JOB DESCRIPTION
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Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
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 Shelter Associate normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague.
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.
Desired Candidate Profile
The candidate is expected to contribute to the ongoing UNHCR shelter response with a particular focus on the NFI and Shelter assistance to the forcibly displaced population from Nagorno Karabakh. Furthermore, s/he is expected to support the coordination efforts undertaken including within the existing Shelter and NFI working group.
- Knowledge of Eastern Armenian mandatory (required to liaise with government technical departments);
- Education: studies in the field of Architecture, Construction or Civil Engineering desirable candidate profile.
Technical Guidance
- Assist in the preparation, data collection and review of shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors;
- Assist in the daily management of all UNHCR construction and infrastructure projects through Direct Implementation and Implementing Partners within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance with established UNHCR and national standards;
- Assist implementing partners on technical shelter and infrastructure issues.
Coordination
- Work with the government, relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination of shelter and infrastructure projects within the AoR;
- Integrate the coordination role of UNHCR as co-lead to the Shelter and NFI WG;
- Assist 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 during implementation and at completion.
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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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;
- 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 the 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 a 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 Operation and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure the protection and assistance needs of the population are met;
- 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.
- 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.
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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Years of Experience/ Degree Level
- For G6 - 3 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.
Certificates and/or Licenses
- Civil Engineering; Architecture.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
- Knowledge of SPHERE standards and the ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, and computer equipment. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programs.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, environment and land use. Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of PoC is taken into account while designing and developing shelter options. 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
- SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D);
- CO-Drafting and Documentation;
- SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination;
- IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD).
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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
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Applicants are invited to fill in the online application available at
https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Yerevan-Armenia/Shelter-Associate_JR2437031. Please note, that late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test (conducted in person at the same venue for all candidates) and a competency-based interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
For any technical problems encountered during the on-line application please contact the UNHCR Armenia HR Unit at
armyehr@unhcr.org well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for problems to be resolved.
Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this job opportunity through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am, Thanks.
REMUNERATION/ SALARY
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UNHCR Salary Calculator:
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
OPEN TO/ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
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Staff in GS category is recruited in the country or within commuting distance (if recruited from a neighboring country) of each office.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
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UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
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This position doesn't require a functional clearance.
CONSENT
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Useful links
http://un.am/en/agency/UNHCRhttps://www.unhcr.org/https://armenia.un.org/enhttps://undg.org/document/united-nations-sustainable-development-cooperation-framework/https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/