Assistant Shelter Officer

August 4, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationUNOPS LICA8

2026-09-01UNHCR Somalia leads protection, assistance and durable solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, refugee returnees, internally displaced persons and host communities across Somalia. Working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, development partners, United Nations agencies and civil society organizations, UNHCR supports humanitarian response, resilience and solutions in one of the world's most complex displacement situations.
The UNHCR Representation Office in Mogadishu provides technical guidance, engagement with national authorities, partners across the country and oversight to UNHCR's field and sub-offices throughout Somalia, including locations such as Doolow, Bossaso, and Hargeisa.
Job Specific Context:
The Assistant Site Planner/Shelter Officer supports the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of shelter and settlement activities for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. Working under the supervision of the Snr Shelter Cluster coordinator , the incumbent contributes to ensuring that shelter and settlement interventions meet humanitarian standards,protection principles, and technical requirements while promoting safety, dignity, and resilience for affected populations.
The position involves supporting site planning, settlement development, shelter construction, and infrastructure projects in refugee settlements, reception centers, transit facilities, and host community areas. The incumbent participates in technical assessments, needs assessments, site surveys, mapping exercises, and monitoring activities to ensure that shelter solutions are appropriate, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of persons of concern.
The Assistant Site Planner/Shelter Officer works closely with government authorities, implementing partners, engineers, environmental officers, WASH, protection, education, health, and community-based protection teams to ensure integrated and coordinated responses. The role includes supporting the preparation of technical designs, layout plans, bills of quantities, specifications, construction monitoring reports, and project documentation.
The incumbent contributes to ensuring compliance with UNHCR shelter standards, settlement planning principles, environmental considerations, and international humanitarian standards, including Sphere Standards. Frequent field missions may be required to monitor construction activities, support site development projects, provide technical guidance to partners, and engage with communities regarding shelter and infrastructure needs.
The position requires strong technical skills in site planning, shelter design, construction supervision, GIS mapping, and project monitoring, as well as the ability to work in challenging operational environments and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. The Assistant Site Planner/Shelter Officer is expected to promote community participation in shelter and settlement interventions while supporting durable, safe, and environmentally sustainable solutions for displaced and host populations
Job Highlight
The Assistant Site Planner/Shelter Officer will report to the Snr Shelter Cluster coordinator and will coordinate closely with the project's technical and field teams, the E&S focal point, the supervision consultant, contractors, implementing partners, MoPIED/NCRDS, and Doolow local authorities, landowners, community committees, and IDP/host-community representatives. E&S-related observations and incidents shallbe escalated promptly to the Project Engineer and E&S focal point through the agreed reporting and referral pathways
Supports the planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of shelter and settlement interventions for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. Assists in conducting technical assessments, site planning, shelter design, infrastructure development, and construction monitoring to ensure compliance with humanitarian standards and UNHCR guidelines. coordinate closely with the project's technical and field teams, the E&S focal point, the supervision consultant, contractors, implementing partners, authorities, landowners, community committees, and IDP/host-community representatives. E&S-related observations and incidents shall be escalated promptly to the Project Engineer and E&S focal point through the agreed reporting and referral pathways.
Role Purpose
The Assistant Site Planner/Shelter Officer will support the planning, design, layout, technical assessment, and supervision of housing and settlement sites across the four IDP settlements to ensure that they are safe, accessible, functional, environmentally sound, climate-resilient, protection-sensitive, and aligned with approved technical standards, community needs, government requirements, donor expectations and AfDB safeguards. The role translates the project's integrated settlement-planning objectives into practical, buildable site layouts while safeguarding people, the environment, and the interests of the affected communities, UNHCR, the Government and AfDB.Ill Functions / Key Results Expected
Site assessment and technical surveys
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Conduct site assessments, topographic and technical surveys, and site-suitability analysis for each settlement site, including drainage/flood behavior, soil conditions, existing infrastructure, encroachment, and access constraints.
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Produce base maps and spatial data for Kabasa, Qansaxlay, Ladan and Kaharey, and maintain an updated site database to support people-centered, evidence-based planning.
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Identify site-specific environmental and social sensitivities early (flood-prone zones, tree/vegetation cover, water sources, riverbanks of the Dawa/Jubba, existing utilities and pipelines) and flag them for design mitigation.
Settlement layout, site planning and demarcation
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In coordination with UN-Habitat, prepare settlement layouts and detailed site plans that integrate shelter plots, access roads, road and site drainage, WASH facilities, community facilities, street lighting, solid-waste collection points, open/public spaces, and service areas.
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Support plot demarcation and allocation in a transparent, equitable and protection-sensitive manner, giving attention to female-headed households, persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulnerable groups.
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Verify site boundaries and support land/tenure documentation in coordination with local authorities, landowners and communities, ensuring HLP due diligence and 'do no harm' before any demarcation or works.
Climate-resilient, inclusive and safe design
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Apply climate-resilient, flood-sensitive planning, appropriate grading, setbacks, drainage alignment, erosion control, and protection of water sources and vegetation, where feasible.
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Design for accessibility and universal design (safe walkways, ramps, adequate plot and road widths) and for protection and GBV risk reduction (lighting placement, sightlines, safe siting of WASH and communal facilities, segregated and lockable sanitation).
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Integrate inclusion, gender, disability, age and 'do no harm' considerations into every layout decision.
Coordination and community engagement
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Coordinate closely with UN-Partners, supervision consultants, contractors, implementing partners, local authorities, landowners, community committees and IDP/host representatives.
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Support community consultation and participatory planning workshops in line with the SEP and ensure community feedback is documented and reflected in layouts.
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Ensure that GRM/CFM information (including confidential GBV/SEA/SH channels) is communicated during planning and demarcation, and that planning-stage grievances (e.g. plot, boundary or access disputes) are captured and referred.
Environmental and social (E&S) safeguards responsibilities
The Assistant Site Planner Officer is an active safeguards actor, not only a technical drafter. Specifically, the Site Planner shall:
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Ensure that all site plans, layouts and demarcation are consistent with the project ESIA/ESMP mitigation measures, the SEP and applicable AfDB Operational Safeguards (notably OS1 assessment & management, OS2 labour, OS3 resource efficiency/pollution, OS4 community health & safety, OS5 land acquisition/HLP, OS7 vulnerable groups, and OS10 stakeholder engagement).
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Embed E&S design controls into layouts and technical notes, drainage and flood mitigation, dust/erosion control, waste-collection siting, traffic/access safety, protection of trees, water sources and pipelines, and safe distances between incompatible uses.
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Provide site-planning inputs into contractor tender documents, technical specifications, BOQs and the Contractor E&S Management Plan (C-ESMP), so that E&S measures are cascaded and costed by contractors.
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Take and archive baseline site photographs and records before demarcation/works, and support pre-mobilization E&S checks (e.g. layout compliance, buffer zones, safe access, community notification).
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Monitor implementation against approved site layouts, identify E&S non-conformities on site (e.g. encroachment into drainage, unsafe access, damage to vegetation or pipelines), and recommend corrective measures.
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Support incident awareness at the planning/demarcation stage, flag land/HLP disputes, community tensions, child protection or GBV concerns to the Project Engineer and E&S focal point through the agreed reporting and referral pathways.
Documentation, monitoring and reporting
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Prepare drawings, maps, sketches, BOQs, technical notes and planning reports to approved standards and referencing conventions.
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Use AutoCAD, GIS, GPS and other planning tools to produce and maintain accurate, version-controlled outputs.
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Monitor works against approved layouts, document deviations, and contribute to E&S monitoring, joint site inspections and periodic reporting.
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Identify site risks (technical, environmental, social, protection, HLP) and recommend practical mitigation measures. IV. Skills (Select maximum of 9 skills from the list
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Technical drafting and design — AutoCAD, GIS, GPS; strong mapping and spatial-analysis skills.
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Site planning and demarcation accuracy; ability to translate community needs into buildable, compliant layouts.
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Community engagement and consultation with cultural sensitivity and conflict awareness.
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Coordination across engineers, contractors, authorities, partners and community structures.
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Clear technical reporting and documentation.
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Problem-solving and sound judgement in complex, resource-constrained field environments.
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Safeguarding, protection, gender, disability-inclusion and PSEA awareness; commitment to 'do no harm'.
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Ability to work safely and effectively in remote and insecure field locations
VI. Qualifications
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Education: University degree (Bachelor's minimum;) in Urban/Town Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Geography, GIS or a closely related field.
Experience
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Minimum Five (5+) years' relevant professional experience in site/settlement planning, housing/shelter, infrastructure or humanitarian/development projects; experience with donor-funded projects is required.
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Somalia-relevant experience: Demonstrated experience working in Somalia, including in IDP or host-community settings, is strongly preferred.
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Technical: Proven competence in settlement layout planning, plot demarcation, infrastructure integration (roads, drainage, WASH), and climate/flood-resilient planning.
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Safeguards familiarity: Working familiarity with environmental and social safeguards, protection/'do no harm' principles, and HLP/tenure issues; exposure to AfDB ISS, World Bank ESF or equivalent is an advantage.
VII. Language requirements Proficiency level Required/Desired
English
C 1: Advanced
Somali
C1: Advanced

 

Standard Job Description

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Shelter Officer contributes to the preparation of 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 oversee 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. In a first instance, the incumbent ensures that the Operation is supported in carrying out shelter and infrastructure 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 will also participate in discussions relating to shelter and infrastructure coordination and provision. The Assistant Shelter Officer normally reports to a more senior shelter colleague or Technical Coordinator and maintains a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.
The incumbent contributes to 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.
Specialized functions to be dealt with by the incumbent include shelter and general infrastructure planning, design and construction monitoring including remote monitoring, therefore the person should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering, architecture or a related discipline.
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.

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 developing and periodically updating a suitable shelter approach within the AoR, taking into consideration area-based approaches, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities and existing infrastructure.
- Participate in 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 shelter strategies and periodically review them to reflect evolving situations and ensure alignment with national and global level policies and guidelines including: Global Compact on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Relevant Global Strategies and Policies.
- Oversee all construction and infrastructure projects within the AoR ensuring that works are carried out in compliance with established UNHCR and national standards/best practices for the full project cycle.
- Review, identify and monitor shelter programmes within the AoR 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, work closely with other relevant sectors such as water and sanitation, infrastructure for reception, education and health so that implementation is synchronised and coordinated.
- Work with established 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 of infrastructure and other facilities (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.
- Support implementing partners on sound technical shelter and settlement issues while ensuring compliance with global, national and operational strategies and guidance.
- Work with appropriate internationally accepted shelter standards, best practice and guidelines and disseminate this information among partners within the AoR to meet quality and oversight expectations.

Coordination
- Support the supervisor in ensuring 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
- Participate in coordination and management of 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. Work with the government and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership.
- Where activated, provide support to 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 within the AoR.
- 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons s 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 the AoR considering relevant policies, guidelines and plans adopted by the Government.

Collaboration
- Support Programme in reviewing technical components of the Project Partnership Agreements that contain any construction and infrastructure projects. Provide technical inputs and advise Programme colleagues during Implementing Partner Selection of shelter sector partners.
- Actively work with Programme as a 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.
- Support Supply team on matters related to the procurement of construction, infrastructure and other sector related works and services. Draft complete sets of bid documents for all construction and infrastructure projects including technical specifications, BoQs, drawings, etc.
- Carry out technical evaluation of the received bids as well as review/inspection of 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 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 P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Architecture; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering;
Construction Management; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Hands-on technical support including experience in assistance delivery in emergencies and relief operations. Knowledge of SPHERE standards and ability to use basic survey equipment, digital cameras, GPS receivers and computer equipment. Knowledge of AutoCAD and other tools forming a part of the UNHCR settlement planning toolkit

Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR system and operating modality. Understanding of the humanitarian architecture.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination
*SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning
(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.

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning, SP-CAD 3D modeling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D), SP-Shelter and Infrastructure Coordination

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Architecture, Bachelor of Arts: Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts: Construction Management

Certifications

Other information

This position requires Functional Clearance

Remote

No