Site Operations Specialist

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since December 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece.

Purpose

Under the direct line management of Attica Area Manager and close support and technical supervision from the Shelter/WASH Advisor, the Site Operations Speliast will be responsible for effectively coordinating, implementing, and ensuring the quality of DRC’s infrastructure and care & maintenance (C&M) program in open accommodation sites in the region of Attika where DRC is the Site Management Support actor. S/he will be assigned as necessary to oversee all technical assessments, reports and monitoring of various projects undertaken by DRC. S/he will work closely with the SMS Team Leaders of sites in Attica and support them in the supervision and management of Site Operations teams, so as to ensure that all infrastructure works, maintenance and repairs works are technically sound and proportionate to the need for humanitarian assistance.

Duties & Responsibilities

Site Operations

• Support and supervise Site Operations Teams in the design of a) shelter solutions (such as partitions, Prefabricated shelters etc.), b) community infrastructure (such as garbage collection stations, communal spaces, rehabilitation of buildings etc.), and c) WASH infrastructure (such as water collection and washing stations, rehabilitation or construction of toilets and shower units, construction of septic tanks, repairs etc.). This includes preparation of design drawings, BoQ (bill of quantity), technical specification reports and order requests with estimated costs etc.;
• As necessary, oversee activity of contractors for any construction or C&M works related to shelter, community and WASH infrastructure; Where applicable, liaise between field teams, Technical Advisors, Supply Chain team and contractors to ensure compliance with DRC policies and donor requirements, as well as program quality;
• Support field teams in the assessment and continuous monitoring of the shelter and WASH conditions of the population hosted in the site and make relevant suggestions. Where needed, draft relevant technical reports;
•  Ensure compliance with National and Humanitarian Standardization and Construction Norms and Codes;
• Provide technical guidance to Site Operations teams
• Upon liaising with the Shelter/WASH Advisor and Site Operations teams in all DRC sites, draft TORs, Technical Annexes, BOQs and Contract Requirements for Construction and Care & Maintenance Contractors to be hired by DRC, especially related to Framework Agreements and according to Greek and International Standards, Regulations and Codes;
• Undertake the overall overview and monitoring of DRC contracts and framework agreements with contractors/suppliers and takes appropriate action to resolve problems or make adjustments based on contextual and programmatic changes;
• Coordinate with all external technical actors contracted by DRC to monitor works and receive and review all reports;
• As necessary, oversee activity of contractors (lead quantity surveys, follow time schedules, budgets, monitor qualification and quality standards etc.) for any infrastructure construction work or care, maintenance and improvements work in the site of his/her responsibility;
• Suggest measures to improve security of PoC and to prevent PoC’s exposure to electrical or mechanical related hazards;

Supervision, monitoring and coordination

• Support SMS Team Leaders and the Area Manager in the management of Site Operations teams 
• In close collaboration with SMS Manager and the Area Manager, represents DRC in meetings with public authorities (Site Managers, MoMP), related to technical issues and site operations in Attica
• Act as the connecting link between field teams and Technical Advisors, ensuring harmonization among DRC sites, compliance with standard operating procedures and upon-agreed tools/mechanisms and providing inputs and suggestions for the improvement of tools and policies respectively
• Take the initiative and ensure coordination among different teams on a site level and between Site Operations teams in Attica 
• Support respectful and positive working relationships, which allow for the effective implementation of all activities. This is to be achieved through leadership, team building, day-to-day support, capacity-building

Reporting and Budget monitoring

• Supports SMS Manager and Area Manager with inputs in all relevant internal and external reporting
• Supports Site Operations Teams, Team Leaders and Area Manager with budget overseeing and expense planning
• Any other tasks assigned by the Area Manager or the Shelter/WASH Advisor to support DRC’s activities, including relevant administrative tasks (e.g. site utilities, official communications with public stakeholders)

Required Qualifications

• University (AEI) degree preferably in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or alternatively in Architectural or Civil Engineering.
• Certificate of Membership in the Technical Chamber of Greece.
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience as an Engineer on medium to large scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in working and drafting Work Contracts terms and technical annexes.
• Strong verbal and written English skills. Must be able to read and write technical documents in both Greek and English.
• Strong computer skills. AutoCAD and MS Office experience is required
• Previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered as an advantage
• High professional ethics

Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed
• Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must, and a good sense of humor

Terms & Conditions

• The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)
• All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
• DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
• The position will be based in Attika (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.

Applications close on the 2nd of December 2020. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.