UNHCR Senior Shelter Coordinator

A. Background

The protests that started in Syria in March 2011 have led to the present conflict in which, millions of people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Among them, 4.25 million are internally displaced while it is estimated that around 5000,000 people sought refuge in countries neighboring Syria, mainly in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq. Based on the trends of the past 18 months, it is anticipated that those currently being assisted in countries of asylum are likely to remain longer accommodated in refugee camps, host arrangements or public buildings, while the number of internally displaced population forced to leave their homes and living in host families, in collective centres, or other forms of temporary accommodation may continue to need live saving assistance to cope with the severity of their current living conditions. Many escaped in a rush carrying very limited personal belonging if at all and are now facing the hardship of the winter. In this context, the provision of shelter and household Non-Food Items (NFIs) remains one of the utmost priorities.

B. Main duties and responsibilities

The Shelter Coordinator (hereinafter referred to as “the Coordinator”) will work under direct supervision of Deputy Representative. The Coordinator will also keep in contact with the Shelter and Settlement Section in Geneva.

The Coordinator will perform the following tasks and duties:

• Maintain and expand the contact with key sector stakeholders, including national authorities, national and international organizations, and representatives of affected populations, respecting mandates and programme priorities of each of the agencies.

• Coordinate with national authorities and other partners the assessment and identification of needs related to shelter sector, map out shelter assistance already provided, identify and address potential gaps.

• Develop, implement and review an agreed Shelter Strategy with support inputs from shelter sector partners. Ensure the strategy addresses needs of population of concern, new emergency and contingency planning for potential future needs.

• Ensure the agreed shelter strategy is used as the framework for shelter activities and promote adherence to agreed standards and best practice by all shelter partners.

• Ensure overall coordination of UNHCR’s shelter contribution to the Syria Humanitarian Response Plan (SHARP) in close coordination with other sector responses (community services, NFI, health etc.)

• Design and costing of specific shelter interventions with all related budgeting and contract management.

• Manage technical teams to define and design set of shelter solutions required to address shelter needs in various settlement locations.

• Ensure UNHCR programme arrangements for the interventions (with national and international partners) and that timely implementation occurs and is monitored

• Identify needs for UNHCR procurement (e.g. Plastic sheets, timber, fittings, and heaters) and coordinate with supply colleagues the purchase and timely delivery.

• Work closely with UNHCR programme, supply, and logistics to ensure timely support.

• Assess, monitor and evaluate shelter activities and regularly revise and update the strategy according to the needs identified.

• Work in close coordination with all functional Units in UNHCR (Protection, Programme, Community Services, Field, Administration, and Supply) to identify priority Shelter issues to ensure that minimum UNHCR and international standards are met.

• Ensure that shelter partners are aware of relevant policy guidelines, technical standards and relevant commitments that the authorities have undertaken; promote adherence to agreed standards and best practice by all shelter partners, taking into consideration the need for local adaptation.

• Provide regular technical reports, including specific progress reports on status of the implementation.

• Chair the sector coordination meeting

C. QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

Academic: Advanced University Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering or related field Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the technical field, prior working knowledge of the region would be an advantage
• Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service-oriented manner in a demanding working condition that often has short deadlines.
• Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a common objective in the area of Shelter and Settlement/Physical Planning is essential.
• Demonstrated experiences in organizing and conducting training activities and information campaigns on Shelter related issues.
• Proven technical expertise in the area of Shelter assessment including survey, programme implementation, monitoring and coordination is required.
• Exposure to UNHCR mandate, its priorities and principles.

D. Core Competencies:
• Leadership and coordination
• Empowering and building trust
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Political awareness
• Strategic planning and vision, including development of shelter strategic frameworks with special focus to cultural and social aspects, gender related issues and environmental considerations
• Planning and organization
• Judgment and decision making
• Analytical thinking
• Innovation and creativity
• Providing technical support and advice
• Management of resources and teams
• Coaching and developing staff including UNHCR and other stakeholders
• Managing performance, monitoring and evaluating
• Mobilizing external support

E. Languages: Good verbal and drafting skills in English essential and at least a working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable
Location: Damascus, Syria

F. Duration: 6 months initially with possibility of extension.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your CV/P11 and cover letter to the following address: hqsl00@unhcr.org by COB 31 May 2013.