Shelter Assistant - UNV Specialist page is loaded
Shelter Assistant - UNV Specialist
Apply locations Boa Vista, Brazil time type Full time posted on Posted 3 Days Ago job requisition id JR2558582
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
NUNV National
Target Start Date
2025-09-01
Deadline for Applications
August 26, 2025
Terms of Reference
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR APPLICATION WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED VALID IF YOU INCLUDE, AS ATTACHMENT, A MOTIVATION LETTER CLEARLY OUTLINING YOUR RACIAL SELF-DECLARATION AND PERSONAL INTEREST AND MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION. This document is essential for the proper evaluation of the application and must be submitted within the designated application period.
Mission and objectives:
UNHCR works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home. Since 1950, UNHCR has provided support in the face of multiple crises globally, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. UNHCR helps save lives and build better futures for millions forced from their homes.
Assignment context:
Since 2018, UNHCR has been operating in Boa Vista as part of the emergency response to the arrival of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. In close coordination with the Brazilian government through “Operação Acolhida” (Operation Welcome), UNHCR supports key areas including protection, shelter, registration, community engagement, and durable solutions. Boa Vista hosts several temporary shelters and reception sites, and UNHCR works with partners, local authorities, and communities to ensure access to rights, services, and pathways to integration.
In 2022, UNHCR established the Centro de Sustentabilidade (Sustainability Center) in Boa Vista, a pioneering initiative that promotes circular economy, environmental education, and green skills training for refugees, migrants, and host communities. The Center serves as a space for innovation and inclusion, strengthening community-based protection through climate-smart and sustainable shelter solutions.
To fulfil this role, the Shelter Assistant is required to apply expertise in sustainable construction solutions, social housing projects, project management, and community capacity-building in sustainable building techniques. The role involves coordination and oversight of shelter projects, ensuring technical quality, environmental sustainability, and community engagement in all phases. The incumbent will spend a significant part of their time working closely with communities to empower and train them in sustainable construction practices, contributing to durable and resilient shelter solutions.
UN Volunteers are affiliated workforce that are under specific Conditions of Service (United Nations Volunteers Unified Conditions of Service - UCOS). All UNV holders are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. In addition, UNV holders 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.
Task description:
Within the framework of delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Field Unit and/or their designated representative, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks:
• Lead the design, development, and review of shelter and social housing projects ensuring incorporation of sustainable construction solutions and environmental best practices.
• Prepare detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and tender documents for shelter-related works and procurements.
• Coordinate and supervise shelter construction and rehabilitation activities, ensuring compliance with quality standards, sustainability criteria, and safety regulations.
• Conduct regular field visits and engage closely with refugee, migrant, indigenous, and host communities to promote community participation and ownership of shelter projects.
• Provide technical training and capacity-building to community members and partners on sustainable building techniques and climate-resilient construction practices.
• Collaborate with implementing partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and integration of shelter interventions within broader protection and durable solutions frameworks.
• Monitor project progress, costs, and outputs, and prepare timely technical reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of community-based shelter strategies that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
• Ensure that shelter designs and solutions align with UNHCR policies, protection standards, and local regulations.
• Assist in risk assessments and environmental impact analyses related to shelter activities, recommending mitigation measures where necessary.
• Facilitate participatory assessments and consultations with communities to gather feedback and adapt shelter solutions accordingly.
• Maintain up-to-date records of project documentation, technical drawings, and community engagement activities.
• Perform other duties as required to support the shelter program and community empowerment objectives.
Required education: Bachelor degree or equivalent
Area(s) of specialization (education): Engineer, Architecture, Technical Assistant in Building and Construction.
Required experience: At Least 3 years of relevant of job experience.
Required skills and experience:
Essential:
• Relevant job experience in social housing construction projects, including working with vulnerable populations and communities with specific needs.
• Experience in project management, community mobilization, and capacity-building related to sustainable and resilient housing solutions.
• Strong knowledge of construction techniques, environmental considerations, and climate-resilient building practices.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
Desirable:
• Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures.
Area(s) of expertise: Architecture and settlements; Energy and environment; Engineering and construction
Languages: Fluency in English and Portuguese is required.
Fluency in Spanish desirable.
Competencies and values:
• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Result Orientation
• Stakeholder Management
• Planning and Organizing
• Political Awareness
Living conditions and other remarks:
Boa Vista is the capital and the most populated municipality of the Brazilian state of Roraima. Concentrating approximately two thirds of the population of the state, it is located on the right bank of the Branco River. It is a typically administrative city that concentrates all state services. Banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities are available. Security The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the high levels of serious and violent crime, especially in major cities. Violent crimes such as assaults, armed robberies, kidnappings and sexual assault are very important. The most frequent security incidents in the region are robberies, various types of fraud and minor crimes. Slums (favelas) in large cities should be avoided and in case of attack, one is advised not to resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and can turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment, both on and off duty. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reserves, special procedures may apply; United Nations personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance. Additional means of communication can be provided in Pacaraima. Health Basic health services are available but specialized services are not offered locally. Travelers are advised to carry a supply of the necessary prescription medications. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, and evidence of yellow fever vaccine is required (at least ten days before the trip to the area). Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever are transmitted by the same mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. Preventive measures are key. The mosquito feeds mainly at dusk and dawn, indoors, in shaded areas or when the weather is cloudy. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellents, place windows with screens, keep residences cool with air conditioning and use mosquito nets. Geography and climate Boa Vista is 90 meters above sea level. The climate of Boa Vista is considered tropical humid (type Aw according to Köppen), with the dry winter and the rainy summer. The temperature varies from 22 ° C to 35 ° C. Development Boa Vista has an inefficient urban transport. On the contrary, Boa Vista has two modern bus terminals, real shopping centres with food stores, various businesses, air-conditioned environment and elevators. The city's population also uses taxis shared by several passengers (not recommended for UN personnel). However, the streets of Boa Vista are wide and well-marked. Boa Vista connects with the rest of the country via air and by land. There is an airport (Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport). Boa Vista also has an International Bus Terminal, the José Amador de Oliveira - Baton International Rodoviária, which connects the city with others from the interior of Roraima, the Amazon (Manaus), Guyana, Esequiba and Venezuela. Housing No furnished housing available. Power cuts are frequent but short. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. Roraima is a unique State and has a unique humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. Information on entitlements at the duty station is available at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.
In the selection process for this UNV position, UNHCR aims to hire candidates from groups still underrepresented in its workforce in Brazil, namely black people, indigenous people, transgender persons and persons with disabilities. Refugees of all nationalities, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other status are highly encouraged to apply. Candidates will be treated equally regardless of their social status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity’s policy
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
English
,
Portuguese
,
Desired Languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No
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About Us
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
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Disability inclusion
If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form.
There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process.
Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request.
Allcandidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.
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