Shelter Officer – Informal Settlements (ISs)

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

1. Field Implementation & Oversight

• Implement assigned shelter activities in ISs, including:
  • Weatherproofing of shelters and tents; Conduct door-to-door shelter assessments in ISs as instructed.
  • Accurately collect field data related to shelter condition, risks, and immediate needs using approved tools.
  • Distribution and installation of shelter materials and kits
  • Assess and monitor the implementation of basic site-level improvements (e.g., drainage, pathways, tent elevation)
• Monitor the quality of shelter works during implementation.
• Identify and report defects, safety concerns, or deviations from technical guidance.
• Ensure proper use and handling of materials during field activities.
• Ensure works comply with technical guidance, safety standards, and implementation instructions.
• Flag urgent shelter or safety concerns to the Shelter Senior Officer.

2. Autonomous Field Decision-Making

• Assess field conditions and take appropriate operational decisions when unexpected situations arise (access constraints, safety risks, material shortages, weather conditions).
• Assume field responsibility when the Shelter Senior Officer is not present, ensuring continuity of activities and adherence to standards.
• Escalate critical risks and incidents promptly through established reporting lines.

3. Technical & Design Support

• Review, interpret, and adjust technical drawings and layouts.
• Use AutoCAD to prepare, modify, or review basic shelter drawings, layouts, and details as required.
• Support technical problem-solving related to shelter design and site constraints.

4. Desk-Based Work & Reporting

• Prepare and submit structured field reports, including:
  • Activity progress updates
  • Site visit reports
  • Incident and risk reports
• Contribute to tracking of completed works, materials used, and outstanding needs.
• Support documentation required for internal monitoring and reporting.

5. Coordination with Senior Shelter Staff

• Coordinate directly with the Shelter Senior Officer and senior shelter staff on:
  • Daily planning and tasking
  • Technical clarifications
  • Field findings and recommendations
• Support coordination activities when requested, including:
  • Accompanying senior shelter staff during site visits
  • Supporting communication with community focal points and IS leaders
  • Supporting coordination with other field teams during joint activities
• Does not coordinate independently with external actors.

6. Supervision & Field Guidance

• Provide task-level guidance to Shelter Associate Officers and Shelter Assistants during implementation.
• Monitor work quality and adherence to safety procedures.

7. Emergency Shelter Response

• Lead or support emergency shelter activities when deployed.
• Conduct rapid assessments and support urgent shelter repairs following sudden events.
• Implement emergency distributions and urgent shelter repairs following sudden events such as storms, floods, fires, or heavy snowfall.

8. Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate field records of implemented activities.
• Submit daily or weekly field updates as requested.
• Report incidents, risks, and challenges promptly to the Shelter Senior Officer.

9. Protection, Conduct & Accountability

• Implement shelter activities in a safe, dignified, and respectful manner.
• Adhere to organizational codes of conduct and safeguarding standards.
• Support accountability to affected people by sharing information and referring feedback through established channels.

10. Other Duties

Perform any other shelter-related tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Shelter Senior Officer or management, in line with organizational needs.

Level of Responsibility & Accountability

• High field and technical responsibility.
• Accountable for quality, safety, reporting, and continuity of field operations.
• Acts with autonomy within a defined scope when senior supervision is not present.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Technical diploma or university degree in construction, civil works, architecture, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in shelter, construction, or field-based humanitarian work.
• Good working knowledge of AutoCAD is mandatory.
• Strong ability to work independently in the field.
• Fluency in Arabic; English required.

Core Competencies

• Strong field execution and reliability
• Ability to follow technical instructions accurately
• Practical problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and respect for reporting lines
• Flexibility and responsiveness during emergencies
• Commitment to safety, dignity, and accountability