Shelter Cluster Advisor

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Position Title: Shelter Cluster Advisor
Location: Jerusalem
Country: Israel
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing essential life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. In the Middle East alone, NRC employs over 3,000 staff dedicated to supporting those affected by conflict in regions such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization focuses on core competencies including Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are empowered to contribute ideas and take responsibility within a supportive work culture.

Job Overview:
The Shelter Cluster Advisor position at NRC Palestine is a critical role aimed at supporting the cluster team in guiding various shelter agencies in the development and implementation of effective shelter programming. The primary objective is to provide safe and resilient shelter solutions that adhere to global standards and best practices. The advisor will coordinate Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that are established based on specific needs related to shelter programming. Additionally, the role involves building and maintaining relationships with key humanitarian partners, including national and provincial authorities, to enhance the shelter response. The advisor will also collaborate with other technical coordinators from different sectors to ensure a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach to technical issues, such as water and sanitation (WASH) and logistics. The position emphasizes partnership and capacity building, ensuring a coordinated response among all stakeholders while supporting the cluster coordinator in engaging with government representatives and donors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter Cluster Advisor will have a range of specific responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring that the shelter response is informed by relevant Technical Standards, including Sphere, and promoting good practices while chairing the Technical Working Groups (TWGs).
• Conducting field visits in coordination with Shelter Cluster partners to identify emerging technical issues and trends at the field level, documenting this information to influence national discussions.
• Collaborating with Shelter Cluster coordinators to develop and continuously update a Shelter Cluster Strategy in consultation with partners, including local government, ensuring that the shelter response aligns with this strategy.
• Identifying and categorizing existing shelter typologies to design appropriate solutions in close collaboration with Shelter Coordinators.
• Liaising and collaborating with relevant local authorities and key stakeholders to enhance the shelter response.
• Ensuring appropriate collaboration with related clusters such as CCCM, Early Recovery, Education, Health, Protection, and WASH.
• Coordinating the integration of cross-cutting issues, including Housing, Land, and Property (HLP), age, gender, and diversity, into the work of the Shelter Cluster.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Shelter Cluster Advisor position must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master’s/ MPhil) in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in shelter and non-food items at a managerial level in emergency, conflict, and post-conflict environments is required. Experience within the humanitarian architecture, particularly the cluster system, as well as familiarity with humanitarian appeals, response plans, and common humanitarian funds, is essential. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of shelter-related technical guidelines and international standards, including Sphere, and possess sound technical knowledge of traditional architectural materials, construction methods, and resilient construction techniques. Proficiency in computer applications such as MS Word and Excel, along with knowledge of CAD software, is required. Skills in graphic design software, particularly Adobe Suite, are desirable. The ability to work under stressful conditions, meet tight deadlines, and travel extensively at short notice is crucial, as is experience working in complex and volatile contexts. Excellent advocacy and representation skills, along with the ability to develop strong interpersonal relationships, are necessary for effective communication within the cluster.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Shelter Cluster Advisor position includes an Advanced University Degree (Master’s/ MPhil) in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering, or another relevant field. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary technical knowledge and expertise to effectively contribute to the shelter programming and coordination efforts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in the field of shelter and non-food items, specifically at a managerial level within emergency and conflict settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within the humanitarian architecture, particularly in relation to the cluster system, humanitarian appeals, and response plans. Experience in complex and volatile contexts is also essential, as the role involves navigating challenging environments and collaborating with various stakeholders.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and documentation purposes. Knowledge of Arabic would be advantageous, given the context of the position in Palestine, as it would facilitate better engagement with local authorities and communities.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is primarily in Jerusalem, with potential travel to Gaza when feasible. The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, need, and funding availability. The role involves approximately 50% travel to areas of operation. The salary and benefits are classified under Grade 8 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees at all levels with opportunities to contribute ideas and take responsibility.