Hardship LevelD
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Residential location (if applicable)
Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-01-01
Job Posting End DateNovember 29, 2023
Standard Job Description
Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In humanitarian emergencies where UNHCR is designated as the Shelter Cluster (SC) Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach, the Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer performs a dedicated coordination function. This function will be usually performed at sub national level and the incumbent will report to a P2 to P5 Shelter Cluster Coordinator at national level on functional issues and to the respective Head of Office on administrative issues. In some cases of large emergencies, the incumbent may perform a function of deputy cluster coordinator at the national level in support of the P4 or P5 Shelter Cluster Coordinator reporting directly to them.
The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer supports coordination functions to ensure UNHCRยฟs role as the Shelter Cluster (SC) Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach. The incumbent supports UNHCRยฟs commitment to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach. The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer also contributes to cross-sectoral coordination with other related clusters such as WASH, CCCM, Protection (HLP) and others, supports the mainstreaming of early recovery activities and cross-cutting issues into the work of the Shelter Cluster, especially age, gender, diversity, HIV, and environment.
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 UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
Strategic Direction and Coordination
- Maintain strong working relationships with the cluster members in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to facilitate effective collaboration and communication.
- Support coordination services, including meetings, in line with the Principles of Partnership, in an inclusive, effective, and results-oriented manner.
- Under the framework of Inter-Agency contingency Plan, support the revision of existing contingency planning and emergency preparedness measures and ensure they are updated and developed.
- Contribute to the development of a SC strategy that is part of the overall multi-sectoral response, that is owned by shelter partners and the government counterpart and that is revised as the situation evolves.
- Support the evaluation of the clusterยฟs performance. Based on the feedback of this evaluation, work with Shelter Cluster members to support the development of a plan of response to improve the clusterยฟs performance.
Needs Assessment, Resources Mobilization and Allocation
- Contribute to the facilitation and coordination within the Shelter Cluster or Inter-Cluster level shelter needs assessments, including participatory assessments
- Support the system to ensure the timely availability of data to inform operational decisions by partners and strategic decisions of the Humanitarian Country Team.
- Contribute to the development of common funding criteria, resource mobilisation and prioritization within the SC for inclusion in Consolidated Appeals and pooled funds processes.
- Contribute to the establishment of mechanisms for accountable and transparent financial resource allocation within the cluster.
Capacity Development
- Support capacity building of the government counterpart or the organization that will take over the coordination of the cluster once this is phased out.
- Contribute to the delivery of shelter training activities for SC members, other local partners, and relevant authorities.
- Contribute to initiatives to build the shelter capacity of the national and local government, partners and civil society.
Standard Setting and Implementation
- Contribute to ensuring that the shelter response is informed by appropriate relevant Technical Standards including among others Sphere, and good practice.
- Support appropriate collaboration with shelter response-related clusters of CCCM, Early Recovery, Education, Health, Logistics, Protection and WASH in the work of the Shelter Cluster.
- Support the integration of cross-cutting issues in the work of the Shelter Cluster, including age, gender, environment, diversity.
Information Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Contribute to development and implementation of SC information management strategy and mechanism to report and share information within the Shelter Cluster, with the other clusters, with the government, with the overall humanitarian community including donors, with UNHCR internal mechanisms, and with the Global Shelter Cluster.
- Support the production of analytical shelter reports, including the Factsheet;
- Support the maintenance of an updated SC website and the production of regular updates on the shelter concerns of the affected population, the response by the shelter actors, the gaps, challenges and recommendations.
Advocacy, Promotion and Fundraising
- Participate when requested in meetings with sectoral and external partners, authorities, donors, and other relevant interlocutors.
- Support the development of reports and advocacy statements on behalf of the Shelter Cluster.
- Coordinate with UNHCR and other partners to maximize communication impact to donors and others on the SC priorities.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Shelter-related sciences (e.g. civil engineering or architecture)
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
CCCM Cluster Coordination
HCR Coordination Learning Prog
HCR Management Learning Prog
UNHCR Tri-Cluster Knowledge and Coordination Skills Workshop
UNHCR Workshop on Emergency Management
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Knowledge of the Humanitarian reform process and the role of the humanitarian community (UN System, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and NGO), preferably in shelter. Knowledge of current humanitarian issues. Good knowledge of shelter-related technical guidelines and standards.
Desirable
Applied knowledge in UNHCR mandate, its policies, and priorities in relation to IDPs, shelter and NFI. Demonstrated expertise in program management and reporting requirements.
Functional Skills
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources & Approaches
PR-Country Operations applying the Cluster Approach
ER-Inter-Agency External Relations
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Shelter and Settlement Implementation
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources & Approaches
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile โข The candidate should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering, architecture, or a related discipline with minimum of 3 years relevant experience. S/He should be familiar with UNHCR and Global standards with regards to shelter/CRI and site planning, data collection methodologies, needs analysis and reporting.
โข Experience of construction management (including site supervision, monitoring, quality control, evaluation etc.) including application of participatory approaches to facilitate active participation of communities into the project cycle and into the construction process.
โข Prior experience in designing and implementing a shelter strategy, including host community situations, collective shelter, and camp settings, in emergency while considering the transition to more sustainable solutions.
โข Knowledge of AutoCAD and other tools forming a part of the UNHCR settlement planning toolkit. Previous involvement in implementation processes (including development of bill of quantities, analysis of local capacity and local markets, cost estimations, etc.)
โข S/He should be familiar with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that will support in monitoring of shelters constructed in hard-to-reach locations or locations rendered inaccessible by other factors such insecurity.
โข The incumbent should be able to elaborate risks in the shelter sector and propose mitigating measures and treatments.
โข Experience in building on existing local capacity and transfer knowledge as appropriate. Desirable Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, WASH, CCCM, Environment and land use.
โข Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, humanitarian infrastructure, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of the affected population is considered while designing, developing, and implementing shelter options.
โข Familiarity with and considerable field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations.
โข A candidate with prior solid experience in working in deep field locations in protracted operations that require innovative ways of implementing shelter/CRIs and infrastructure activities would be an advantage.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position
UNHCR Mekelle Sub-Office together with partners, provides humanitarian assistance and protection services to persons we serve including refugees and IDPs in Tigray region. Despite the fluid and unpredictable protection environment, with restricted access to some affected areas, UNCHR is doing its utmost to protect those affected by the conflict and has scaled up its presence in the region, providing shelter and Core Relief Items (CRIs) to meet the needs of the affected population.
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer will oversee the Shelter/CRI programme in the region. The incumbent will provide strong technical guidance to partners, monitors, and evaluates the programmes, lead regular shelter coordination meetings, and evaluate progress towards the implementation of the Shelter Strategy revised in 2023. S/He will oversee the day-to-day operations of all shelter/CRIs activities, support the operation in carrying out shelter and infrastructure needs assessments in sites as well as in areas of returns. S/he will have very close contacts with technical and non-technical staff of UN Agencies, UNHCR Field Office in Shire, UNHCR Representation Office in Addis, implementing Partners, regional and local government authorities, and Shelter Cluster partners.
The incumbent will contribute to ensuring that UNHCRโs Shelter/CRI and infrastructure responses within the region evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from sustainable local construction practices and materials. S/He will review, identify, and monitor shelter programmes within the region and initiate responses to address the gaps in collaboration and coordination with key UNHCR technical staff, operational partners, affected communities, and authorities as required. The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer will advise UNHCR's implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with global, national, and operational strategies and guidance. S/He will work with appropriate internationally accepted shelter standards, best practice and guidelines and disseminate this information among partners within the region to meet quality and oversight expectations.
The incumbent will provide support to a close and operational leading role in the Shelter Cluster so that UNHCRโs operational footprint is aligned with the Clusterโs goals. S/He will participate as technical focal point for Shelter/CRIs and infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including government counterparts to ensure UNHCR's interests and those of the persons we serve are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner. S/He will coordinate with partners to assess, analyze, and map available information on shelter options in the region considering relevant guidelines and plans adopted by the regional government.
The incumber will provide support to Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. Provide technical inputs and support Programme colleagues during Implementing Partner Selection of shelter sector partners. S/He will actively work with Programme as a member of the Multi-Functional Team in the Operation and regularly participates in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met. The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer will work CCCM and Supply teams to advise on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services, including the development of technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc. for bid documents. S/He will carry out technical evaluation of the received bids as well as review/inspection of the quality of shelter and infrastructure works during implementation and at completion.
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.
Living and Working Conditions
Mekelle, is the capital city of Tigray Region in Ethiopia. It is located around 780 kilometers (480 mi) north of the capital Addis Ababa, with an elevation of 2,254 meters above sea level. Administratively, Mekelle is considered a Special Zone, which is divided into seven sub-cities. Mekelle is the economic, cultural, and political hub of northern Ethiopia. Mekelle has grown rapidly since 1991. In 1984 it had 61,583 inhabitants, in 1994, 96,938 (96.5% being Tigrinya), and in 2006 169,200 (i.e. 4% of the population of Tigray). Mekelle is 2.6 times larger than Adigrat, the second largest regional centre. It is the fifth largest city in Ethiopia, after Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Adama, and Gondar. Most of the population of Mekelle depends on government employment, commerce, and small-scale enterprises.
Mekelle has new engineering, cement, and textile factories, producing for the local and foreign market. There are limited medical facilities in Mekelle that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. While the primary hospital in Mekelle is functioning, it is currently running low on medical supplies. Most pharmacies in town are open, but they also struggle to get medical supplies, so staff with prescriptions should come with at least 3 months of prescription medication. UN Clinic medical team supporting staff is available in Mekelle.
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. Exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offence, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash more than US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority upon arrival. ATM cash withdrawals are currently unavailable in Mekelle. As there are no functioning banks in Tigray, there is still a serious shortage of cash, but the office will provide advance cash from entitlements. While humanitarian partners' access to Tigray is improving, access to large areas continues to be impeded by insecurity, limiting the humanitarian response, particularly in rural hard-to-reach areas. Communications have been restored in Tigray with mobile network and Wi-Fi access. Mekelle is classified as security level - high. The restriction of movement is imposed on the movement of the staff member and the activities in the field, depending on the development of the security situation.
Regular commercial flights between Addis Ababa and Tigray (Mekelle & Shire) have resumed. Staff members can also rely sometimes on road convoy, and it should be prepared to operate under challenging conditions with extremely limited resources. Staff members will be working within a city that has been isolated for several months due to the crisis which began in November 2020. The office deals primarily with several displacement sites environment with inherent risks to staff health.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources and Approaches, CL-Shelter and Settlement Implementation, CO-Drafting and Documentation, ER-Inter-Agency External Relations, PR-Country Operations applying the Cluster Approach
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Architecture, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Shelter-related sciences
CertificationsCCCM Cluster Coordination - UNHCR, Emergency Management Workshop - UNHCR, HCR Coordination Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Tri_Cluster Knowledge/Coord Skills - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance