Introduction

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015 and has experience working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the BAY states. DRC provides life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the sectors of armed violence reduction, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The operational context in northeastern Nigeria remains challenging, as the ongoing conflict impedes conflict-affected communities’ access to what limited basic services are available, as well as DRC and other humanitarians’ access to persons of concern.

Purpose

The Shelter and Settlement Assistant is responsible for supervising and implementing Shelter and Settlement projects in line with cluster standards and organizational guidelines. This role involves working closely with affected communities, local authorities, and partner organizations to design, plan, and manage shelter interventions that meet the needs of displaced populations and ensure their safety and comfort. Undertaking technical and practical operational tasks to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operation of Shelter and Settlements activities in accordance with laid down procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Programming & Operations :

• Carrying out Shelter needs assessment for returning refugees and IDPs
• Mobilization of beneficiary communities to maintain the established/rehabilitated shelters.
• Support to formulate and implement capacity building plans for teams and individuals that will be involved in implementation of shelter activities.

• Design Bill of Quantities (BoQs) and annotated diagrams for structures to be rehabilitated or constructed.
• Supervise the construction of shelters and other facilities that may be required in the various locations
• Train and guide community builders on construction tasks required during rehabilitations or new constructions.
• Support in facilitating community engagement meetings and sensitization exercies.
• Monitor constructions and ensure timely completion of constructions within the project timeframe.
• Mobilise communities to provide sufficient labour for construction or rehabilitations in liaison with the Shelter and Settlements Team.
• Support in the registration of potential beneficiaries of program implementation activities on sites.
• Supervise casual labourers and other community-based groups that are affiliated with DRC activities.
• Facilitate and prepare distribution grounds for seamless distribution activities.

Reporting:

• Support the Shelter Officers in the preparation of Weekly reports.

• Contribute to the production of quality and timely reports on program activities.
• Provide weekly/monthly reports to the Shelter and Settlements Team, including accurate figures of distributions/referrals done and challenges encountered, in the agreed format.

Representation and coordination:

• Ensure good representation and reputation of Shelter & Settlements in the sector at field levels.
• Represent DRC at Shelter & Settlement technical working group meetings and other relevant technical coordination meetings as agreed with the site Shelter & Settlement officer.
• Maintain a local operational communications network and good relations with local authorities.
• Maintain coordination with other departments (i.e. Protection, MEAL, Procurement and Finance etc).

Project Development:

• Assist in developing project plans and budgets for funding
• Assist in the development of the projects’ M&E tools
• Ensure quality control during the implementation of shelter & settlement activities in accordance with Sphere and National standards.

Operations:

• Contribute to the effective implementation of all operations support activities, including those related to administration, finances and logistics, so as to ensure smooth project implementation. In all matters, comply with internal directives and policies as communicated by the Area Manager, Head of Programme and/or the relevant support departments.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support in implementing the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and timely submission of reports and other document requirements.
• Provide feedback on project implementation modality, assist in achieving maximum efficiency in project delivery, and inform the development/update of DRC’s Shelter and Settlements strategy in Nigeria.

Logistics

• Conducting technical feasibility assessments for rehabilitation and construction works in DRC operational areas prior to implementation.
• Work with the Shelter & Settlement Team in identification and selection of community assets for rehabilitation or construction on the DRC programme.
• Vetting and selection of community builders to facilitate construction activities.
• Mobilise and guide communities to source locally available resources for construction to complement the construction materials provided by DRC.
• Manage the utilisation of construction materials during constructions to ensure high quality structures are constructed.
• Monitor constructions and ensure timely completion of constructions within the project timeframe.

Other

• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience and technical competencies:

Essential:

• At least 2 years experience in planning, implementing and evaluating Shelter and Settlements projects.
• IT skills: Good knowledge of Office software: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Data collection and analysis software.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or any suitable design software.
• Highly self-driven while striving for perfection under minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of SPHERE in emergency shelter standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain good communication channels with relevant stakeholders. 

Desirable:

• Experience working in emergency response with NGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or suitable design software.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Fluency in Hausa or Kanuri is a requirement.

Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Architecture, Building or Civil Engineering from a recognized institution.

We offer

• Contract length:  6 months with the possibility of extension.
• Level: NM_I Step 1
• Start date: July, 2024

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

• 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.
• Applications submitted after the closing 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

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)

Deadline: Applications close on the 28th June 2024 at midnight (GMT time).

Note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling bases due to the urgency, therefore a candidate who closely meets the requirements may be selected before the above deadline.

• This Position is Community Based. Preferably an indigene and resident of Bama, Banki, Gwoza, Monguno, Ngala or Pulka
• Only short-listed applicants will be invited.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk