The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, working in over 40 countries to provide appropriate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, people on the move, and vulnerable local populations/host communities. Currently, as part of the emergency response to the earthquake, DRC is seeking a highly qualified Shelter Officer based in Caracas, Venezuela.
About the job:
DRC manages its operations in Venezuela through its country office in Caracas and three field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure, and Zulia. DRC Venezuela implements protection monitoring, legal assistance, individual protection assistance for persons with specific needs (PWSN), information sessions for persons of concern (PoC), prevention of human trafficking, and food security initiatives.
As part of the emergency response to the earthquake that occurred in June 2026, DRC is opening a new implementation office in Caracas, separate from the country office, to address the needs of the affected populations. To this end, DRC is seeking a Shelter Officer who will be responsible for leading and implementing early recovery actions in the Shelter and Infrastructure sectors.
General objective of the position:
Under the supervision of the Shelter Team Leader and with technical support from the National WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure Specialist, the Shelter Officer will be responsible for leading and implementing early recovery actions in the Shelter and Infrastructure sectors. They will ensure the timely and high-quality execution of needs assessments, distribution of supplies, and improvements to community and institutional infrastructure affected by the emergency. They will also support coordination with authorities, community leaders, and other humanitarian actors to guarantee an integrated, protection-focused response aligned with applicable humanitarian standards.
Responsibilities:
Evaluations
- Conduct rapid multi-sectoral and sectoral assessments to identify accommodation and infrastructure needs in early recovery contexts.
- Identify homes that have been inspected for damage by the competent authorities and that require light and medium repairs.
- Identify community infrastructure (such as schools, health centers, or other spaces that provide essential services) that has been affected by the emergency and requires non-structural repairs.
- Complete the technical diagnoses for community infrastructure rehabilitation works and light and medium repairs of homes.
- Support the identification and selection of beneficiary communities and households that require support with assistance from NFIs.
- Identify, analyze, and escalate critical needs, emerging risks, assistance gaps, and operational challenges that require immediate decisions or additional resource mobilization.
Implementation
- Plan, execute and document the distribution of accommodation-related non-food items (NFI), ensuring the quality, traceability and accountability of the process.
- Prepare technical specifications, estimates of quantities of work and work plans for the contracting of rehabilitation services for essential community infrastructure.
- Supervise community infrastructure rehabilitation works.
- Prepare the technical specifications for the purchase of materials and repair kits.
- Prepare the technical specifications for light and medium home repair work; which involves defining repair kits or the documentation necessary for contracting the service by contractors.
- Provide technical training to assisted families on safe repair techniques, incorporating disaster risk reduction elements.
- Monitor the technical quality of the works carried out by contractors
- Monitor the physical progress of activities and verify compliance with technical, quality, safety, protection and environmental management standards, preparing the corresponding technical reports and the administrative documents necessary for payments and contract closures.
Records
- Continuously document operational results, challenges, gaps, and lessons learned to support rapid adaptation of response and early recovery planning.
- Ensure the correct collection, storage and protection of data of beneficiaries and other information required for reporting activities and indicators of projects.
Coordination and liaison
- When required, participate in humanitarian coordination mechanisms at the national, regional and local levels, including Sectoral Groups/Clusters or other relevant spaces, sharing information on needs, gaps, progress and intervention priorities.
- When required, coordinate with competent authorities, humanitarian organizations and community actors to avoid duplication, promote complementarities and ensure a timely and integrated response.
- Participate in coordination spaces within DRC with teams from other programmatic sectors such as EcRec and Protection, to ensure integrated implementation with adequate planning of activities.
Cross-cutting
- Represent the organization professionally and ethically in all activities carried out, ensuring compliance with internal procedures, proper information management, and the security of project documentation.
- Perform any other relevant tasks as requested by line managers and the WASI specialist.
- Perform field activities in accordance with the organization’s safety, humanitarian access and risk management procedures, promptly reporting incidents, restrictions and changes in the operational context.
- Ensure that all activities incorporate the approaches of protection, inclusion, accountability to affected populations (AAP), prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and community participation.
Experience and technical skills:
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in the implementation of humanitarian Shelter programs and/or community infrastructure.
- Knowledge of national and humanitarian standards applicable to the sector.
- Experience in supervising works, contractors and construction or rehabilitation activities.
- Good handling of rules, standards and practices regarding construction works.
- University degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture. Demonstrable experience in humanitarian programs such as WASH, Shelter, and Infrastructure will be valued.
- Proficiency in computer tools (Microsoft Office) and experience in data collection and management using digital platforms such as Kobo Toolbox or similar.
- Ability to coordinate with local authorities, humanitarian organizations and community leaders.
- Ability to work in remote areas and make frequent field visits.
- Commitment to humanitarian principles, accountability to affected populations (AAP) and the safeguarding/protection policy against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
- Ability to adapt to changing situations as needed.
- Ability to work well under pressure and in adverse conditions.
- Calm and diplomatic character;
- Knowledge of protection principles and approaches in humanitarian action;
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines;
- Ability to foster a collaborative work environment and maintain effective relationships with implementing partners and local stakeholders;
- Knowledge of the applicable Venezuelan legal framework and the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights.
Education:
- Degree in Civil Engineering/Architecture or other equivalent professional, with experience in WASH and Shelter or Infrastructure.
Language:
- Spanish
We offer:
- The opportunity to belong to one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 free online training courses and certificates.
- Contract duration: 4 months with possibility of extension depending on budget availability.
- Salary: Band H.
- HCM insurance fully covered by the organization.
- National contracting.
DRC Core Competencies:
- Achieving excellence : focusing on achieving results and ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the initiative : taking ownership and initiative while seeking innovation.
- Communicate: listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstration of integrity : Act in accordance with DRC’s vision and values.
Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV ( max. 2 pages, no supporting documents ) in Spanish to the DRC job platform. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Application deadline : Friday, November 20th at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Start date: November 2026
How to apply
Link to Application Form
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