- Location
- Kabul (CO), Afghanistan
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Administration
- Education
- PhD
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- Workday
Description
Deadline for Applications
Hardship Level
Family Type
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Reason
Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date
Standard Job Description
Shelter Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Shelter Officer conducts 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. In first instance, the incumbent ensures that UNHCR Field Operations are supported in carrying out shelter, infrastructure and settlement needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures and the expected scale of returns.
Close and regular contact is also maintained with technical and non-technical staff of UN Agencies, Implementing Partners, and shelter sector members, national and international NGOs and Government Authorities. The incumbent also discusses matters relating to shelter and infrastructure coordination and provision. S/he normally reports to a Senior Shelter colleague or Technical Coordinator and maintains a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.
Specialized functions to be dealt with by the incumbent include shelter & infrastructure design, planning, implementation and construction monitoring including remote monitoring (if necessary) throughout all phases of the sheltering cycle, therefore the person should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering, architecture or a related discipline.
The incumbent ensures that shelter responses within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from local building practices and materials.
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 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.
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
- Develop and periodically update a suitable shelter approach for the Operation, taking into consideration area-based multi-sectoral approaches, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
- Carry out comprehensive sectoral needs assessments while liaising with other relevant sectors such as protection, programme, community services, WASH, administration and supply. Engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the beneficiary selection process prioritises the shelter needs of the most vulnerable forcibly displaced and stateless persons are addressed.
- Contribute to the development of shelter strategies and periodically review them to reflect evolving situations and ensure alignment with national and global level policies and guidelines including: the Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
- Provide shelter responses that are developed in line with the Master Planning Principles and designed to adapt to an area-based approach in implementation.
- Review, identify and monitor shelter programmes and initiate responses to address the gaps in collaboration and coordination with key UNHCR technical staff, operational partners and authorities as required.
- When planning shelter solutions, ensure that due consideration is given to standards in other relevant sectors such as water and sanitation, infrastructure for reception, education and health so that implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
- Enforce the adherence of technical elements to standards that reflect UNHCR and other international minimum standards and implementation within budgetary requirements for all shelter and infrastructure works.
- Establish clear guidance and detailed standards for coordinated shelter assessments, specific to the operational context in line with emergency standards and long-term durable shelter solutions.
- Monitor and follow up the design and construction works to confirm these are approved by the relevant authorities, technically sound, supplemented with accurate drawings, detailed BOQs and specifications.
- Provide technical information on the SIP (settlement information portal), and ensure shelter dashboards are populated with relevant data, prepare mission reports and debrief.
- Advice UNHCR's implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with global, national and operational strategies and guidance.
- Disseminate and ensure compliance with appropriate internationally accepted shelter standards, best practice and guidelines within UNHCR and among partners to meet quality and oversight expectations.
Coordination and Leadership
- Ensure that UNHCR's operation is technically sound in the field of shelter, construction and infrastructure development within the AoR to best meet the needs of POC.
- Coordinate and manage UNHCR's shelter and infrastructure interventions in a timely, cost-effective, inter-sectoral manner providing adequate delivery of technical interventions and services to support operational needs. Liaise with the government, line ministries and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership.
- Where activated, ensure a close and operational leading role in the Shelter Cluster so that UNHCR's operational footprint is aligned with the agency goals. In refugee operations, take on the role of the coordination of shelter and settlement activities in line with the Refugee Coordination Model.
- Participate, as technical focal point for shelter/infrastructure, in coordination meetings with various stakeholders including Government counterparts to ensure UNHCR's interests and those of the POCs are adequately reflected and disseminate information to all stakeholders in a timely, efficient manner.
- Coordinate with partners to assess, analyse and map available information on shelter options in country considering relevant policies, guidelines and plans adopted by the Government.
Collaboration
- Collaborate with Programme and emphasise the importance of reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. Provide advice to Programme during Implementing Partner Selection of shelter sector partners.
- Work with Programme as an active member of the Multi-Functional Team in the Operation and regularly participate in multi-sectoral activities to ensure protection and assistance needs of the population are met.
- Work with the Supply team to advise on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services, including the development of technical specifications, BoQs and drawings for bid documents.
- Carry out technical evaluation of the received bids as well as review/inspect the quality of shelter and infrastructure products/works during implementation and at completion.
- Work in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders including local authorities, implementing and operational partners and affected communities on issues related to the shelter and settlement programme, while ensuring the full participation of them in all work in order to achieve optimum levels of adequacy in the shelter response for enhancement of skills development and income generating opportunities.
- 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 P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Architecture; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering;
Construction Management; or other relevant field
Certificates and/or Licenses
Shelter Coordination Training
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Prior experience of implementing shelter and infrastructure projects in humanitarian context and large-scale emergencies coordinating with operational partners governmental technical departments. Prior experience in designing and implementing a shelter strategy, including host family situations, collective shelter and camp settings, in emergency while considering the transition to more sustainable solutions. Project formulation, planning, supervision and management skills. Previous involvement in implementation processes (including development of bill of quantities, analysis of local capacity and local markets, cost estimations, etc.) Experience of construction management (including site supervision, monitoring, quality control, evaluation etc.) including application of participatory approaches to facilitate active participation of communities into the project cycle and into the construction process. Experience in developing shelter and settlement need assessments and undertaking gap analysis for development of shelter programmes. Experience in building on existing local capacity and transfer knowledge as appropriate.
Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR shelter standards, as well as standards related to protection, WASH, environment and land use. Knowledge of a range of shelter assistance options, humanitarian infrastructure, including sensitivity to cultural and gender specific needs to ensure that the social and cultural background of the refugees is taken into account while designing, developing and implementing shelter options. Proficient in basic computer softwares, including engineering (AutoCAD) and basic geo-spatial analysis tools (GPS). Familiarity with and considerable Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations. Ability making the linkages to rehabilitation and development programmes will be an added advantage.
Functional Skills
SP-Environment Planning
IT-Computer Literacy
SP-Shelter and Site Planning Technical Guidelines and Standards
SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management
SP-Design tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS)
SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning
SP-Global Shelter Cluster Strategy
SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
(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
• Demonstrated field experience in emergency shelter and construction interventions, including infrastructure development, coordination with government technical authorities and partners, and the design and implementation of shelter solutions.
• Proven experience working on Livelihood and Reintegration Community Infrastructure projects including construction of greenhouses, cold storage facilities, dairy processing centers, and silk and carpet weaving centers.
• Extensive technical experience leading shelter and infrastructure programmes in emergency and high-risk contexts, providing strategic oversight, technical guidance, and operational support.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
UNHCR and WFP have contracted IQARUS international to provide medical interventions under the AFMAT clinics in Kabul and Field Offices. Staff members on special prescriptions should travel with sufficient quantity of medication. Medical facilities for referral in Kabul include German Clinic, French Medical Institute for Mothers & Children (FMIC) Zwan Medical Complex and Blossom Health Center. Seasonal air pollution occurs in Afghanistan and contributes to comorbidities that are known to worsen outcomes among those with cardiovascular diseases respiratory conditions. To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Officer, the Shelter Officer leads the Shelter Unit and supervises national staff, providing strategic and technical oversight for one of UNHCR’s largest shelter portfolios in the region. The role encompasses large-scale construction programmes, emergency shelter responses, durable solutions initiatives, and Inter-Agency coordination across Afghanistan.
The incumbent oversees the planning, implementation, and quality assurance of shelter and infrastructure projects, including the delivery of over 2,000 shelters across multiple provinces, representing investments of several million US dollars. This requires complex project management, partner oversight, risk mitigation, resource allocation, and compliance with UNHCR standards and accountability frameworks.
As UNHCR co-leads the Shelter, Land and Site Coordination (SLSC) Cluster, the position provides senior-level technical and coordination leadership, engaging with humanitarian partners, government counterparts, donors, and development actors to support coherent responses and durable solutions. The incumbent works closely with technical units and field offices, develops and maintains SOPs for shelter, construction, CRIs, and seasonal assistance, strengthens partner capacity through training and technical support, and leads sectoral assessments in collaboration with Protection, Programme, CBI, Administration, Supply, and other relevant functions.
Living and Working Conditions:
Afghanistan is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. Kabul is a category non-family duty station with a 2-year Standard Assignment Length (SAL). Movement by all personnel is restricted, coordinated and monitored by the security officers. UNHCR office and accommodation in Kabul is located within the UNOCA Compound on the Jalalabad Road of Police District 9. Both the facilities are MOSS-compliant. No visits except to UN compounds and Embassies, which is frustrating and stressful to cope with.
Outdoor air quality is a health concern in Kabul. The degree of exposure and concentration of air pollutants can be detrimental to breathing problems, the development of chronic diseases, and the deterioration of health status in individuals with chronic diseases. The office provides air purifiers both in the office and in the accommodation.
The security situation is unstable, volatile, and unpredictable, with a rise since 2022-2023. A daily radio check is mandatory. All movements are strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air. A 6-week R&R cycle is applicable for the duty station, and staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Curfews are in place throughout the country, and mission travel must be authorized by the Representative or designated managers, subject to completing the mandatory BSAFE, SSAFE, and IFAK training and security clearance procedures.
Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to adjust to living in a compound setting surrounded by barbed-wired walls with the presence of 24/7 armed security and dogs patrolling within the compound premises. Applicants should be aware of the possibility of being put on lockdown in bunkers due to security threats. Therefore, applicants need to have strong coping mechanisms and be highly adaptable.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Shelter Coordination Training - UNHCRWork Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awarenessUNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Addendum to the Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026Additional Information
Functional clearance
