JOB DESCRIPTION

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods, and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara’a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our six Community Centers.

About the job

As the Shelter and Settlement Assistant, you will provide administrative or technical support within Rural Damascus, for the Shelter and settlement sector, and assist the S&S officer in ensuring quality of the planning, implementation, and follow-up of sector activities.

Sector responsibilities: Provision of emergency/regular shelter, emergency cash grants, rehabilitation of housing, provision of physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, community centers, irrigation systems or other community structures, facilitation, and school rehabilitation as well.

You will conduct pre-assessment for the identified shelters, schools, and infrastructure network, and follow up with contractors on the ongoing rehabilitation works, will take photos, and document the delivered quantities. You will also be responsible for interviewing beneficiaries for pre/post-monitoring reports.

This role has a country focus and ensures compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations while overseeing country activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct pre-assessment for schools, shelters, apartments, and WASH infrastructure
Draw sketch related to DRC rehabilitation activities.
AutoCAD drawings for DRC selected buildings and facilities.
Take photos of the proposed work site and selected ones.
Conduct monitoring visits during the implementation.
Conduct head counting.
Conduct quality survey with DRC beneficiaries.
Supervise and monitor the distribution of equipment and furniture.
Submit to the Project Officers accurate material prices from the market on a quarterly basis.
Any other task as requested by the direct manager and Shelter Manager.

Experience and Technical Competencies:

Minimum 2 years in construction domain.
University Engineering degree (Civil Engineering or Architecture).
Experience with following standard procedures and guidelines. For the shelter and WASH projects.
Advances in renewable/durable power projects for shelter, WASH Irrigation, productive community projects.

Education:

University Engineering degree (Civil Engineering or Architecture).

Languages:

Arabic
English

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: End of March 2026

Level: Non-Management I2

Location: Rural Damascus – Syria

Expected Start date: May 2025

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Shelter and Settlement Assistant – Application Form

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.

Applications close: 24 April 2025

Need further information?

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements