The UNHCR Representation in Bangladesh

VACANCY NOTICE FOR A FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT

FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

UNHCR Bangladesh invites applications from qualified candidates for the following position:

Title of the Post : Assistant Shelter Officer
Position No : 10028073
Location : UNHCR Sub Office, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Number of Vacancies : 1
Duration : Initally for 1 year (with possibility of extension)
Date of Entry on Duty : as soon as possible
Category and Level : National Officer - NOA
Closing Date : 11 February 2018
Organizational Context:

The Assistant Shelter Officer conducts comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in liaison with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, Public Health, WASH, administration and supply. To ensure the most effective response, both quantitative and qualitative data should be gathered on the profile/needs and living conditions of both the displaced population and host community. In a first instance, the incumbent ensures that UNHCR Field operations are supported in carrying out shelter and
settlement needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns.

The Assistant Shelter Officer also ensures that the development of shelter strategies takes into account the local context, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection available resources and skills. In addition, the incumbent ensures that shelter responses evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from local building practices and materials.

Specialized functions to be dealt with by the incumbent in this post include shelter planning/design and construction monitoring including remote monitoring, therefore the person should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering, architecture or a
related discipline.

The Assistant Shelter Officer maintains regular contact with programme, protection and field staff in country in order to ensure technical support related to shelter and construction activities.

Close and regular contact is also maintained with technical and non-technical staff of UN Agencies, Implementing Partners, Shelter Sector members, National and International NGOs and Government Authorities. The incumbent also discuss matters relating to shelter and infrastructure coordination and provision.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

UNHCR Shelter programme is implemented based on updated needs assessment and through direct implementation and competent implementing partners who receive proper guidance.
Gaps and overlaps in UNHCR's shelter programme as well as identified unmet needs are addressed.
Shelter activities are oriented to address priority needs.
UNHCR Field operations are supported in carrying out shelter and settlement needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns and displacement. The development of shelter strategies is supported, taking into account the local context, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection available resources and skills.
Selection of settlements is based on approved technical guidelines, considering relevant factors such as land availability, accessibility, security, water resources and absorption capacity.
Construction standards are maintained and the specifications and the drawings are followed by contractors and partners.
Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

Provide support in carrying out shelter needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns and displacement.
Ensure that specifications, bills of quantities and drawings are produced in a technically sound and standardised manner and monitor programme performance to ensure works are implemented according to plans and completed within the designated timeframe.
Contribute to development of the shelter strategies which are framed by UNHCR’s Global Strategy for Settlement and Shelter and take into consideration the local context, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
Provide clear guidance on standards for shelter and settlement, including minimum emergency standards to meet basic and essential needs.
Organise and provide trainings in construction techniques and practices leading to more durable solutions and drawing from local building practices and materials.
Promote the sustainability of technical interventions through local capacity building and self-help in collaboration with local partners in the field. Ensure that local communities have been consulted on all activities so as not to create unnecessary tension between the displaced and host populations.
Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

Intervene with implementing partners on Shelter issues.
Decide priorities in the designing of implementation plan.
Advise on implementing partners' selection.
Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all shelter standard operating procedures.
Enforce technical strategies, protocols and guidelines.
Qualifications Required:

Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Civil / Environmental / Public Health Engineering or related field.
At least 1 year of hands-on technical support including experience in assistance delivery in emergencies and relief operations.
Knowledge of SPHERE standards and ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, GPS receivers and computer equipment.
Technical drafting and design skills, preferably with basic computer-aided drafting (CAD) experience.
Knowledge of local institutions.
Excellent knowledge of English.
Desirable qualifications & competencies:

Knowled Knowledge of UNHCR system and operating modality.
Understanding of the humanitarian architecture.
Excellent knowledge of Chittagonian or/and Rohingya language.
Submission of application:

Interested candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit their applications with complete Personal History Form and Supplementary Pages via online UNHCR Bangladesh Job Portal www.unhcr.io/jobs

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for an interview and written test. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted.

UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Deadline for submission of application: 11 February 2018