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 (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 under CDFM2604 at the Beni sub-base in North Kivu, primarily in the Musienene health zone in the Lubero territory. The assistant is expected to work in compliance with NRC policies, tools, manuals, and guidelines, assisting in the project implementation according to the action plan and Shelter strategy. The position requires maturity and initiative to propose ideas for improving the Shelter Technical Assistant function at the Beni sub-office, as well as drafting reports on Shelter activity progress as requested by supervisors or management. Collaboration with the Shelter Coordinator in Beni is essential to ensure proper document 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 various 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, perform site placements, and monitor the technical implementation of activities on the ground. They will be responsible for ensuring that construction materials and equipment comply with NRC technical standards and regulations in the DRC. Additionally, the assistant will 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. They will manage on-site stocks in collaboration with the Shelter Coordinator and logistics, ensuring materials are used appropriately and transparently, and conduct random checks on qualified and unqualified labor, material usage on sites, and the return of materials to storage upon project completion. The assistant will also support technicians and local committees in executing work and enhancing their capacities, hold weekly meetings on construction activity progress, and maintain good working relationships with local authorities, communities, committees, and project stakeholders, regularly reporting to their hierarchy on activities to obtain necessary support.

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

Educational Background:
A university degree in architecture or civil engineering is mandatory for this position, ensuring that candidates have the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in the field of construction or project implementation, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. Experience working in unstable environments and with displaced populations is highly valued, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced in the Grand North Kivu region.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. The NRC is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, and candidates should be prepared for the realities of working in a humanitarian context. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process.