Shelter and Settlement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency with a mission to protect, advocate for, and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has grown to employ over 800 staff 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). DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs are responsive and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Shelter and Settlement Specialist will play a crucial role in the Area-Based Allocation (ABA) project, which is focused on enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of local actors in Ukraine. This position is based in Mykolaiv and will involve working closely with the ABA Consortium Programme Manager and other technical colleagues. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance, ensuring quality assurance, and facilitating capacity development for shelter and settlement projects. The role encompasses a wide range of activities, from emergency shelter responses to recovery programming, including the repair of homes and apartments. The specialist will collaborate with CSO partners to implement shelter activities effectively, ensuring that they meet both national and international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Shelter and Settlement Specialist include:

• Grant Management and Technical Compliance: Participate in the technical review of shelter proposals and budgets to ensure alignment with the consortium's allocation strategy and relevant standards. Review partner logframes, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and procurement plans to ensure feasibility and safety.
• Project Implementation Oversight: Conduct technical monitoring visits and regular follow-up meetings with CSO partners. Support partners in developing realistic workplans and monitoring tools aligned with technical guidance. Identify risks during implementation and recommend corrective measures.
• Capacity Development: Conduct assessments of shelter partners and develop tailored capacity development plans. Provide training and mentoring on shelter programming, including damage assessments and quality control. Ensure that shelter tools and guidance are available and fit for purpose.
• Representation and External Coordination: Liaise with consortium technical colleagues to ensure integrated programming. Participate in local shelter coordination forums to stay informed of technical developments and ensure alignment with sector standards. Contribute to learning events and documentation of best practices across partners.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in shelter and settlements programming, with knowledge of implementing shelter programming from emergency response to recovery activities. Familiarity with various implementation modalities for shelter programming is essential, as is previous experience working with local partners or in remote management. Proven experience in capacity building and training local partners is required, along with strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office. Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of shelter proposal development and MEAL requirements for shelter programming is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or another relevant field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of shelter and settlement programming and ensuring that the specialist can effectively contribute to the development and implementation of projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in shelter and settlements programming. This experience should encompass a range of activities from emergency response to recovery programming, demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage and implement shelter projects effectively. Previous experience working with local partners or in remote management is also essential, as it highlights the candidate's capability to navigate complex operational environments and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. While not explicitly stated, knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian may be beneficial given the context of the work in Ukraine, as it would facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position includes a 3-month probationary period, with the possibility of an 11-month extension following successful completion of the probation. The position is classified as Band G2, which is a non-management level. The designated duty station for this role is Mykolaiv, and the expected start date is September 202

• The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts, starting from EUR 2574 gross per month, depending on experience and qualifications. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is 31st August 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.