Shelter Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an international non-governmental organization founded in Norway, operating in over 25 countries worldwide. Established in 2001, NRC has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on various sectors including Education, Rapid Response to Population Movements (RRMP), Protection and Humanitarian Mediation, Shelter, Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (EHA/WASH), and Information, Advice, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The role of the Shelter Technical Assistant is to support the Shelter and Settlements department in the daily implementation of project activities in Goma, North Kivu. The position requires adherence to NRC policies, tools, manuals, and guidelines while assisting in the execution of the project according to the action plan and Shelter strategy. The assistant is expected to demonstrate maturity in their work, propose ideas for improving the Shelter Technical Assistant function in North Kivu, and prepare reports on the progress of Shelter activities as requested by supervisors or management. Collaboration with the Shelter Coordinator in North Kivu is essential to ensure proper documentation archiving and to encourage project improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter Technical Assistant will participate in community awareness meetings for beneficiaries of construction projects and follow up on local contributions. They will engage in field assessments for new interventions and actively participate in visits organized for stakeholders interested in NRC projects. Under the supervision of the Shelter Coordinator, the assistant will initiate drafts of technical drawings and estimated budgets for construction projects at the field office, conduct site layouts, and monitor the technical implementation of activities on-site. They will be responsible for ensuring that construction materials comply with NRC technical standards and regulations in the DRC. The assistant will also participate in the recruitment of temporary labor, plan construction supervision activities, prepare requisition forms for site materials, and collaborate with logistics and community members to accurately control material quantities delivered to construction sites. Additionally, they will manage on-site stocks in collaboration with the Shelter Coordinator and logistics, ensuring materials are used appropriately and transparently. The assistant will conduct surprise checks on qualified and unqualified labor, material usage on sites, and the return of materials to storage upon project completion. They will assist technicians and local committees in executing works and capacity building, hold weekly meetings on construction activity progress, and report weekly to their supervisor on work developments. Maintaining good working relationships with local authorities, communities, committees, and project stakeholders is crucial, as is regularly reporting activities to management for necessary support. The assistant will also perform any other tasks assigned by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a university degree in architecture or civil engineering (BTP). They should possess knowledge of the socio-economic, legal, and environmental context of North Kivu. Familiarity with AutoCAD or equivalent software is an asset, along with proficiency in Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. Mastery of French and Swahili is required, and knowledge of local languages is considered an advantage. Understanding local construction practices and the environmental context of North Kivu is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A university degree in architecture or civil engineering is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in the field of construction or project management, particularly in humanitarian settings. Experience working in unstable environments and with displaced populations is highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to adapt and respond to challenging situations.

Languages:
Fluency in French and Swahili is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve working in a challenging environment, requiring flexibility and adaptability. It is essential to maintain a high level of professionalism and respect in all communications and interactions. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region as part of their responsibilities.