UNHCR Shelter and Settlement Technical Associate Officer

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is currently seeking an Shelter and Settlement Technical Associate Officer to work within the Shelter and Settlement Section (SSS) at its Geneva headquarters.The incumbent will assist the section in delivering settlement physical planning, shelter and infrastructure related projects.

A. About UNHCR Shelter and Settlement Section

The Shelter and Settlement Section provides technical support to Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) operations around the world through the delivery of various services including:

 Developing strategies, technical guidelines and tool kits
 Designing, reviewing and commenting on site selection, physical planning, shelter and other infrastructure
 Researching and developing technical specifications for shelter and non-Food Items (NFIs) including tents, plastic sheeting and other shelter related items
 Carrying out research and development within the sector
 Undertaking technical support missions
 Develop and maintain shelter and physical planning training
 Deploying physical planning and shelter experts
 Supporting the Emergency Shelter Cluster at global and country levels

B. Purpose and Scope of the assignment

 Assist with the development, update, and dissemination of shelter strategies, technical checklists and guidelines (e.g. approaches, procedures and techniques).
 Provide specialized support to field operations through technical and engineering inputs related to site selection, physical planning, shelter and infrastructure with due consideration to any cross sectorial issue including protection, water, sanitation and environmental concerns
 Assist in analyzing and reviewing technical documentation, such as the revision of designs, plans, cross-section, BoQ as well as documents produced for and as a result of tender procedures
 Support ongoing technical research for alternative cost effective and sustainable shelter solutions
 Assist in the provision of support regarding technical annual reporting requirements
 Assist in conducting specialist interviews in order to update and maintain the shelter and settlement specialist network.
 Participate in technical meetings and specialised events as per need
 Undertake technical missions as required
 Undertake any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as requested by the Chief of Section.

C. Qualifications and experience
 University degree in engineering (e.g. civil) or architecture
 Minimum three years humanitarian experience, preferably working in the shelter sector
 Minimum five years professional experience, preferably within the architectural industry
 Excellent communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, while fluency in written and spoken French is highly desirable
 Basic knowledge of other UN languages is an asset
 Computer literacy in MS Office, Intranet Publishing and other software relevant to the sector such as Archicad, Autocad ect.

D. Duration

July to December 3013 with potential for extension.

How to apply:

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