NRC policies, manuals, and guidelines, ensuring that projects target participants with the greatest needs while evaluating new and better ways to provide assistance. The officer will also be responsible for capacity building of workers (carpenters, masons, and other laborers) and for coordinating and monitoring the quality of project outputs. Collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders is essential, as is ensuring community participation in decision-making processes, including good gender representation and diversity. The officer will promote the rights of displaced/returned persons and those integrated locally in accordance with advocacy strategies, ensuring proper filing of various project documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter and Settlement Officer will plan and manage activities related to Shelter and Settlements issues with the support of NRC staff under their direct or indirect responsibility. They will oversee the daily management of workers and regularly inform the Program Coordinator and the head of office about any situations requiring administrative and programmatic decisions. The officer will ensure continuity of activities related to assessments, awareness-raising, training, meetings, development plan formulation, and community follow-up visits, as well as the establishment and training of community development committees. They will be fully responsible for designing shelter plans, structures, and other infrastructure, as well as developing associated Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and supporting the procurement process. The officer will produce technical sheets after identifying the type of structure needed by beneficiaries and develop proposals related to changes in context, movements of displaced and returned persons, and socio-economic, hydrogeological, and environmental realities in the intervention area. Regular, punctual, and qualitative internal reporting of activities related to shelter issues is required, including drafting technical reports and supporting the Program Coordinator in writing the final report. Collaboration with the Monitoring & Evaluation team is necessary for drafting baseline studies and follow-up evaluations, collecting information, documenting results, and establishing accountability mechanisms. The officer will develop synergy with other core competencies of NRC (such as ICLA teams for land issues) to ensure integrated approaches and a holistic response to the needs of beneficiary populations. They will ensure that projects target beneficiaries with the greatest protection needs and evaluate new and better ways to provide assistance. The officer will propose new ideas to develop activities and improve program implementation in their intervention area.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of professional experience in implementing shelter activities in humanitarian/emergency contexts (Officer level, minimum assistant shelter position). Previous professional experience in complex and volatile contexts is essential. Proficiency in French and Swahili is required, and knowledge of local languages is an asset. The candidate should possess specific skills, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the context, including a university degree in architecture or civil engineering (Bac+4) and a minimum of 3 years of experience in designing and constructing infrastructure, structures, and shelters. A thorough understanding of the humanitarian context in the North Kivu province, particularly in Goma and the Nyiragongo territory, is necessary. Proficiency in AutoCAD or equivalent software (CAD) and familiarity with computer tools (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) are required. The candidate should be able to work in a multicultural environment and in a multisectoral project.

Educational Background:
A university degree in architecture or civil engineering (Bac+4) is required for this position. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of design and construction relevant to shelter and settlement projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in implementing shelter activities within humanitarian or emergency contexts. Experience in complex and volatile environments is crucial for this role, as it requires the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations and challenges.

Languages:
Proficiency in French and Swahili is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with the community.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve working in regions, countries, areas, or offices where there are significant health, safety, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks. NRC takes these risks seriously and has procedures in place to mitigate known risks, although they cannot be completely eliminated. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and aims for a diverse workforce.