Deadline for Applications March 26, 2026 Hardship Level D Family Type Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay Residential location (if applicable) Nairobi (CO), Kenya Grade GS4 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Standard Job Description Shelter Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships 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. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties 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 prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable PoC – Assist in the 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 synchronised and coordinated. – Provide support to implementing partners on technical shelter and infrastructure issues. 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. – Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). – Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For G4 – 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified. Relevant Job Experience Essential Relevant working experience, including collaboration with different international organizations. Good technical knowledge about construction standards and guidance, particularly knowledge on all shelter typologies utilized in UNHCR refugee responses. Desirable Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to 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. Functional Skills SP-Topographic Surveying IT-Computer Literacy (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. Desired Candidate Profile Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: Nature of Position: Living and Working Conditions: Additional Qualifications Skills IT-Computer Literacy, SP-Topographic Surveying Education Certifications Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Additional Information N/A Functional clearance This position doesn’t require a functional clearance If you are a former UNHCR international staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in the international professional category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account (Sign In on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you are former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in your staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account (Sign In on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you do not fall under any of the above categories, please use the External Career site for applying to vacancies. 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