Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
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, 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 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 Senior Shelter Associate normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague or Technical Coordinator and normally supervises some support staff.
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.
Northern Lebanon, situated adjacent to western Syria, has been at the forefront of the Syrian crisis since 2011, becoming the first point of entry for Syrian refugees fleeing the turmoil. Northern Lebanon ranks among the most economically challenged regions in the country. Sub-Office Tripoli where the incumbent is based covers the two primary governorates: Akkar and T5.
Shelter Situation: In alignment with the Lebanese government's policies, Syrian refugees in Lebanon are not housed in formalized camps. Instead, they disperse across urban and rural expanses in the northern region, seeking refuge in an array of dwellings, from informal settlements (IS) and apartments to warehouses and garages. Addressing the vulnerabilities of these informal settlements, UNHCR proactively distributes shelter kits designed to bolster existing tented structures against harsh climatic conditions. Initiatives have been set in motion to provide fire mitigation tools, raise awareness on fire risks, and enhance the settlement sites for better flood resilience and overall accessibility.
As of June 2023, in its commitment to ameliorate housing conditions, UNHCR has supported in refurbishing substandard housing units while also orchestrating the provision of Emergency Temporary Relocation and Shared Shelter Units, benefiting those grappling with critical protection challenges such as eviction threats or homelessness. UNHCR also provides vulnerable families with temporary cash assistance for rent, with 12% of these beneficiaries being Lebanese nationals.
Taking a community-centered approach, UNHCR, in collaboration with its partners, has executed the Area Based Approach (ABA) intervention across four locales in northern Lebanon. This multi-sectoral initiative delves deep into communal challenges, ensuring a holistic upliftment. UNHCR is also involved in community Support Projects. These projects primarily focus on strengthening key institutions and buttressing Lebanon's infrastructure, reinforcing the nation's resilience in these testing times.
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.
Duties
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, 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.
- 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.
Intervention Sectors
Refugees
Location
- Lebanon
- North Lebanon
- Tripoli
Application Deadline
Organisation
Salary Range
> 3000 (USD)
Contract Type
Full Time
Application Submission Guidelines
- This vacancy is administered under RAP – UNHCR/HCP/2022/07:
- Candidates are divided into 3 categories:
- Internal candidates: current staff, holding a fixed term or indefinite appointment, who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the same category of the vacancy, at the grade of the position or one grade below or above.
- Candidates with UNHCR experience: current staff in other categories of the vacancy, or
same category applying 2 grades above their own, TAs, Affiliates (UNVs, UNOPS, Consultants, interns), or former UNHCR staff who held FTA/IND appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females).
- External candidates
- Candidates will be assessed against the requirements of the position based on their qualifications, professional experience, skills, and performance record (if any) and may be further evaluated in a test and/or interview.
- Candidates who have a Workday profile can access the vacancy through Menu > Career > Job Search
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
- Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
- UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to a mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees). All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Requires a Cover Letter?
Yes
Experience Requirements
5 to 10 years
Education Degree
High School
Education Degree Details
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Civil Engineering; Architecture
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Versatile in use of word processing and spreadsheet applications ability to prepare schedules / bills of quantities and estimating cost. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programs.
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.).
Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
(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.
Desired Candidate Profile:
The ideal Senior Shelter Associate holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or related fields. With relevant work experience in a humanitarian setting, they have developed expertise in shelter and infrastructure planning, design, and monitoring, all rooted in a thorough understanding of humanitarian strategies. Their track record not only highlights their technical prowess but also their capability in engaging with local authorities to design meaningful humanitarian interventions.
The candidate should possess experience in rapid emergency response, as they will support the Emergency Coordinator for the North with following up with partners to ensure timely and needs based responses to emergencies. Their background also includes support for public infrastructure in both sudden and protracted emergency situations. Demonstrated technical abilities, such as creating tools for informed decision-making and drafting technical specifications and BoQs, are essential. Fluency in both English and Arabic is a must.
Beyond technical skills, this individual stands out for their analytical and interpersonal capabilities. They have proven team management experience as well as considerable leadership and coordination experience, particularly at the interagency level. Their adaptability, team-oriented approach, and respect for cultural diversity are key. Previous work with NGOs and UNHCR/or other UN agencies, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the local context and AoR best practices, renders them especially suited for the role.
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Civil Engineering; Architecture
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Versatile in use of word processing and spreadsheet applications ability to prepare schedules / bills of quantities and estimating cost. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programs.
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.).
Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
(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.
Desired Candidate Profile:
The ideal Senior Shelter Associate holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or related fields. With relevant work experience in a humanitarian setting, they have developed expertise in shelter and infrastructure planning, design, and monitoring, all rooted in a thorough understanding of humanitarian strategies. Their track record not only highlights their technical prowess but also their capability in engaging with local authorities to design meaningful humanitarian interventions.
The candidate should possess experience in rapid emergency response, as they will support the Emergency Coordinator for the North with following up with partners to ensure timely and needs based responses to emergencies. Their background also includes support for public infrastructure in both sudden and protracted emergency situations. Demonstrated technical abilities, such as creating tools for informed decision-making and drafting technical specifications and BoQs, are essential. Fluency in both English and Arabic is a must.
Beyond technical skills, this individual stands out for their analytical and interpersonal capabilities. They have proven team management experience as well as considerable leadership and coordination experience, particularly at the interagency level. Their adaptability, team-oriented approach, and respect for cultural diversity are key. Previous work with NGOs and UNHCR/or other UN agencies, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the local context and AoR best practices, renders them especially suited for the role.
Arabic
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
None
Hide guidelines for wrong answers
No