Shelter and Settlement Technical Specialist (Infrastructure and WASH)

About the Position

Shelter and Settlement Technical Specialist (Infrastructure and WASH)

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 employing over 800 staff in Ukraine and implementing emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors. DRC is currently looking for a Shelter and Settlement Technical Specialist (Infrastructure and WASH). The position may be based in either Kyiv or Mykolaiv, depending on where the successful candidate is based. Regular travel to other areas (Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro) and the Country Office is expected, constituting up to 50% of working time.

Responsibilities

Technical Support, Field Monitoring, and Capacity Building

• Roll out, apply, and continuously improve existing technical guidance, tools, SOPs, and templates for infrastructure and WASH programming, working closely with field teams to ensure they are practical, up-to-date, and contextually appropriate for the Ukraine operating environment.
• Identify gaps in existing guidance and tools and lead the development of new materials to address emerging needs across infrastructure and WASH programming, in coordination with the S&S Technical Coordinator and field teams.
• Design and deliver training and mentoring programs for programme staff on infrastructure and WASH technical standards, including induction of new staff, on-the-job coaching, and structured training sessions, in coordination with shelter managers and the S&S Technical Coordinator.
• Proactively identify opportunities to expand Infrastructure and WASH programming to new geographic areas within DRC Ukraine’s footprint, conducting needs assessments and engaging relevant stakeholders (local authorities, communities, clusters) to build the evidence base for new interventions.
• In coordination with the S&S Technical Coordinator and the HoP, contribute to the development of concept notes, proposals, and donor reports by providing technical input on infrastructure and WASH activities, indicative costs, and implementation modalities to support resource mobilisation.
• Provide engineering technical guidance for the delivery of ongoing programming.
• Provide expert technical guidance to field teams on large-scale and complex Infrastructure, WASH, and energy interventions, including technical assessments, feasibility studies, design specifications, system rehabilitation, and procurement, in compliance with Ukrainian building codes and relevant national legislation.
• Support programme teams to ensure efficient and effective delivery of Infrastructure, WASH, and energy activities in line with work plans, budgets, and donor requirements.
• Work with the Supply Chain team and shelter managers to develop comprehensive procurement packages (Tender, BoQ, and Specifications) for specialist contractors engaged in the reconstruction or rehabilitation of key buildings, WASH infrastructure, public facilities, and other priority infrastructure identified through community assessments.
• Support the harmonization and standardization of shelter team interactions with supply chain and finance teams, outlining common procedures and responsibilities to streamline programme delivery.
• Travel regularly (up to 50% of time) to area offices, country office, and field locations to engage with programme teams, provide on-site technical support, monitor ongoing programming, identify opportunities for expansion, and promote learning and cross-fertilisation across teams.
• Engage with MEAL focal points to ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance processes are in place for infrastructure and WASH projects, and contribute to learning and documentation of good practice.

Reporting and Quality Assurance

• Provide technical guidance and inputs into contracts, scopes of work, and programme implementation documents for Infrastructure and WASH activities.
• Develop and review project technical documents, including engineering assessments, feasibility studies, design reports, and specifications.
• In coordination with MEAL and programme focal points, contribute to project tracking, donor reporting, and lessons learned documentation as relevant.
• Support the S&S Technical Coordinator, HoP, and grants team to develop strong, technically sound proposals and concept notes in line with DRC’s country strategy, identified needs, and operational capacities.

Requirements

Required

• Degree in structural or civil engineering (Ukrainian state certification a strong asset).
• Expert knowledge of Ukrainian building codes (DBN), technical regulations, and relevant national legislation governing construction, rehabilitation, and WASH infrastructure.
• Proven skills in structural assessment, project planning and design, technical specification writing, BoQ development, and contract management.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant engineering or design software.
• Experience in managing or overseeing large-scale public infrastructure rehabilitation, including public buildings and WASH systems.
• Experience working with national partners, local/government authorities, and UN organizations or clusters in Ukraine.
• Full professional proficiency in Ukrainian and professional proficiency in English required.

Desirable

• Experience working for an international NGO.
• Experience developing technical guidance, tools, and training materials, and in delivering capacity building to programme staff.

We Offer

• Contract length: 12-month contract following successful completion of a 3-month probation period.
• Band: G2 - non management.
• Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv or Mykolaiv, depending on where the successful candidate is based.
• Start date: 1 August 2026.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contract.

About the Company

Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate, and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

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: 23 June 2026.

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