Shelter Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The UNHCR Representation in Venezuela has the Country Office in Caracas, four Field Offices (Guasdualito, San Cristobal, Maracaibo, and Ciudad Guayana), as well as Field Units in Caracas, Puerto Ayacucho, and Santa Elena de Uairen. The overall context in Venezuela remains challenging, with an estimated 7.7 million people in need, according to the Humanitarian Response Plan, and recurring issues related to humanitarian access. While the humanitarian crisis continues to produce population outflows from Venezuela, since 2022 there has been a noticeable increase in the proportion of spontaneous returns to the country. Returnees face a range of challenges for successful reintegration and to break the repeated cycle of displacement and human mobility. As a result, the UN Country Team has identified reintegration as an interagency priority for which UNHCR is co-leading coordination efforts and the operational response. Based on the current operational context, the operation needs to better understand the returnee situation, operationally adapt, and seek collaboration and leadership within the humanitarian response on returns. The Shelter Assistant assists 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). 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 and construction implementation and 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 always 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. The Shelter Assistant normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Field Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Technical Guidance:

• Assist in preparation, data collection and review of shelter needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply.
• Assist in the shelter beneficiary selection process prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable PoC,
• Assist in the designing, implementing and daily supervision of all UNHCR construction and infrastructure projects through Direct Implementation and Implementing Partners within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance to established UNHCR and national standards and that they are implemented according to plans, completed within designated timelines, budget and ensure that this information is shared with relevant colleagues.
• Work closely with other relevant sectors such as WASH, education and health so that shelter and infrastructure implementation is synchronized and coordinated.
• Provide support to implementing partners on technical shelter and infrastructure issues, including energy.

Coordination:

• Provide technical assistance in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of PoC.
• Work with the government and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination of shelter and infrastructure projects within the AoR.

Collaboration:

• Assist Programme as an active member of the Multi-Functional Team in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
• Assist 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 during implementation and at completion.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Strengthen collaboration with implementing partners, to support and monitoring shelter activities to achieve expected impact and outcomes.

Core Competencies:

Accountability Communication Organizational Awareness Teamwork & Collaboration Commitment to Continuous Learning Client & Result Orientation

Cross-Functional Competencies:

Analytical Thinking Technological Awareness Planning and Organizing

Essential:

Relevant working experience, including collaboration with different international organizations. Good technical knowledge about construction standards and guidance, including preparing construction technical documents (drawing, specifications, bill of quantities, cost estimations, etc.), particularly knowledge on all shelter typologies utilized in UNHCR refugee responses.

Desirable:

Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to energy, protection, environment and land use. Capacity to work with multi sectorial teams to ensure that relevant issues related to the site/settlements planning are taken into consideration such as the development/maintenance of various infrastructures required. Willingness and ability to work in hardship environments.

Desirable:

• Experience in implementing construction projects associated with Electrical work, as well sustainable energy. • Ability to live and work in the difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries. • Excellent writing skills in Spanish. • 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 manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. • 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 Autocad Software and 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. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Computer skills: Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel and Power Point) and Internet browsing.

Maracaibo is a Family duty station classified as D. Recreational activities are well improving and sports activities are recommended in sport facilities. Health facilities are available locally. There are several private health care clinics available in Caracas, some of them cleared by the UN. Clinics provide some specialized assistance, but conditions and medicines are still a bit limited. Epidemics and other disease outbreaks are common in the operational area, such as malaria and dengue. Education is available in the local language Spanish/English/French. International schools are limited but available (British, American school). There are limited banking facilities and insufficiency of services in the context of hyperinflation. Only extremely reduced amounts can be withdrawn in cash points or banks. Staff therefore rely on the use of debit and credit cards, transfer arrangements and USD cash. International debit and credit cards are now accepted in most of the shops, restaurants etc. Although the use of US Dollar is officially restricted in the country, unofficially it is circulating in the local market. International staff live in the hotels and rented accommodation, the prices are a bit high and currently converted to USD. The operation may require mission travels to the deep field locations. Distances are long and the road infrastructure is limited in the field. Hotel and accommodation arrangements in field locations are basic. High security awareness is constantly needed as the criminal threat is classified as extreme. Current security level is 3. The sensitive political context could put certain nationalities perceived as opponents. Considerable level of general criminality due to the prevailing economic situation and political dynamics. Drug trafficking, smuggling, robberies have been reported. Although there is no official curfew in place, staff are advised not to go out after dark by walking (18h00 pm) and to use reliable transportation instead of walking.

BENEFITS:

The basic benefits of this assignment, as per the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers, are as follows:

• Monthly living allowance.
• A pre-assignment allowance (paid on first payroll).
• An end-of-assignment allowance, paid at the end of the contract, provided that the relevant conditions are met.
• Medical, dental and hospital insurance, as well as life and disability insurance.
• Medical insurance for eligible dependants. See Conditions of Service for details of eligibility.
• Annual leave computed on the basis of 2.5 days per month.