WHO ARE WE?

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

ABOUT THE JOB

The primary objective of the Shelter and Infrastructure Specialist is to ensure the effective implementation of high-quality shelter, WASH, and infrastructure programs in DRC Afghanistan’s central area office. Working closely with colleagues in field offices and the country office. Under the supervision of the area program manager, the Specialist will contribute to program implementation, develop technical tools and standards together with CO technical team, and provide capacity-building support to DRC implementing staff. The Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical guidance and support for shelter, WASH, and infrastructure activities within the central area office program in coordination with CO technical Coordinator and specialist. This includes supporting activities implemented under other sectoral umbrellas, particularly Economic Recovery and emergency, to ensure technical quality, harmonization, and consistency. Additionally, the Specialist will serve as the focal point for all technical matters from the area office and country office technical team, including reviewing all technical documents before sharing them with the country office technical team for endorsement.

Responsibilities:

• 1. Technical Oversight
  • Remain the focal point for area office technical program under shelter, WASH and infrastructure.
  • Contribute to development of program technical tools and assessments on priorities based on understanding of needs and context.
  • Provide regular technical support and take ownership on guidance to relevant implementing staff for implementation of all shelter, WASH and Infrastructure activities under area office program.
  • Regular coordination with technical team on the Area Office and Country Office to assure compliance with relevant Cluster, DRC standards, procedures and donor guidelines.
  • Complete regular field visits to ensure technical oversight and support, identify needs, ensure quality programming and timely implementation of the shelter, WASH and infrastructure activities.

• 2. Technical Line Management and Capacity-Building
  • Support technical design and development of BoQs on shelter, WASH and infrastructure projects with field technical team.
  • Identify technical gaps and support capacity building for DRC officers.
  • Working closely with the Shelter and Infrastructure Technical Coordinator and specialist, assess capacity gaps amongst DRC engineers and support development and delivering training (dedicated and on-the-job), through regular field visits and field offices under the CAO.

• 3. Programme Development, Coordination, and Oversight
  • Strengthening of coordination mechanism with technical team in area office level to maintain quick support and updates required.
  • Support in design and coordination of Shelter, WASH and Infrastructure components of proposals and projects within AO.
  • Support the Technical Coordinator and specialist in the CO to maintain oversight of area office program implementation, including budgets, in close coordination with APMs and AMs.
• 4. Quality Assurance
  • Work with area level Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team to develop harmonized tools and databases to monitor and track efficiency and quality of programming and improve information management within the sector focal points in the area office.
  • Take lead on quality check on all construction materials and contractor led implementation approach under area office program.
  • Work closely with country level technical team for implementation, and evaluation of sector-level programming

• 5. Coordination and Engagement with relevant bodies
  • Participate and coordinate with ESNFI, WASH cluster and UNDP technical working group on sub-national level and report any new development to the country level technical team for endorsement.
  • Provide technical input and support strategic direction of the sector-level response within the humanitarian community.
• 6. Other
  • Raise any issues of non-compliance and assure compliance with DRC standards and procedures
  • Coordinate with Comms/Advocacy for success story content, communication tools, etc.
  • Any other duties as agreed with Technical Coordinator, specialist and APM

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 3 years of experience with NGO/INGOs
• Strong shelter/infrastructure and WASH experience including experience in heavy construction projects preferably under NGO sector.
• Experience in rapidly changing humanitarian contexts
• Experience with representation and communication
• Experience with capacity building, including in settings with remote technical management
• Strong technical experience in development and emergency context.
• Strong technical documents development and report-writing skills.

Education/qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering

Languages:

• English (full working proficiency)
• Pashto (full working proficiency)
• Dari (full working proficiency)

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the below link. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages), Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.