Physical Site Planner, UNHCR Kasulu, Tanzania

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Physical Site Planner, P3 - TA

UNHCR Kasulu, Tanzania

6 months with possible extension

2015

Operational Context

Due to the recent tensions in Burundi, refugee movements into Tanzania dramatically increased in the recent months, with most originating from various locations in Burundi such as Nyazalake, Gitega, Bujumbura and Bururi, arriving with almost no belongings and often in poor health. Refugees were initially travelling to Kigoma via Lake Tanganyika, staying on the lakeshore village of Kagunga before they could be transferred to the port at Kibirizi, from where they would be taken safely to Nyarugusu camp. The logistics of transport by boat, the difficult terrain around the arrival point in Kagunga were equally of concern as health conditions quickly deteriorated and an outbreak of cholera was confirmed. Eventually, humanitarian partners managed to evacuate all the refugees from Kagunga and control the cholera outbreak. All refugees who came to the lakeshore village of Kagunga were successfully relocated to the existing Nyarugusu refugee camp further inland.

As of 1st of September up to 90,886 Burundian refugees had been registered, however following the recent presidential elections and the swearing in ceremony , the rate of arrival decreased from an average of 1000-2000 individuals to 500 per day. With no political solution currently taking form, it is estimated that at least 150,000 individuals will flee from Burundi to Tanzania by the end of September 2015. UNHCR and its partners are closely coordinating with the Government of Tanzania, particularly the Refugee Services Department, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other Government departments, including Immigration, Border Management and Control and the Office of the Prime Minister at the national level. Owing to the Government of Tanzania’s open border policy almost all refugees fleeing Burundi benefited from unrestricted access and asylum on a prima facie basis. The Government of Tanzania has agreed that the first 50,000 POC’s would be accommodated in the existing Nyarugusu refugee camp. However, the number of new arrivals has now exceeded 76,000 and Nyarugusu refugee camp has exceeded its capacity. A site planner is urgently required to expand/establishment the camp and identify new sites to accommodate the influx and in light support further development, provide technical support in continuity of these activities.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Physical Site Planner will work under direct supervision of Emergency Coordinator and overall supervision of Head of Sub-office. In undertaking his / her duties the Physical Site Planner is also expected to liaise with the Regional Support Hub in Nairobi and the Shelter and Settlement Section in Geneva.

Responsibilities

Conduct technical feasibility studies for identification of adequate sites in close coordination with Local Authorities at Provincial, District and Divisional levels, as well as with the concerned line Ministries and implementing partners.

Ensure that basic technical criteria of land availability/property, accessibility, security, topography, water resources, absorption capacity, and adequate terrain for proper sanitation facilities are taken into consideration while selecting potential sites. Other factors such as national reserves, migration corridor, and flooding, possible conflict with local population have also to be taken into consideration when identifying potential settlement solutions.

Assess the structural safety of public buildings, measure the absorption capacity within a community for host arrangements while ensuring that humanitarian standards are met to ensure dignified living conditions.

Develop, in close coordination with implementing partners and other concerned parties, settlement plans and their implementation modalities, including construction/rehabilitation of communal infrastructures (latrines, water points, etc.), taking into account the overall needs of target groups, their cultural preferences and the concerns of the local communities.

Ensure that settlement designs take into consideration protection oriented issues such as sexual and gender based violence and the specific needs of women, men, girls and boys. The security and privacy of all people of concern, the adequate location of sanitary/health/education facilities, communal services and distribution areas should also be addressed.

Coordinate with the affected committees, Local Authorities and other partners the identification of potential needs related to shelter and NFIs and ensure that NFI identification/distribution is coordinated among all the actors.

Advise on matters related to the procurement of sector related materials or equipment, including the development of technical specifications for bid documents, technical evaluation of bids, review/inspection of the quality of products/works.

Assist Programme colleagues in analyzing budgetary implications of technical components, as well as ensuring the technical integrity of all sectorial interventions.

Work in close coordination with all functional Units in UNHCR (Protection, Programme, Community Services, Field, Administration, and Supply) for all issues related to protection, population of concern figures and assistance.

Maintain regular contact with the Shelter and Settlement Section in Geneva regarding all technical matters.

Ensure the coordination of the works of the team members of the Shelter unit

Education

University degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering.

Experience

At least 8years relevant experience in the related field, including collaboration with different humanitarian organizations (Field experience in responding to emergencies working with relevant governmental technical departments and various organizations in identifying, designing, delimiting, clearing and developing land allocated to establish site camps.

Good knowledge of site surveying (including topography, hydrology, geology, land use physical planning, environment, engineering, etc.) and extensive experience in undertaking related topography assessments/ feasibility studies for site identification and environmental impact studies whilst using surveying tools (including GPS equipment, GIS software).

Prior experience in settlement site planning including layout of shelter plots, roads, communal infrastructures and basic services.

Prior experience in designing and implementing shelter strategies.

Knowledge of UNHCR standards and criteria for site selection, including consideration of cross sectorial issues related to protection, WASH, environment, land property issues etc.

Previous experience in tender processes (including development of all relevant technical documentation) to ensure settlement development.

Experience of site construction management (including supervision, monitoring, quality control, evaluation etc.)

Other Requirements

Capacity to work with multi sectorial teams cultural sensitivity to the specific needs of the persons of concern.

Willingness and ability to work in hardship environments.

Computer literacy in MS Office and other relevant software to produce digital maps, site plans, layout and technical drawings.

Excellent working knowledge of English is essential. Knowledge of other UN language.

HOW TO APPLY:

How to apply

To apply please submit your P11 and cover letter to HQShelter@unhcr.org by 13th September 2015. Please ensure you indicate the job title and location in the subject matter. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.