Shelter Associate (Regional Focal Point)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Afghanistan invites qualified AFGHAN candidates to apply for the following vacancy:

Functional Title: Shelter Associate (Regional Focal Point ¿ Shelter/NFI Cluster)
Type of Appointment: UNOPS - LICA
Grade: LICA - 6
Duration: One Year
Duty Station: Kunduz
Issue Date: 19 July 2021
Closing Date: 28 July 2021

Organizational/ Operational Context:

The Afghanistan Emergency Shelter and NFI cluster was established in March 2008, led by UNHCR and co-chaired by IOM. The ES/NFI cluster continues to coordinate and support access to basic lifesaving assistance through the provision of emergency shelter, shelter repair, rental support, NFIs and winterization assistance and while ensuring adequate coordination mechanisms and response capacities at national and regional levels with various line ministries. The ES/NFI cluster has established coordination mechanisms at sub-national levels of which the Shelter Associate (Regional Focal Point - Shelter/NFI Cluster) will support at Regional level. To enhance coordination and response, the ES/NFI cluster also has Provincial focal points in all Provinces with the sole aim of supporting the Regional Focal Point in representing the cluster, sharing information on displacement, assessments, partner mapping, and response. These national and sub national roles form the ES/NFI Cluster coordination team. This team, at all levels, must ensure the inclusion of key humanitarian partners within the Cluster, respecting their mandates and programme priorities. Together with the Cluster members, the team identifies the overall requirements in responding to natural and conflict emergencies and will endeavors to ensure Cluster capacity to meet this threshold.

The Shelter Associate (Regional Focal Point - Shelter/NFI Cluster) supports coordination functions in the Region in order to ensure UNHCR¿s role as the Shelter Cluster (SC) Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach. The incumbent supports UNHCR¿s commitment to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach. The Shelter Associate (Regional Focal Point ¿ Shelter/NFI Cluster) also contributes to cross-sectoral coordination with other related clusters in the Region such as WASH, CCCM, Protection (HLP) and others, supports the mainstreaming of early recovery activities and cross-cutting issues into the work of the Shelter Cluster, especially age, gender, diversity, HIV, and environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

¿ Representing the ES/NFI Cluster at Regional national level with the regional government authorities, state representative¿s institutions, local and national organizations and donor agencies.
¿ Support National Cluster coordinator by providing inputs and information, such as Identifying topics that need special attention at the national cluster level.
¿ Lead the Regional Cluster in designing the regional (context specific) plans and in assessing needs and gaps.
¿ Strive for a common understanding by all cluster members of the cluster¿s needs, to ensure that the targets are met.
¿ Call regular meetings as required to discuss regionally adapted targets, debate on challenges, monitor progresses, and detect gaps and overlaps with all relevant cluster members active in their respective areas.
¿ Encourage timely and accurate reporting by all the cluster members. Ensure that ES/NFI partners in the region are reporting their activities into Reporthub platform.
¿ Promote attention to vulnerable groups and cross cutting issues.
¿ In conjunction with the national coordinator, advocate on funding and materials needs for partners to address identified gaps.
¿ Promote good practice within the ES/NFI Cluster, including participatory approaches.
¿ Represent the interests of the Regional Cluster in internal strategic and planning discussions with the lead agency, UNHCR.
¿ Liaise with the local IDP Taskforce (or it¿s equivalent), if one is in operation in the region, in order to minimise duplication of approach and give Cluster clear updates on how the two interact in responses.
¿ Contribute in the preparation and revision of contingency planning and preparedness processes at regional level.
¿ Disseminate, promote the use of and explain the use of strategic tools produced by the cluster (e.g. common needs assessment tools, monitoring tools, ES/NFI strategy, technical guidelines, etc.).
¿ Identify new partners and share information with them.
¿ Manage a contact list of ES/NFI actors working in the region and ensure that their representative at the national level register on Cluster mailing list found on the cluster¿s Website.
¿ Ensure that an up to date stock list of materials available from agencies in an emergency situation. (On a Monthly basis) is maintained and report any gap to the Cluster Coordinator
¿ Provide inputs and advice to the Information Manager in relation to the needs and requirements of the Regional Cluster, such as maps, processing of assessment information and sharing stocks and 3w¿s.
¿ Liaise with other Regional ES/NFI Clusters to maximise coverage with support for displaced populations (new influxes, returnees) who move between zones. Ensure clear and consistent communication between Regional clusters on any matters pertinent to the relevant clusters.¿¿¿¿

Essential qualifications, skills and professional experience

Education:
¿ Completed a minimum of Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture or shelter-related sciences

Certificates and/or Licenses:
¿ Civil Engineering, Architecture

Language:
¿ Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English

Work Experience:
¿ 3 years relevant experience

Relevant Job Experience

Essential:
¿ Three years of relevant experience in the field of shelter/NFI cluster coordination, inter-agency approach, and humanitarian assistance especially in conflict or post-conflict areas.
¿ Experience in coordinating responses with specialised international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organisations, and International specialized NGOs) and in complex humanitarian operations, including conflict and post-conflict situations.
¿ Knowledge of the Humanitarian reform process and the role of the humanitarian community (UN System, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and NGO), preferably in shelter. Knowledge of current humanitarian issues. Good knowledge of shelter-related technical guidelines and standards. Good communication skills.

Desirable:
¿ Applied knowledge in UNHCR mandate, its policies and priorities in relation to IDPs, shelter and NFI. Demonstrated expertise in program management and reporting requirements.
¿ Experience working in the Provinces in the Region

Functional Skills
¿ MG-Coordination
¿ PR-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources and Approaches
¿ PR-Country Operations applying the Cluster Approach
¿ ER-Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanisms
¿ MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation
¿ SP-Shelter Assessment including survey/implementation/monitoring/evaluation/coordination
¿ PR-Global Shelter Cluster Strategy
¿ IT-MS Office Applications

Core Competencies:
¿ Accountability
¿ Communication
¿ Organizational Awareness
¿ Teamwork & Collaboration
¿ Commitment to Continuous Learning
¿ Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies:
¿ Empowering and Building Trust
¿ Judgement and Decision Making
¿ Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies:
¿ Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
¿ Planning and Organizing
¿ Stakeholder Management


Important note:

¿ An eliminatory written test for shortlisted candidates will be conducted and those who attain the pass-mark of 50% will be invited for the competency-based interview.

¿ Only applications submitted through MSRP will be accepted.


Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for consideration