Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)E (most hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Non Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA6
Target Start Date2023-07-01
Job Posting End DateJuly 5, 2023
Terms of Reference1. General Background
For almost four decades, millions of Afghans have sought protection and found temporary solutions in neighbouring countries, mostly in Pakistan and Iran; however, a range of factors have influenced the decision of many to return. Since 2002, over 5.2 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan despite a fragile security situation in many parts of the country and a range of socio-economic and political challenges. These returnees have been supported by UNHCR with cash grants and other assistance to meet their immediate humanitarian needs. Moreover, Afghans continue to be internally displaced across the country, from both conflict and natural disasters.
UNHCR Afghanistan aims to effectively respond to the protection risks of returning Afghans and displaced populations, empower communities and strengthen their resilience, as well as engage stakeholders for sustainable solutions. UNHCR is supporting improved access to basic services through construction of schools health facilities, roads, bridges, irrigation systems, water networks etc. Cash grant support is provided to most vulnerable families is provided to construct individual housing, while RHUs are provided to schools and health clinics to support increase of the facility capacities.
The incumbent will be based in the Sub-Office and Field-Office in Mazar, Herat, Kandahar, Bamyan, and Kabul, keeping frequent internal contacts with shelter staff in the Country Office.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The Shelter Associate provides support in carrying out 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. The incumbent will assist 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 assistance 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.
Technical Guidance
- 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.
- Review and advise on requests for new construction and rehabilitation works
- Follow up the design and construction of infrastructure (schools, health centres, reception centres, drainage and roadworks 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.
- Provide support in the preparation of 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.
- Monitor and evaluate performance of partners and contractors
- Assist in providing training to partner and contractor and advise on good construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction
- Work closely with other relevant sectors such as WASH, education and health so that shelter and infrastructure implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
- 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 in carrying out shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply.
Coordination
- Facilitate resolution of conflict amongst various stakeholders in the field level through precise assessment and obtained fact
- 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 PoC 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 Office and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
-Perform other related duties as required.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
- Ensure constructions works are completed on time, within budget and to quality standards.
- Conduct monitoring of construction projects and construction of housing by beneficiaries
- Advise on improvements that could be made in managing and implementing the project.
- Provide bi-weekly report to the Shelter Officer in the country office detailing all project matters including quality, health and safety, environmental and financial, as well as any issues relating to possible delays, cost overruns, variations and any other matter.
- Collect and provide data and analysis in timely manner when requested
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
• University degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering or related field.
• Bachelor or equivalent
b. Work Experience
• 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
• Excellent knowledge of English and good working knowledge of local languages.
• Prior knowledge of training initiatives preferred.
• Knowledge of humanitarian settlement planning.
• Computer literacy in AutoCAD, Graphic design, MS Project Management and other relevant software
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and be a team player.
c. Language:
• Fluency in English required, and any other working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language is desirable.
d. Key Competencies
• Analytical Thinking
• Technological Awareness
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Planning and Organizing
• Empowering and Building Trust
• Managing Performance
• Judgement and Decision Making
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance