Shelter Officer

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Position Title: Shelter Officer
Location: Gonder- North and South, Amhara Region
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is a humanitarian organization established in 194

• NRC's mission is to help people affected by displacement and to promote their rights. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing assistance in areas such as shelter, education, and livelihood support. NRC has a significant presence in Ethiopia, where it addresses the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) through various programs. The organization employs thousands of staff globally, working in complex and volatile contexts to deliver aid and support to vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Officer will play a crucial role in assisting the Shelter Project Manager by providing technical support for the development and implementation of NRC's Shelter programming. This position requires a strong focus on high-quality technical planning and execution of shelter construction and rehabilitation projects. The Shelter Officer will be responsible for ensuring that all shelter activities adhere to UNHCR and Sphere standards, conducting inspections, and monitoring routine shelter and settlement activities. The role involves significant travel (up to 80%) to various implementation sites, including Metema, Gendeweha, and Dabat, to oversee construction and maintenance activities. The Shelter Officer will also lead the technical design and preparation of Bill of Quantities (BOQs) and tender documents related to shelter construction.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter Officer's duties include supervising shelter, infrastructure, and settlement construction activities, conducting technical assessments, and developing BOQs for housing and settlement sector construction at refugee camps and IDP sites. The officer will be responsible for project planning, conducting topographical surveys, and ensuring compliance with civil and structural design standards. Additionally, the Shelter Officer will prepare job contracts, supervise contractors, monitor maintenance stock levels, and ensure that all materials meet minimum standards. The officer will also conduct beneficiary targeting and verification, participate in multi-sectoral assessments, and integrate safe and inclusive programming into all shelter activities. Furthermore, the Shelter Officer will represent NRC in coordination platforms in the absence of the Shelter Project Manager and implement integrated programming at the field level.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BSc degree in Civil Engineering or related fields. They should have experience working as a Shelter Engineer or Officer in humanitarian or recovery contexts, with documented results related to the position's responsibilities. A minimum of three years of practical experience in housing and settlement works across refugee camps and civil/infrastructure projects is required, with a preference for candidates who have experience in the WASH sector. Strong knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is essential for effective communication in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical aspects of shelter construction and infrastructure development, as well as for conducting assessments and designing projects that meet the needs of displaced populations.

Experience:
The Shelter Officer position requires at least three years of relevant experience in a similar role, particularly in complex and volatile contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of undertaking housing and settlement works, as well as experience in planning, designing, and constructing water supply schemes and sanitation infrastructure. Experience working with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in a similar capacity is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate the challenges of humanitarian work effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This language proficiency is essential for communication with team members, stakeholders, and beneficiaries, as well as for the preparation of reports and technical documentation. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for 10 months, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability, performance, and the ongoing need for the position. The role is full-time and involves significant travel to various project sites within the Amhara Region. The Shelter Officer will be expected to work collaboratively with other team members and stakeholders, demonstrating strong teamwork and cultural awareness. The organization values sensitivity to the needs of disadvantaged populations and encourages candidates with community mobilization skills to apply.