Shelter Project Manager

Role & Responsibilities

The Shelter Project Manager Plans, develops monitors and evaluates assigned shelter projects, assessing shelter needs, designing projects, writing proposals, initiating and effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with the objectives, timeframe and budget. Provide technical support, leadership and strategic direction; meet quality standards in shelter delivery, encourage beneficiary participation, liaise with other stakeholders, manage and train shelter staffs.

Project Overview

Due to the war in Ukraine, there are vast shelter and NFI needs – from support to collective centres where people who have fled the war are now staying; to supporting those rebuilding their homes after the conflict. The role requires someone agile to implement shelter improvements and repairs in a Ukraine context, as well as the distribution of essential non-food items. The role will involve travel to support our various bases, and mentoring Medair staff.

Workplace & Conditions

Field position based in Ukraine.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 6 to 12 months.

Key Activity Areas

Shelter Project Management

• Manage assigned shelter projects to meet project objectives within the budget and allocated time frame.
• Provide strong leadership of the assigned shelter project(s), working to ensure both short and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for the beneficiaries, local authorities (where applicable) and local shelter staff.
• Implement appropriate and effective shelter strategies in line with other shelter staffs and field managers.
• Set clear objectives and indicators for shelter activities in collaboration with the shelter staff, field managers and, where appropriate, with the local communities.
• Continuously monitor and supervise shelter activities, overseeing the technical design and execution and evaluating progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities according to Medair, donor and other applicable timeframes.
• Develop new proposals, linked to the country strategy, in conjunction with the relevant field managers.

Staff Management

• Line-manage the Shelter Manager(s) of the assigned project(s), including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc. It may also be necessary to line manage other shelter project staff.
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives and current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.
• Provide coaching and supervise staffs in order to develop ownership and full responsibility for shelter activities.
• Assess the training needs of shelter staff and ensure that appropriate training is conducted.

Financial Management

• Manage the shelter budget for the assigned project(s) and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance.

Communication and Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned shelter team, Medair in-country and HQ shelter managers and advisers and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs), with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships.
• Participate in shelter coordination meetings and other working groups or meetings as required, representing Medair and feeding back to the shelter staff and field managers on relevant issues.

Logistics

• Support the logistics activities of shelter staff, particularly in relation to the purchasing of supplies and equipment for the assigned shelter activities.
• Liaise, as necessary, with the shelter, logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair e-library and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed.
• Ensure shelter projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards i.e. Sphere and HAP standards.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Qualification in a technical field such as civil engineering, architecture, engineering or construction management.
• A BSc / BEng in a relevant field will be desirable.
• Excellent working knowledge of English (speaking and writing).

Experience

• 2 years post-qualification professional experience in a relevant field.
• Management experience in a construction context.
• Ability and willingness to manage project implementation.
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills.
• Problem solving and technical construction skills within a humanitarian setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian standards such as Sphere and HAP.
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills.
• Willingness to support others and to share workload.
• Aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building.
• Experience in training / mentoring / coaching staffs.
• Able to prioritise clearly and oversee multiple tasks.
• Able to take the initiative in project decisions.
• Able to enforce procedures and to set clear objectives for staff and to delegate.
• Committed to consultative and servant-minded leadership.