Job Description

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator for Syria and direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Durable Solutions), and in close collaboration with the relevant technical units at the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ), the incumbent will be responsible for and accountable for the implementation and supervision of housing programming in Syria under the project titled ‘Creating a Pathway to Resilience: Paving the Way for Sustainable Reintegration of Displaced Populations in Syria (DS0227).  

Responsibilities

1. Manage and ensure the implementation of IOM’s activities related to Housing and Settlement for the achievement of Durable Solutions objectives, particularly as it relates to non-engineering related matters.

2. Ensure correct implementation of existing methodologies and guidelines related to Housing interventions, and update or develop methodologies and tools to guide the implementation in light of findings of monitoring of activities. 

3. Provide technical oversight and quality control of IOM housing operations, and identify implementation mechanisms and approaches that are feasible, appropriate, and effective in the context of Syria for the shelter activities.

4. Provide technical advice and oversight for the adoption of participatory urban planning approaches to inform IOM housing rehabilitation and reconstruction and infrastructure interventions in target areas.

5. Engage and provide substantive technical support to DS programming and DS coordination regarding strategies, policy dialogues and technical approaches to urban planning and settlements for the achievement of durable solutions, particularly in urban settings.

6. In coordination with IOM Legal team, ensure that guidance and correct approaches to HLP verification are followed and carry out regular monitoring of activities and processes to ensure due diligence and the protection of HLP and tenure rights in ongoing shelter interventions across all governorates targeted.

7. In collaboration with technical teams – Durable Solutions, Infrastructure and HLP teams - and with operations teams, develop and follow up on implementation plans and coordinate execution of planned activities, providing technical advice and support to the relevant activity components.

8. Ensure timeliness and efficiency by regular and periodical monitoring and assessment of progress and budget utilization throughout implementation of the project activities; take corrective action if necessary.

9. Ensure participation in the Housing and HLP and in other relevant shelter-related coordination initiatives and collaborate with relevant IOM colleagues for the coordination and implementation of returns and durable solutions related interventions.

10. In coordination with the M&E team, advise on monitoring and evaluation approaches which enable the production of real time reports on the effectiveness and efficiency of projects.

11. Prepare or coordinate the preparation of donor reports, funding proposals and other information materials, including reviewing and editing inputs from field teams. Provide substantive support in developing the shelter and housing component of the Unit and programme strategy.

12. Conduct regular field visits (approximately 50% of the time) to assigned sites (beneficiary locations) to ensure the implementation of shelter and housing programme activities efficiently, effectively and with flexibility, and to resolve issues.

13. Ensure the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender, protection mainstreaming, disability inclusion in the housing and shelter activities through monitoring and adaptation of programme approaches to ensure appropriate mainstreaming.

14. Establish and maintain contact with authorities on housing as well as urban planning and settlement programs and advocacy.

15. Perform additional tasks as may be assigned in support of program objectives.

Qualifications

Education 

• Master's degree in architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or 

• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience  

• Strong combination of training and experience in housing and shelter field of operations, and solid experience of working in complex environments. 

•  Understanding of market-based interventions in shelter response; 

•  Extensive operational and field experience in shelter, housing, and urban development programme development, implementation, and evaluation;

• Experience in conflict/emergency zones and in working in a high-risk environment; 

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities and local communities, as well as national and international institutions; 

• Experience in the use of consultative and participatory approaches to programme design and implementation; 

• Broad sector knowledge and/or field experience in the areas of housing re-construction, integration of Housing, Land and Property in shelter programs, community-based planning, and community mobilization; 

• Previous programme management experience; shelter and displacement management programme experience preferred; and, 

• Previous experience in Syria or familiarity with the region an asset.

Skills  

• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills; and, 

• Familiarity with project management and IOM administrative and financial management.

Required Skills

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