HelpAge International (www.helpage.org) is the secretariat to the HelpAge Global Network, which brings together a wide range of organizations and individuals working together to ensure that older people lead dignified, active, healthy, and secure lives. HelpAge International’s secretariat is based in London, UK but works in 70 plus countries across the world. 

HelpAge has been operating in Ethiopia since 1992 and has been engaged on thematic sectors including social protection, health and wellbeing, emergency response and capacity building of partners in Borena. HelpAge International (HAI) has been implementing multisectoral projects in Benishangul Gumus region, for the last few years and currently two project’s are active in the region. The EHF funded project and the GFFO funded project, have been active in all the zones in the region. The specific projects are being implemented with full engagement of older people and other persons with specific needs and in close consultation and coordination with government stakeholders and other humanitarian actors. The incumbent for the job we are looking for is related to the EHF-funded project, where target beneficiaries were identified in two kebeles of Zaye woreda, and concluding the preparatory phase and actual distribution of materials and related cash support including follow up & support for individuals targets are the major tasks for the job advertised.

The incumbent uses the comprehensive sectoral needs assessments conducted at the start of the project in liaison with other relevant sectors such as protection, Public Health, WASH, administration and supply. Hence proper verification of all the targeted households is the first and foremost responsibility of the incumbent.

She or He also ensures that the implementation of Shelter interventions takes into account the local context, age & gender, culture, climate, environmental protection available resources and skills. In addition, the incumbent ensures that shelter responses evolve according to the changing nature of the situation, progressively working towards more durable solutions and drawing from local building practices and materials with a special emphasis on accessibility and accommodation. Within an urban context, it is essential that shelter responses take into consideration inclusiveness in urban planning strategies, including an analysis of residential areas, housing affordability, and availability as well as Housing, land, and property (HLP) rights. In addition, regardless of the context, shelter assistance should at all times minimize the risk of eviction, exploitation, and abuse, overcrowded living conditions, limited access to services, and unhygienic conditions.  

Besides, Specialized functions to be dealt with by the incumbent in this post include shelter planning/ design and construction monitoring, which imply that the person should have a strong academic qualification in civil engineering or architecture and knows the Shelter Cluster recommendation and preference without compromising.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that specifications, bills of quantities (already developed) are technically sound and standardized manner. 

• Ensure that HAI Field operations are supported in carrying out shelter needs assessments taking into account the current situation, projected population planning figures, and the expected scale of returns.  

• Consider the local context, age and gender, culture, climate, environmental protection, and the availability of local resources, including materials, capacities, and existing infrastructure.  

• Provide clear guidance on standards for shelter, including minimum emergency standards to meet basic and essential needs as well as guidance for phased improvement of shelter conditions that will be necessary as the duration of the displacement prolongs. 

• When planning shelter works, ensuring that the technical component reflects the Cluster’s and HAI’s minimum standards for the provision of emergency and other types of shelter assistance and shelter repair kits distribution is within the budgetary requirements. 

• Establish monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure that works are implemented according to plans and completed within the designated timeframe.  

• Promote the sustainability of technical interventions through local capacity building and self-help in collaboration and ensure that local communities have been consulted on all activities so as not to create unnecessary tension between the displaced and host populations.   

• Ensure identified beneficiaries are selected based on the fact that, the needs of the most vulnerable population of concern (POC) and host families are addressed. HAI's vulnerability indicators should be applied in a participatory manner during the verification.  

• The position requires regular contact with program and field staff in Kamashe and Zaye in order to ensure technical support related to shelter repair kits distribution and construction activities. 

• Other duties as assigned by his supervisor and the HelpAge management; 

Contract Length: Two – Three Months

Responsible to: Program Coordinator/Team Leader

Duty Station: Kamashe/Zaye

Job Requirements

Recruitment modality 

This is a short-term assignment, hence a few months of contractual agreement.

Someone willing and ready to join IMMEDIATELY, is appreciated.

EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTING SIMILAR INTERVENTIONS AND EXPOSURE WITH THE NATIONAL SH/NFI CLUSTER APPROACH IS A PLUS.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements are required to submit via email: hr.eth@helpage.org

Closing date: Sep 29,2024