S&S Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that was established to help people affected by displacement. NRC was registered in Moldova in April 2022, with a country office located in Chișinău. The organization operates in multiple regions across the country, focusing on providing assistance to individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. NRC's mission is to ensure that the basic needs of displacement-affected populations are met, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. The organization emphasizes a partner-led response, building on the capacity of local civil society actors to deliver programs and support national authorities. NRC's multi-sectoral portfolio includes livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, information, counselling, legal assistance, shelter and settlements, protection from violence, and education programming. As the situation in Moldova evolves, NRC is committed to enhancing living conditions for displaced individuals, particularly through improving energy efficiency in shelters and fostering partnerships with local actors to create sustainable solutions.

Job Overview:
The S&S Technical Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Shelter Program under the Shelter and Settlement Core Competency. This role involves adhering to NRC policies and guidelines, implementing project activities according to the action plan, and preparing technical status reports as required. The officer will ensure proper documentation and filing of technical documents, assess beneficiary sites to identify needs, and promote technical improvements in shelter programming. The position also requires active participation in capacity-building initiatives and collaboration with other teams to provide comprehensive services to beneficiaries. The officer will lead technical needs assessments, supervise project participant selection, and develop training materials related to the installation of materials. Additionally, the officer will monitor contractor work and ensure compliance with technical standards throughout the project implementation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The S&S Technical Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including: organizing and leading technical needs assessments and focus group discussions; supervising the selection of project participants based on technical criteria; preparing informational materials for beneficiaries regarding Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and scope of works; developing training materials for proper installation of materials; overseeing contractor work and repairs done by beneficiaries; consolidating site-level BoQs for procurement documents; ensuring precise content specifications and collaborating with logistics for material samples; preparing technical designs and specifications for construction activities; tracking project participant information and complaints; coordinating with contractors and labor teams; and leading field-level monitoring and evaluation activities related to technical implementation. The officer will also be expected to document lessons learned and perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the S&S Technical Officer position should possess the following qualifications: experience working as a Project Officer - Technical (or equivalent) in a humanitarian or recovery context; previous experience in complex and volatile environments; documented results related to the position's responsibilities; knowledge of leadership skills; fluency in spoken and written Romanian; basic fluency in written and spoken English; and knowledge of additional local dialects is a plus. Specific skills and knowledge required include post-secondary technical education or higher in engineering, architecture, construction management, or equivalent; at least one year of experience in a technical responsible position in an NGO or international company; proven experience in technical implementation of construction projects; experience in monitoring construction activities and ensuring adherence to technical standards; ability to prioritize needs and manage multiple tasks; and strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, and negotiation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the S&S Technical Officer position includes post-secondary technical education or higher in fields such as engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the technical aspects of shelter programming and construction activities.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of experience in a technical responsible position, preferably within an NGO or international company. Experience in documenting progress of construction-related shelter activities, monitoring construction activities, and developing technical specifications is crucial for this role. Familiarity with the context in Moldova, particularly regarding the shelter needs of conflict-affected persons, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Romanian is mandatory for this position, along with basic fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of additional local dialects is considered a plus, as it can enhance communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Moldova, and the organization is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. It is important to note that incomplete applications or CVs submitted via email will not be considered official and will not be processed. The role may involve full-time hours, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and challenging work environment.