ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Associate Physical Site Planner normally works under overall supervision of a Senior Site Planner or Senior Programme Officer or Head of Office, and in coordination with other colleagues in the field, in particular working in protection, health, community services, water and sanitation. In addition to physical planning, the incumbent may also assist with the functions in the areas of shelter, infrastructure, and site selection and construction management support.

The incumbent liaises and co-ordinates UNHCR construction related activities within the area of responsibility (AoR), in accordance with UNHCR policies and priorities and maintains contacts with the local officials and implementing partners to discuss and share information on the assessment of infrastructure conditions in refugee-hosting areas.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability

• UNHCR¿s country operation has sufficient support in the field of site planning and thus better able to meet the needs of persons of concern.

Responsibility

• Coordinate and consolidate UNHCR construction related activities, in accordance with UNHCR policies and priorities.
• Act a focal point on all matters related to construction activities amongst different sectors within UNHCR and between UNHCR and Partners.
• Assess infrastructure conditions in refugee-hosting areas and assess how and to what extend those conditions are effected by the presence of refugees.
• Plan, design and coordinate refugee camp layouts.
• Update existing refugee camps to match the existing situation.
• Supervise and monitor the implementation of construction projects administered by UNHCR under AoR.
• Prepare consolidated reports on construction related activities of sites within the AoR.
• Develop and maintain liaison with specialized institutions, NGOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies, donors and other institutions to enhance technical activities in the related areas implemented in the locations under the AoR.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Authority

• Enforce technical strategies, protocols and guidelines.
• Represent UNHCR in the meetings and fora related to the functions.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in one of the civil engineering disciplines with courses on physical planning, construction management, infrastructure development or any other related subjects plus minimum 3 years of relevant professional working experience. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) plus 2 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 1 year of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
• Good knowledge of basic computer softwares, including engineering design tools.
• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Experience in all disciplines of civil engineering, rural settlement development, emergency management and environmental planning, and ability making the linkages to rehabilitation and development programmes will be an added advantage.
• Previous professional experience in the areas of rural development, natural resources and environmental management.
• Familiarity with and Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages.