UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR*)*
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Vacancy Notice No. HONCO-015
Title of Post: Snr. Shelter Associate
Category/Grade: Equivalent G7
Type of Contract: LICA UNOPS
Effective date of
Assignment: 1 December 2020
Date of Issue: 4 November 2020
Closing Date: 11 November 2020
Important: If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your letter of motivation, signed Personal History Form by e-mail clearly stating the position title, vacancy notice number and your Last Name in the subject line to: hontevacancies@unhcr.org by the closing date 11 November 2020
Operational Context:
Honduras is characterized by a situation of internal displacement due to high levels of violence, a protection and assistance challenge. The operation grew significantly in the last three years, but challenges and areas of intervention have increased as well. As of 2020 Honduras is a full stand-alone Representation. This has brought additional responsibilities in terms of operational capacity. Currently there are 35 staff members including both the Office in Tegucigalpa and the Field Office in San Pedro Sula, but the operation will increase to 68 staff members with additional Field Units (Choluteca and Ocotepeque). Currently, the operation is engaging in the construction and refurbishment of shelters, offices for the attention and community assets.
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Programme Officer. The Senior Shelter Associate provides support in carrying out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in liaison with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, 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. The incumbent will provide support in the day to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to ensure that works proceed as designed and comply with established standards and procedures for the full project cycle.
Close and regular contact is maintained with technical and non-technical staff of shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities.
The incumbent assists the supervisor in ensuring that shelter & infrastructure responses within the AoR evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from sustainable local building practices and materials. S/he provides technical support in general infrastructure planning, design and construction monitoring.
Within an urban context, it is essential that shelter responses take into consideration urban planning strategies, including an analysis of residential areas, housing affordability and availability. In addition, regardless of the context, shelter assistance should at all times minimize the risk of harm, eviction, exploitation and abuse, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to services and unhygienic conditions. Special attention must be given to the environment and low carbon approaches, attention to material selection through sustainable means to ensure a green approach to shelter delivery.
Close and regular contact is maintained with technical and non-technical staff of shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities.
strengthen the operation’s cash-based interventions both through direct implementation and via partners. The incumbent will lead and support the Multi Functional Team in the transition process to deliver cash directly, while working with partners to ensure full compliance of UNHCR policies and guidance regarding CBI.
Excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to interact with government officials and other stakeholders is required. Sensitive political context requires ability to work collaboratively with government and civil society partners. Excellent command of English and communication and analytical skills are required, Spanish is highly desirable.
Functional Statement:
Purpose and Scope
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Programme Officer. The Senior Shelter Associate provides support in carrying out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments in liaison with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, 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. The incumbent will provide support in the day to-day operations of all construction and general infrastructure projects within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to ensure that works proceed as designed and comply with established standards and procedures for the full project cycle.
Duties
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Responsibility
Technical Guidance
- Assist in carrying out shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply.
- Work with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the shelter beneficiary selection process prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable Persons of Concern (PoC).
- Assist the supervisor in developing and updating shelter strategies to reflect evolving situations and ensure alignment with national and global level policies and guidelines including: Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
- Provide support in the daily management of all construction and infrastructure projects within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance to established UNHCR and national standards/best practices for the full project cycle.
- Monitor and follow up the design and construction of infrastructure (schools, health centres, reception centres, shelters, etc) to confirm these are approved by the relevant authorities, technically sound, supplemented with accurate drawings, detailed BQs and specifications and implemented according to plans, completed within designated timelines, budget and ensure that this information is shared with relevant colleagues.
- Work closely with other relevant sectors such as WASH, education and health so that shelter and infrastructure implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
- Assist implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with national and global standards, national and operational strategies and guidance.
Coordination:
- Provide technical support in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of PoC.
- Assist in coordination and management of UNHCR’s shelter and infrastructure interventions in a timely, cost-effective, inter-sectoral manner. Work with the government and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership.
- Participate, as technical focal point within the AoR for shelter/infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including Government counterparts to ensure UNHCR’s interests and those of the PoCs are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner.
Collaboration:
- Assist Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects.
- Actively work with Programme as a member of the Multi-Functional Team in the Operation and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
- Draft bid documents for all construction and infrastructure projects including technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc.
- Assist in the technical evaluation of received bids as well as in the review/inspection of the quality of shelter and infrastructure products/works during implementation and at completion
· Perform other related duties as required.
Monthly progress reports:
- # of assessments and bid documents drafted
· # of construction/refurbishment sites supervised
Authority
- The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Programme Officer.
Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
· 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher in Architecture, Civil Engineer or a related field.
· Versatile in use of word processing and spreadsheet applications ability to prepare schedules / bills of quantities and estimating cost, essential.
· Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programs, essential
- Experience working on construction, refurbishment or renovation of social infraestructure, desirable.
- Knowledge of computer graphics, AutoCAD and mapping software as well as the capacity to use mapping tools (GPS), and digital photographic equipment, and related software (map info etc.), desirable.
Key Competencies:
· IT-MS Office Applications
· IT-AutoCAD (Computer Assisted Design Software)
· SP-CAD/CAM Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing
· MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation
· SP-Sphere Handbook
· SP-Shelter Assessment including survey/implementation/monitoring/evaluation/coordination
· UN-Knowledge of UN/UNHCR terminology
Required Competencies:
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Eligibility:
Candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and candidates not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.[1]**
Remuneration:
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. Please visit: https://jobs.unops.org/salarycalculator#/GsSalary
[1] Completed and relevant university education can count as maximum 50% of the required years of work experience.
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How to apply:
Submission of Applications:
If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your letter of motivation, signed Personal History Form by e-mail clearly stating the position title, vacancy notice number and your Last Name in the subject line to: hontevacancies@unhcr.org by the closing date 11 November 2020
The Personal History Form and its supplementary sheet are available at:
https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html?query=personal%20history%20form
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).
UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.**
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