Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements Advisor

Team Credence is a multi-company partnership proudly led by Credence, an industry leading government contractor with a longstanding commitment to the US Government's global health and humanitarian missions. In concert with our small business partners-ZemiTek, Claro KC, and Global Emergency Group-Team Credence operates as one team.

The Humanitarian Assistance Support Contract (HASC) brings together exceptional institutional support experience, technical leadership, and an unmatched commitment to US missions. HASC supports the U.S. Department of State's (DOS) humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and foreign assistance across multiple bureaus. Team Credence, through the HASC, delivers operational and administrative support to provide and coordinate humanitarian assistance and maintain 24/7 response capability.

The Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response (DHR) leads the U.S. government's response to sudden-onset disasters and high-priority, complex humanitarian situations overseas. DHR also provides U.S. government-wide policy leadership on food security and nutrition and management of longer-term, high-impact agricultural research and innovation partnerships. DHR's Office of Technical Quality and Assurance (TQA) ensures high-quality design, delivery, and monitoring of all DHR-managed assistance. The office is composed of technical experts across humanitarian sectors, including agriculture, food assistance, shelter, health, nutrition, natural hazards, economic recovery and market systems, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities.

Position Summary

The Shelter and Settlements Advisor will provide guidance and technical assistance in support of the strategic objectives of the Bureau and Office. Day-to-day oversight of the position will be provided by a government technical manager (GTM) from TQA, with formal supervisory and evaluation functions performed by a Team Credence contract supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the GTM, the Shelter and Settlements Advisor will:

• Monitor international disaster trends, carry-out initial sector specific assessments and develop situational reports.
• Develop sector specific strategies and programming recommendations.
• Carry-out technical reviews of applications and/or concept notes to ensure proposed activities align with best practice in the Shelter and Settlements sector.
• Actively support the monitoring of Department of State-funded humanitarian Shelter and Settlements sector activities to ensure the proper use of program funds and identifying trends and best practices.
• Support the development and contribute to the implementation of Department of State humanitarian strategies, standards, tools and best practices in Shelter and Settlements.
• Provide technical guidance and review of humanitarian construction projects.
• Provide in-country and remote technical assistance to regional bureaus, regional hubs and missions.
• Liaise with humanitarian organizations (UN, NGOs, IOs) and other stakeholders to coordinate DHR funded Shelter and Settlements activities to ensure harmonized, effective, and non-duplicative assistance.
• Keep abreast of emerging humanitarian Shelter and Settlements issues and trends that can be incorporated into disaster response activities.
• Maintain a travel ready status and as needed, serve on Disaster Response Teams (DART) and serve on Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), which provides services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will vary. DARTs may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.
• Contribute to a collaborative and results oriented team environment.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• PhD and 2 years of experience working in humanitarian relief and response in the international humanitarian shelter and settlements sector OR
• MA/MS and 4 years of experience working in humanitarian relief and response in the international humanitarian shelter and settlements sector OR
• BA/BS and 6 years of experience working in humanitarian relief and response in the international humanitarian shelter and settlements sector OR
• High school diploma and 8 years of experience working in humanitarian relief and response in the international humanitarian shelter and settlements sector.
• Degrees in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineer and/or Urban Planning are preferred.
• Significant experience providing technical assistance and developing successful international disaster assistance shelter and settlement program strategies and designs.
• Experience in operationalizing complex shelter and settlement responses in international disaster responses.
• Mastery of technical principles and concepts in the Shelter and Settlements sector, such as demonstrated in published papers and panel participation at key sector conferences is preferred.
• Must be a U.S citizen and able to obtain and maintain a US Government issued Secret clearance for the duration of your employment.
• May be required to pursue a U.S. Department of State medical clearance for the duration of employment on this contract.

Other Requirements

• Possess excellent judgment and reliability;
• Have strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail;
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Have strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications;
• Be able to multi-task and work under deadlines in a fast-paced and collaborative environment;
• Be capable of prioritizing tasks and follow up on actions without prompting;
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances; and
• Be willing to go the extra mile and participate as an active team member who assists other team members as necessary.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources