Settlement Planning Officer -Debark, Ethiopia

Organization: UNHCR

Location: Debark, Ethiopia

Deadline: December 15, 2022

Job Description

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location Danger Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Addis Ababa, Eth Fed Dem Rep

 

Grade

PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted

No

Target Start Date

2022-11-21-08:00

Job Posting End Date

December 15, 2022

 

Standard Job Description

Settlement Planning Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships Under the supervision of the Senior Field/Technical Coordinator or the Senior Operations Manager, the Settlement Planning Officer will perform a variety of functions related to the design, management and coordination of humanitarian settlement and infrastructure projects across various settlement typologies. This will be done within the context of UNHCR¿s Global Strategy for Sustainable Settlement, Shelter and infrastructure. Working in coordination with other colleagues in the Field such as, protection, health, community services, WASH, education, energy and environment, the incumbent acts as focal point for maintaining effective coordination with any established settlement sector working group.

In addition, s/he is responsible for the strategic management and monitoring of the implementation of settlement planning activities, and for collaboration with Administration, Finance and Programme on all programmatic issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).

S/he shall be working closely with other sections on settlement and general infrastructure related activities and provides functional technical guidance to the team as well as to the technical experts in the Field.

The Settlement Planning Officer provides specialised support to emergency and protracted operations in designing and developing sustainable settlements to host people of concern (POC) to UNHCR. A settlement should take into consideration the spatial allocation of functions while addressing the needs of the population, the availability of resources, the enhancement of living conditions, the provision of services, enhancing transportation networks as well as provision of recreational spaces.

The incumbent will therefore be expected to analyse a variety of settlement options urban, rural, formal or informal and ensure that spatial allocation of lands is decided in support of the protection, access to basic services, livelihoods, and socio-cultural life of displaced people and the host community.

The incumbent will also participate and represent UNHCR in negotiations with national and local government authorities regarding land acquisition and site development works. The Settlement Planning Officer (SPO) will ensure that management of multi-sectorial assistance and services in refugee sites are handled effectively and efficiently among all the stakeholders, through a strong collaboration with the Field unit and relevant field staff.

The incumbent will contribute in inter-agency coordination structures set up for settlement planning and land related issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The SPO should maintain regular communication with the shelter and settlement team in HQ for technical advice, information, communication and access to updated global tools and resources. 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

– Conduct assessments and ensure selection of potential sites is done in accordance with the Master Plan approach to settlement planning taking into consideration protection concerns, national legislation, environmental considerations, appropriate density, and access to basic services including water, hydrological concerns, socio/economic issues, and cultural inclusion and HLP matters.

– Ensure that settlement layouts respond to natural topography and drainage patterns of the site to reduce construction and maintenance costs.

– Ensure that safe and equitable access to basic services is provided for both the displaced and host communities while making particular emphasis on meaningful inclusion of the site community groups (women, youth, elderly and persons with specific needs) in decision-making processes including through governance structures and sectorial focal points.

– Work with the relevant technical, programme and supply colleagues in close coordination with implementing and other concerned parties to develop implementation modalities and work plans for the settlement plans. Provide technical inputs and advice to Programme in the process of Implementation Partner Selection and review of PPAs of all sector related partners and partners with construction related activities in their budget.

– Provide support in Preparedness through the development of contingency plans for population movements. Develop and update agreed response strategies (MPAs and APAs) for refugee sites, including transition/exit strategy for site consolidation and closures within the AOR.

– In close consultation with partners, conduct assessments, provide concrete initiatives and develop specific strategies to make sure that residential areas, key services and infrastructure are not susceptible to the risk of natural hazards such as flash floods and landslides. Coordination and Leadership

– Provide strong leadership in ensuring that UNHCR¿s operation within the AOR is technically sound in the field of settlement planning to best meet the needs of POC.

– Liaise with Government, line ministries and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership. Ensure that settlement plans are aligned with regional, national land use plans and planned developments.

– Represent UNHCR in the process of site selection and land negotiations with the national government, local government, local community leaders and the landlords for the settlements within the AOR. In doing this, ensure that the risk of conflict linked to land tenure is addressed and mitigated while continuing to pursue actions that increase the security of tenure for displaced populations.

– In line with UNHCR¿s commitment, promote the integration of agreed priority cross-cutting issues (e.g. age, environment, gender, and human rights) in sector/inter-sector needs assessments, analysis, planning and monitoring are met.

– Develop and implement Settlement plans in a consultative process with Senior Management, relevant technical colleagues (integrated multi-sectoral approach), implementing partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Maintain, support or complement existing coordination mechanisms.

– Develop Settlement Master Plans in alignment with the UNHCR guiding principles of the Master Plan Approach to Settlement Planning. Ensure periodic updates on the Masterplan taking note of the expansion and densification of the settlement and develop plans for any settlement extensions.

– Upload technical information and settlement plan updates on the SIP (settlement information portal), ensure shelter dashboards are populated with relevant settlement data, prepare mission reports and debrief.

– Work together with implementing and operational partners to ensure the use of common standards and tools for information collection and data management, including in needs assessments and monitoring.

– Working closely with Risk management, utilise adequate Project Management tools and conduct regular monitoring of settlement and infrastructure works so these are implemented according to plans and completed within designated timelines and budget, and ensure that this information is captured in the global monitoring and evaluation framework.

– Provide support in advocating for the mobilization of resources, where applicable. Identify core advocacy concerns for the sector and contribute key messages to the broader multi-sectoral advocacy initiatives including coordinated inputs into donor proposals and multi-agency appeals. Collaboration

– Collaborate and coordinate with all functional units in UNHCR and relevant technical actors in the feasibility and technical assessments, planning and development of sites, including protection, environment, Health, Education, water and sanitation and, in order to inform the overall planning process, carry out appropriate assessments and mapping exercises such as environmental impact assessment, useable land area assessment, mapping of services, mapping of host communities, livelihood assessments, etc.

– Ensure a rights-based approach in physical planning/ master plan, support to active participation of communities and promote community-based approaches in the planning and implementation of activities.

– Develop adequate reports and share information, both within the settlement planning stakeholders and with other sectors through inter-sector communication channels. Work on the reporting and monitoring through the provision of 4W, SIP and site monitoring information.

– Promote and ensure the accountability to affected populations and the identification of durable solutions that also promote peaceful co/existence with the host communities.

– Identify and maintain existing linkages between the shelter and settlement team with other actors and sectors.

– Maintain a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.

– Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional

Work Experience Years of Experience /

Degree Level For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Architecture; Urban Planning; Civil / structural Engineering; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses

GLDC managed Autodesk Software eLearning training is considered desirable (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Managerial and technical ability to guide a specialist team in emergency and/or protracted situations. Previous similar job experience in the humanitarian settlement planning / infrastructure field, knowledge of technical drawing software, GIS tools and an ability to produce technical plans, BQs, specifications and conduct training.

Desirable

Advanced awareness of several technical sectors. Appropriate work experience in Shelter, Settlements and Infrastructure in a Humanitarian Context. Ability to use AutoCAD software and GIS technology would be an asset.

Functional Skills

*SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning

CO-Cross-cultural communication

CL-Camp Coordination and Camp Management

IT-Computer Literacy SO-Presentation skills

PG-UNHCR’s Programmes

MG-Coordination

SP-Urban/Rural Settlement Planning

SP-Reconstruction and Community Planning

SP-Natural Resources Management SP-Environmental Assessment/Planning/Monitoring/Evaluation of integrated projects/programs

SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management (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.

Desired Candidate Profile

The incumbent should have extensive experience in procurement advisory and oversight as they would be required to provide the same to UNHCR staff and partners. He/she should be familiar with supply planning in a normal and emergency setting. Gondar being a remote location, strong skills in logistics and fleet and fuel management would be an asset. Incumbent should have experience working with different stakeholders which would include government and partner counterparts.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

Desired languages

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

On 4 November 2020, military confrontations between federal and regional forces in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which borders both Sudan and Eritrea, led the Government to declare a State of Emergency. Since then, and despite the announcement of an official end to the law enforcement operation in late November, large areas of Ethiopia’s Tigray regions are still affected by armed clashes and insecurity, leading to further forced displacement
of the population ‘ particularly in Western Tigray, while over 50,000 refugees have fled to Sudan.

Tigray, which had a pre-conflict population of some six million people, has experienced long term dire conditions since the onset of the crisis, including for some 80,000 Eritrean refugees, most of whom are now in two camps after two other camps, Hitsats and Shimelba were looted and destroyed during the conflict, scattering refugees across the Tigray region and beyond. Consequently, a new settlement is being constructed near Debark.

The updated UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Northern Ethiopia estimates that 2.3 million people might be affected by the conflict within Tigray region and across regional borders into Amhara and Afar.
The consequences of the unfolding situation on humanitarian operations in Tigray remain fluid. The breakdown of essential services such as the blackout of electricity, telecommunications, and internet throughout Tigray region will only exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation.
Reported shortages of cash and fuel in the region can compromise the duty of care of aid workers on the ground.

The incumbent of the position will report directly to the Head of Field Office.

Living and Working Conditions:

Debark has been temporarily classified as D category duty station with 6 weeks R&R cycle. The duty station is remote with minimum to no amenities available for international staff based at the location. There is no available suitable accommodation for staff and the only available hotel which has some minimum standards of amenities where staff are currently sleeping is frequented by military personnel, hence posing a risk to staff. It is recommended to establish a guest house for staff with basic amenities optimum for staff use and which will be developed to be MORSS compliant.

Restaurants and supermarkets with basic food and nonfood items are not available at the duty station. The nearest town, where staff can access basic services is Gondar, located 98km South of Debark, otherwise for variety of items staff will have to travel to Addis Ababa the capital city. The banking system at the duty station is poor with almost all the transactions done using hard cash. There are no schools and suitable health facilities for staff and their dependents.

Debark town is served by the government water supply system, however the supply is erratic and often the tapes are dry. Power in Debark is connected from the main grid, but just like water the supply is not constant as there is frequent load shedding.

There are practically no sporting and recreation facilities in Debark.

Debark’s altitude is over 2,800m above main sea level, which makes it one of the coldest places with minimum recorded temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius and average of 18.5 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

As a result of the war, UNHCR staff were temporarily relocated to Gondar from Debark in August 2021. Since then, staff have been commuting to Dabat, Debark and Zarema from Gondar but now with the cessation of activity fighting in Debark some of the staff are back to Debark.

Although the road from Gondar to Debark is tarmac, it is curvy and there are animal and pedestrian hazards in the road which are risks to staff driving daily. During the cold months, some parts of the road are foggy with visibility of less than 10m which is another hazard. It is fortunate that there has been no accident involving UN personnel on the road.

For staff travelling beyond Debark to Zarema which is an IDP site, a clearance letter from the government is required.

The letter should be shown at every check point without which no one can proceed. From Debark to Zarema, its 36 km but there are at least 5 check points which are manned by the military and 2 by the Police.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

 

Education

BA: Civil Engineering (Required), BA: Construction (Required), BA: Development Planning (Required)

Certifications

Work Experience

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2022 Part B – November 2022

 

Functional clearance

This position requires Functional Clearance

 

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