Shelter Construction Engineer

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

PROGRAMME CONTEXT

Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees, making it Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation. IRC Uganda implements integrated protection and resilience programs in refugee settlements across the country. The program is funded by multiple donors and development partners including UNOCHA, ECHO and UNHCR among others, Within the Shelter and Settlements sector, the IRC focuses on providing durable shelter solutions, emergency repairs, and capacity-building of local structures, including youth groups. Working within the broader humanitarian architecture, including UNHCR and District Local Governments, this role requires close coordination with the District Engineer and active participation in sector working groups.

JOB SUMMARY

The Shelter Construction Engineer will oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring, and handover of new shelter construction and repair activities for Persons with Specific Needs (PSN). The role holder will directly supervise youth groups engaged in shelter works, providing continuous technical solutions and on-site mentorship. The Engineer will ensure quality assurance across all construction stages, maintain detailed progress reports, and manage payment documentation. Additionally, the position requires liaison with the District Engineer, UNHCR supervision teams, and active participation in bi-monthly shelter working group meetings.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Shelter Construction & Repairs for PSN

• Lead the technical assessment, design, and execution of new shelter construction and repairs for Persons with Specific Needs (PSN), ensuring accessibility, safety, and dignity.
• Adapt shelter designs to meet specific physical or protection needs of PSN.

2. Supervision of Youth Groups

• Directly supervise and provide on-site technical guidance to youth groups performing shelter construction, repairs, and new builds.
• Build the capacity of youth groups through practical coaching on construction techniques, quality control, and safety standards.

3. End-to-End Construction Monitoring & Handover

• Oversee all stages of construction from site preparation, foundation, superstructure, roofing, to finishing.
• Conduct pre-handover inspections, document completion, and manage formal handover of shelters to beneficiaries.

4. Continuous Technical Problem-Solving

• Work continuously with youth groups and beneficiaries to provide real-time solutions to construction challenges (e.g., material shortages, soil instability, and design modifications).

5. Reporting & Progress Tracking

• Continuously prepare and submit detailed progress reports against set targets per location, including work completion rates, quality issues, and beneficiary feedback.

6. Coordination & Liaison

• Maintain regular liaison with the District Engineer and UNHCR Shelter Construction supervision teams.
• Actively participate in the bi-monthly Shelter Working Group meetings, contributing to sector-wide coordination and learning.

7. Payment Documentation

• Ensure that all necessary documentation related to payment for services (e.g., work completion certificates, timesheets, material delivery notes) is complete, verified, and submitted to IRC Uganda for timely payment processing.

8. Technical Advisory

• Advise IRC management on any relevant technical, operational, or contextual adjustments needed along the course of activity implementation, including design changes, material substitutions, or risk mitigation measures.

Qualifications and Experience

 Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional registration with the Uganda Engineers Registration Board (ERB) is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of practical experience in shelter construction, preferably in humanitarian or refugee settings in Uganda.
• Proven experience supervising community-based construction teams, including youth or unskilled labor groups.
• Demonstrated experience working with PSN shelter adaptations (e.g., ramps, widened doorways, reinforced flooring).
• Experience working with UNHCR shelter guidelines and District engineering standards in Uganda.

Skills:

• Proficient in AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, or similar design software.
• Strong report-writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to use mobile data collection tools (e.g., ODK, Kobo Collect) for progress monitoring.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of local languages (e.g., Lugbara, Luo, Swahili, Arabic) is a strong asset.
• Ability to travel frequently to remote field locations.

Core Competencies

• Technical Accountability: Ensures all construction meets agreed standards, safety codes, and beneficiary needs.
• Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Ability to diagnose and resolve technical field challenges quickly with limited resources.
• Team Mentorship: Skilled in training and supervising youth groups with patience and a positive, capacity-building approach.
• Coordination & Diplomacy: Comfortable liaising between IRC, UNHCR, District Government, and community groups.
• Integrity & Transparency: Rigorous in verifying and submitting payment documentation to prevent fraud or errors.
• Adaptability: Willing to adjust technical designs or implementation approaches based on real-time field feedback and management advice.

NB: Please note that this advert will close on 3-Jun-26. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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