Shelter Assistant (Local Posting)

Near East Foundation

Job Announcement

 

Title: Shelter Assistant (Local Posting)

Reports to: Project Officer

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Travel: 50% frequent travel between project sites in Beirut area.

Expected starting date: January 1, 2021

Contract end date: April 30, 2021 (renewable depending on funding)

 

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for the Shelter Assistant position, for a period of 4 months, based in Beirut, Lebanon. 

 

For over 100 years, NEF has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently has approximately 250 staff members – almost all nationals – and programs in eight countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Sudan, and Syria. Its programs are organized around three themes: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Resilient Development, and Peacebuilding and Stabilization. 

 

PROJECT OVERVIEW NEF Beirut response addresses the nexus of relief and early recovery efforts supporting vulnerable and highly impacted skilled workers and small entrepreneurs restart activities and regain financial and operational stability, while also facilitating employment opportunities that connect skilled workers with vulnerable victims in their communities whose houses were damaged by blast and require repair or rebuilding.

The project aims to reduce household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies of vulnerable Lebanese families affected by Beirut blast by increasing access to livelihoods and skills, and by supporting the creation of home-based income-generating activities.

 

POSITION DESCRIPTIONThe Shelter Assistant will support the technical implementation of the project through ensuring that the activities are accomplished within the time frame.  S/he will contribute to identifying targeted houses and follow up on the repairs in the areas of Khandak Al Ghamik, El Mdawar/Karantina and Burj Hammoud to ensure smooth and quality implementation and proper documentation of the project.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Project Officer and in coordination with team members, the Shelter Assistant has the following specific responsibilities:

 

Implementation and Monitoring:

• Participate in identification and selection of beneficiaries.
• Conduct regular field visits in order to prepare technical shelter condition assessments. 
• Sketch and draw plans for the shelter, as needed. 
• Maintain and update a database for each case (including individual and HH details if needed).
• Actively participate in the collection and analysis of information used to determine vulnerability.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner organizations and other stakeholders in the field. 
• Attend internal meetings and external Shelter coordination meetings when required.
• Follow up on the day-to-day activities and work progress. 
• Conduct phone calls and follow up with beneficiaries if necessary.

 

Reporting & Documentation:

• Deliver high quality, accurate and timely reports. 
• File all relevant project documents in line with NEF’s requirements.
• Participate in project evaluation and lessons learnt documentation. 
• Collect case studies and success stories according to NEF guidelines. 

Other Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with applicable donor and NEF policies and regulations.
• Attend trainings physically and online. 
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as requested by the supervisor.

 

QUALIFICATIONSThe successful Shelter Assistant must be a self-directed individual with the following qualifications:

 

Basic Qualifications:

• University degree in civil engineering, architecture or in another relevant field with shelter work experience.  
• At least 2 years of relevant experience with humanitarian and/or development organizations, including significantexperience in shelter sector.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and verbal.
• Experience working in Beirut area.
• High-level of knowledge and practice with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Willingness and ability to frequently travel to field sites and to engage with vulnerable communities.
• Ability to live and work in Lebanon without company sponsorship.

 

Position Criteria:

• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility.
• Effective team player, able to develop and maintain effective work relationships.
• Flexible, creative, and problem-solving oriented.
• Ability to take initiative; highly self-motivated, with a strong capacity to work within a team.
• Ability to work independently, with strong work ethics and a high level of professionalism.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring others do as well.
• Strong commitment to humanitarian principles.