Shelter Associate (Construction Project Management) (Kandahar, Afghanistan)

Under the direct supervision of Head of Office, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

Technical Guidance

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.
Review and advise on requests for new construction and rehabilitation works
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.
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.
Monitor and evaluate performance of partners and contractors
Assist in providing training to partner and contractor and advise on good construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction
Work closely with other relevant sectors such as WASH, education and health so that shelter and infrastructure implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
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 in carrying out shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply.

Coordination

Facilitate resolution of conflict amongst various stakeholders in the field level through precise assessment and obtained fact
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 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 Office and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
Perform other related duties as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Ensure constructions works are completed on time, within budget and to quality standards.
Conduct monitoring of construction projects and construction of housing by beneficiaries
Advise on improvements that could be made in managing and implementing the project.
Provide bi-weekly report to the Shelter Officer in the country office detailing all project matters including quality, health and safety, environmental and financial, as well as any issues relating to possible delays, cost overruns, variations and any other matter. 
Collect and provide data and analysis in timely manner when requested

Organizational/ Operational Context:

For almost four decades, millions of Afghans have sought protection and found temporary solutions in neighbouring countries, mostly in Pakistan and Iran; however, a range of factors have influenced the decision of many to return. Since 2002, over 5.2 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan despite a fragile security situation in many parts of the country and a range of socio-economic and political challenges. These returnees have been supported by UNHCR with cash grants and other assistance to meet their immediate humanitarian needs. Moreover, Afghans continue to be internally displaced across the country, from both conflict and natural disasters.

UNHCR Afghanistan aims to effectively respond to the protection risks of returning Afghans and displaced populations, empower communities and strengthen their resilience, as well as engage stakeholders for sustainable solutions. UNHCR is supporting improved access to basic services through construction of schools health facilities, roads, bridges, irrigation systems, water networks etc. Cash grant support is provided to most vulnerable families is provided to construct individual housing, while RHUs are provided to schools and health clinics to support increase of the facility capacities.

The incumbent will be based in the Kandahar keeping frequent internal contacts with shelter staff in the Country Office.

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 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.

Education:

Completed a minimum of Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture or shelter-related sciences

Language:                 

Fluency in English required, and any other working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language is desirable.

Work Experience:

3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Excellent knowledge of English and good working knowledge of local languages.
Prior knowledge of training initiatives preferred.
Knowledge of humanitarian settlement planning.
Computer literacy in AutoCAD, Graphic design, MS Project Management and other relevant software
Demonstrated ability to work independently and be a team player.

Key Competencies

Analytical Thinking
Technological Awareness
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Planning and Organizing
Empowering and Building Trust
Managing Performance
Judgement and Decision Making

Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter, fact sheet and duly completed and signed Personal History Form by email to afgkavacancies@unhcr.org

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES

External candidates should send a letter of motivation along with a duly completed UNHCR Standard Personal History Form by email to afgkavacancies@unhcr.org.

Applicants should clearly indicate the title of the Position and Vacancy Notice Number: IVN/AFG/KBL/21/14 in the subject line.

Candidates will be required to pass an eliminatory written test. Only candidate who score 50% of the total marks will be invited for oral interview.

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be invited for the test. 

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for consideration

Please note that below application shall not be CONSIDERED:

Applications which do not have the post title and vacancy number in the subject line
Applications without a motivation letter
Applications without a UNHCR Standard signed Personal History Form
Applications with missing or wrong information in the Personal History Form
Applications submitted after the deadline

Submission Email
afgkavacancies@unhcr.org