Job: Physical Site Planner

Location: CameroonEmployer: UNDeadline: Thursday, 18 July 2013

Description

A. Operational context:

In May 2013, the Government of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in three states bordering with Cameroon, Chad and Niger. This situation followed as a result of a recent offensive launched by the Nigerian army against the Boko Haram Islamist sect in the Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. The crises have led to population movements into Cameroon from Nigeria, affecting three regions in Cameroon (Adamawa, Far North and North regions). UNHCR sent a mission from Bertoua located at 900km from the Far North, to assess the humanitarian and security situation at the border of the three regions. The Representation in Cameroon also took measures to initiate contact with authorities in the area bordering Nigeria.

To date UNHCR has registered 3,085 Nigerians in the Far North region of Cameroon. Most of the refugees are currently living in local public facilities e.g. Church buildings and schools. After discussions with the local authorities the Government has requested that the refugees are moved away from the border region for security reasons. A site has been identified at Minawad which is located 130km from the Nigerian border and 85km from the town of Maroua. UNHCR is currently developing a contingency plan for the emergency which will use a planning influx figure of 10,000 refugees.

B. Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized shelter and settlement support to ensure technical integrity while providing emergency assistance to population of concern.
• Advise Team leader / Field Coordinator on all matters related to shelter and settlement.
• Supervise and monitor team of sector specialists/partners while implementing shelter and settlement programmes. Undertake site identification, assessment and survey, applying UNHCR, international and national standards to advice on the suitability of sites.
• Develop site plans, technical drawings for shelter with due consideration for the overall needs and resources of the population of concern, their cultural preferences and the concerns of the local communities.
• Develop the shelter strategies to meet the ongoing needs of refugees, taking into account the preferences of the beneficiaries, local construction practices and available materials. Plan and supervise the maintenance and upgrading of family shelters in order to improve standards
• Work in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders including, local authorities, relevant partners and affected communities on issues related to ensure sustainability of the shelter and settlement programme. Oversee all matters related to construction activities within the settlement among different sectors (such as water, sanitation, health, education facilities, etc);
• Provide support to relevant sectors in the market analysis of locally available construction materials and skills, promoting the use of local capacity as appropriate.
• Ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of site planning and shelter activities, providing inputs for situation reports and reporting back to the country office and headquarters on progress and standards.

C. Education

• University degree in civil engineering or architecture.

D. Experience

• At least 8 years relevant experience in the related field, including collaboration with different humanitarian organizations (Field experience in responding to emergencies working with relevant governmental technical departments and various organizations in identifying, designing, delimiting, clearing and developing land allocated to establish site camps.
• Good knowledge of site surveying (including topography, hydrology, geology, land use physical planning, environment, engineering, etc.) and extensive experience in undertaking related topography assessments/ feasibility studies for site identification and environmental impact studies whilst using surveying tools (including GPS equipment, GIS software).
• Prior experience in settlement site planning including layout of shelter plots, roads, communal infrastructures and basic services.
• Prior experience in designing and implementing shelter strategies.
• Knowledge of UNHCR standards and criteria for site selection, including consideration of cross sectorial issues related to protection, WASH, environment, land property issues etc.
• Previous experience in tender processes (including development of all relevant technical documentation) to ensure settlement development.
• Experience of site construction management (including supervision, monitoring, quality control, evaluation etc.)

E. Other requirements

• Capacity to work with multi sectorial teams Cultural sensitivity to the specific needs of the persons of concern.
• Willingness and ability to work in hardship environments.
• Computer literacy in MS Office and other relevant software to produce digital maps, site plans, layout and technical drawings.
• Excellent working knowledge of French is essential. English would be an asset.

F. Duration: Initial deployment of three (3) months

How to apply:

To apply, please send your P11 and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) by COB 18 July to the following address: hqsl00@unhcr.org. Please specify the position you are applying for in the subject of your email.

Job ID: #588081

Country:

• Cameroon

City:

• Minawad

Organisation:

• UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Theme:

• Shelter and Non-Food Items

Job years of experience:

• 5-10 years

Job type:

• Consultancy