Physical Planning/ Shelter Officer

Company: UNHCR
Location: Melkadida, Ethiopia
Job sector: Professional services
Job type: Permanent
Reference: 10399

One of the physical planner's roles will also envision shelter and other infrastructure to be constructed for the refugees in the camps in accordance with the local practice and/or laws.

Job Description

Duties and Qualifications

Physical Planning/Shelter Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

With massive influx of refugees from Somalia new camps have been opened to settle the new arrivals in Dolo Ado. The planning for and establishment of a camp takes careful coordination with environmentalists, water engineers, social workers and indeed local authorities. The Physical Planner will be charged with these responsibilities including the maintenance works of existing camps. One of the physical planner's roles will also envision shelter and other infrastructure to be constructed for the refugees in the camps in accordance with the local practice and/or laws. The incumbent will also take stock of resources in the area before the refugees are settled. Such an approach will curb future demands which maybe placed on UNHCR regarding environmental degradation and/or rehabilitations. The incumbent will be required to work closely with Government counterpart and other implementing partners in the sector. This requires strong interpersonal skills. S/he will also work in close collaboration with technical staff in the BO.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability

- UNHCR's country operation is technically sound in the field of site physical planning/shelter thus able to meet the needs of persons of concern.

Responsibility

- Provide technical input related to physical planning, site selection / development, infrastructures and shelter with due consideration to water, sanitation and environmental concerns to the operation.
- Work with implementing Partners (IP) in the design and formulation of activities in line with cost effectiveness, technologically sound and socially appropriate solutions for the above mentioned activities undertaken by UNHCR in the refugee camps and other identified locations.
- Undertake the identification of refugee and IDPs hosting sites and plan for the development of appropriate infrastructure in consultation with the national and local authorities and following UNHCR standards and policies.
- Make recommendations on the procurement of all the required physical planning-related and shelter materials, equipment and tools to ensure timely implementation of plans and functioning of the camp/site facilities.
- Provide technical guidance and supervision in camp/site construction and related activities. This includes developing standard designs for refugee shelter and providing technical details on layout of the camp site (streets, alleys, drainage, etc. and bill of quantities.
- Liaise with the other UN agencies, Government ministries and implementing partners in order to coordinate activities encompassing camp/site planning, shelter and other infrastructures including roads and culverts in the camps.
- Perform other relates activities as deemed relevant by the Representative and the Head of UNHCR offices in the field.

Authority

- Enforce technical protocols and guidelines.
- Represent UNHCR in meetings and fora related to the functions.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

- Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering/ Site Planning.
- Minimum eight years of relevant work experience with at least five years in humanitarian operations.
- Good written and spoken English language skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Computer literacy in Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel
- GPS/GIS skills in connection with Google earth and map reading and analytical skills.

Position Competencies

C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3

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