Shelter and Settlement Specialist (ABA Consortium)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Shelter and Settlement Specialist for its Area-Based Allocation (ABA) project implemented in Khersonska oblast – however, the position is based in Mykolaiv.

About the job

Under the supervision of the ABA Consortium Programme Manager and in close collaboration with other technical colleagues, the Shelter and Settlement Specialist will be responsible for technical assistance, quality assurance and capacity development of Shelter and Settlement focused projects and Partners. The Shelter and Settlement Specialist will work with CSO partners implementing shelter activities, ranging from emergency shelter responses (e.g. distributions, ESK installations) to recovery programming such as light and medium repairs of homes and apartments.

About the ABA Consortium.

The Area-Based Allocation (ABA) Consortium is designed to support local actors in Ukraine by facilitating access to quality funding and enabling them to scale up their programming without being burdened by excessive bureaucracy. The Consortium operates as a fund mechanism, incorporating a due diligence process, calls for proposals, fund disbursement, and tailored support throughout project implementation.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Grant Management and Technical Compliance

• Participate in the technical review of shelter proposals and budgets to ensure activities are aligned with consortium allocation strategy and relevant national and international shelter standards.
• Review partner logframes, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and procurement and implementation plans to ensure feasibility, safety, and alignment with best practices.

Project implementation oversight

• Conduct technical monitoring visits and hold regular follow-up meetings with Civil Society Organizations (CSO) partners implementing shelter projects.
• Support partners in developing workplans, procurement plans, and monitoring tools that are realistic and aligned with shelter technical guidance.
• Identify risks and challenges during implementation and recommend corrective measures in coordination with the Programme Manager.

Capacity Development

• Conduct capacity assessments of shelter partners and develop tailored capacity development plans.
• Provide training, mentoring, and coaching on shelter programming, including damage assessments, BoQ preparation, procurement processes and contractor supervision, and quality control.
• Ensure shelter tools and guidance for partners are available and fit for purpose.

Representation and External Coordination

• Liaise regularly with consortium technical colleagues (MEAL, Protection, WASH, Cash/NFI) to ensure harmonized approaches and integrated programming.
• Participate in relevant local shelter coordination forums to stay informed of technical developments and ensure partner guidance is aligned with sector standards.
• Contribute to learning events, lessons-learned exercises, and documentation of best practices across consortium partners.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have minimum of 3 years of experience in shelter and settlements programming. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or another relevant field.
• Knowledge and experience implementing shelter programming from emergency response (distribution and/or installation of Emergency Construction Materials or Emergency Shelter Kits) to recovery activities such as Light and Medium repairs of apartments and houses or Insulation repairs.
• Familiarity with different implementation modalities for shelter programming (cash, in-kind, or mixed) and ability to advise partners on their appropriate use.
• Previous experience in programs implemented through local partners or in remote management.
• Proven experience in capacity building and training of local partners.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft office.
• Full professional proficiency in English.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience in Shelter proposal development.
• Knowledge of MEAL requirements for Shelter programming.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract length: 3 months probationary period, with 11-month extension following successful completion of probationary period.
• Band: G2- non management.
• Designation of Duty Station: Mykolaiv.
• Start date: September 2026.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts; starting from EUR 2574 gross per month (depending on experience and qualifications).

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 31st August 2026.

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.