Associate Settlement Planning Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Sudan’s Blue Nile state in September 2011 led to the influx of refugees into South Sudan starting in November 2011. In view of the more recent conflict in Sudan which started in April 2023, additional refugees have been arriving in Maban, with currently a population of 186,000 refugees who have sought protection and assistance from the Government of South Sudan. These refugees have been settled in four camps – Doro, Yusuf Batil, Gendrassa and Kaya - in the Greater Maban County, North Upper Nile state. The Sub-Office in Maban has also been covering the Field Unit in Renk.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Settlement Planning Officer will:

•Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Ensuring that UNHCR Field operations are supported in carrying out shelter needs assessment considering the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns.

•Support in developing country level shelter strategies which are framed by UNHCR’s Global Strategy for Settlement and Shelter and take into consideration the local context, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection, and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities, and existing infrastructure.

•Providing clear guidance on standards for shelter and settlement, including minimum emergency standards to meet basic and essential needs.

•Together with UNHCR's implementing partners, compiling, analyzing, and mapping available information on shelter options in country considering relevant policies adopted by the Government. When planning shelter works, ensuring that the technical component reflects UNHCR minimum standards for the provision of emergency and other types of shelter assistance and is within the budgetary requirements. Due consideration should be given to standards in other relevant sectors such as water and sanitation.

•Ensuring the shelter strategy is periodically reviewed to reflect the evolving situation in country and progressively transitioning to more sustainable shelter solutions. This process should be done in close collaboration with the beneficiaries and the host Government while bearing in mind the shelter needs of people upon their eventual return to their country of origin.

•Ensuring that specifications, bills of quantities and drawings are produced in a technically sound and standardized manner and establish monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure that works are implemented according to plans and completed within the designated timeframe.

•Promoting the sustainability of technical interventions through local capacity building and self-help in collaboration with local partners in the field. Ensure that local communities have been consulted on all activities so as not to create unnecessary tension between the displaced and host populations.

•In consultation with UNHCR’s implementing partner and local communities themselves, identifying the need for community based Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) that can benefit the local and displaced communities.

•The position requires regular contact with program, protection, and field staff in Sub-Office to ensure technical support related to shelter and construction activities.

•Close and regular contact with technical and non-technical staff of UN Agencies, Implementing Partners, National and International NGOs and Government Authorities, is essential to discuss matters relating to shelter and infrastructure coordination and provision.

•The National United Nations Volunteer is expected to support UNHCR Activities within the Area of Operation (Greater Maban County, North Upper Nile State). S/he may be requested to undertake field missions to other locations within the South Sudan especially where UNHCR operates as needs arises.

•Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

•Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

•Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.

•Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities .
•Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.

•Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.

•Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

•Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and in daily activities and behavior's while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority.

•Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

•Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise, ability to adapt to changes in work environment. . •Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

•Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. •Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary.

•Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards [Insert name of Host Agency]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Civil Engineering or other relevant program at the national and or international level; working experience with UN or other international development organization and NGOs is an asset.

Professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Civil Engineering or other relevant program; working experience with UN or other international development. organization and NGOs is an asset.

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge.

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.

Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment, ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology, equipment.

Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete).

Sound security awareness.

affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Bunj, South Sudan is classified as an “E” non-family duty station, in a culturally sensitive setting with minimal educational, health and leisure facilities. It is categorized as a UN Security Level IV with an imposed curfew from 7pm to 6am due to security and crime risks; therefore, working experience in a hardship duty station is desirable.

The highly recommended vaccination in South Sudan is Yellow Fever. Access to South Sudan is. restricted to people with evidence of yellow fever vaccination.

Additionally, candidates from Ebola affected countries might be refused entry into South Sudan. There are only two mobile telephone companies.

Currently in South Sudan which are ZAIN and MTN providing services and sim cards can be easily bought with cash after registration by the Service provider. There are no fixed telephone lines in South Sudan. There are several hotels and guest houses approved by the UN Security in Juba.

The widely used currency for business transaction is the South Sudan Pounds (SSP). However, due to the high inflation rates, the SSP of recent has been considerably losing value against the USD. Banking facilities are becoming fewer and with a bit of challenge in conducting transactions especially the use of bank credit and debit cards.

Except seven (7) national staff recruited from the local community, all other UNHCR staff including affiliate workforce at Sub-Office Bunj reside within UNHCR accommodation facility in its compound where a curfew is in effect during the night from 7pm to 6am.

Each staff is provided a self-contained/prefabricated and furnished accommodation room (as per the minimum standard of living conditions in the field) with a reasonable rental fee as per the rules governing UNHCR provided accommodation.

The office has power generators sets that provide 24hrs/7days electricity for the entire compound. There is internet connectivity within the entire compound which enables staff members to communicate easily with outside/families through skype, WhatsApp and other social media. There is also MTN mobile services and sim cards can be easily bought with cash after registration by the Service provider.

There are no United Nations established medical facilities in Bunj. All staff members and partners’ staff receive medical care (when needed) at the public hospital in Bunji (which is funded by UNHCR for the benefit of its people of concern and the host community).

Therefore, staff assigned to Bunj must be in good health. Medical Evacuation opportunities (except in extreme emergencies when an air-ambulance can be activated within hours) are restricted. However, illnesses occurring such as malaria, occupational injuries that (in rare cases) cannot be managed at Bunj hospital due to limited facilities are referred to the United Nations Clinic in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised and carry adequate amount of their daily medication for at least 6 weeks.

The office has following facilities among others to support staff well-being and welfare:

• Cafeteria in place and it is managed voluntarily by a team of staff on rotation basis. Three (3) meals are served in the cafeteria daily at an affordable cost normally decided by the staff.
• A Gym and recreational center within UNHCR compound.
• Volleyball and badminton courts are available for use by staff for outdoor exercising. There is also a track for walking within the compound.

South Sudan is a unique country and UNHCR Maban is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable.