Shelter and Settlement Team Leader

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading NGOs, with a focus on responding to displacement, have been registered in Bangladesh since 2013. In 2017, in response to the Rohingya influx, DRC launched an integrated program of support to the government in site management, shelter/NFI and protection. In 2018, DRC started implementing aid projects in support of the host communities most affected by the influx of refugees. As a key part of this, DRC opened an area office in Cox’s Bazar, and a country office in Dhaka.

POSITION PROFILE

The Shelter and Settlement Team Leader is responsible for providing technical and operational leadership for the project’s Shelter and Settlement component. The role involves supervising the technical team in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance of all shelter and settlement activities. The Team Leader will lead shelter assessments, technical planning, site-level risk assessments, and the preparation and review of designs, specifications, and implementation plans for shelter upgrading, drainage, nature-based solutions (NbS), soil erosion mitigation, and other risk-reduction interventions. The position ensures that activities are based on identified needs and comply with relevant Shelter-CCCM Sector standards, MSPS, and humanitarian technical requirements. The Team Leader will also oversee technical supervision, verify the quality and completion of works, identify technical gaps, and recommend corrective measures to ensure safe and quality implementation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Tasks

• Responsible for the overall day-to-day technical coordination and implementation of DRC's Shelter and Settlement activities under the guidance and supervision of the CCCM Manager, ensuring all activities are implemented in a timely, quality, and accountable manner.
• Lead and conduct shelter needs assessments, technical site assessments, and site-level risk assessments to inform project planning and design.
• Prepare, review, and/or approve technical designs, drawings, bills of quantities (BoQs), specifications, and implementation plans for shelter upgrading, drainage systems, nature-based solutions (NbS) schemes, soil erosion mitigation, and other related interventions.
• Ensure all technical activities and outputs comply with relevant Shelter-CCCM Sector standards, and other humanitarian technical guidelines.
• Provide technical oversight and supervision during the implementation of shelter and settlement works, ensuring adherence to approved designs, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Verify the quality and completion of works, conduct technical inspections, and identify technical gaps or defects, recommending and following up on corrective measures.
• Develop and maintain regular activity plans, technical trackers, and BoQ monitoring sheets for the team and provide weekly updates to the CCCM Manager on progress, achievements, challenges, and technical gaps.
• Compile and analyze relevant technical and project information and contribute to the preparation of weekly, fortnightly, and other programme reports as required.
• Ensure that all shelter and settlement activities, including infrastructure works, are documented, and that relevant coordination, information management, and activity tracking tools are regularly updated and maintained.
• Work closely with Protection, CCCM, WASH, and other relevant actors to integrate protection and risk-reduction principles into shelter and settlement interventions.
• Support information gathering, participatory assessments, and other data collection exercises related to shelter and settlement needs.
• Support the CCCM Manager in leading emergency preparedness and response at camp level, particularly concerning shelter and settlement needs during emergencies (e.g., rapid shelter assessments, emergency shelter kit distributions, technical guidance for emergency repairs).
• Organize and coordinate capacity building initiatives for community groups, volunteers, and team members on shelter and settlement technical skills, safe construction practices, and emergency preparedness.
• Take an active operational role in coordinating DRC's shelter and settlement field response during emergencies and ensure that staff, volunteers, and community structures are mobilized appropriately.
• Work closely with community groups, committees, and representative structures to ensure that the concerns, priorities, and feedback of affected populations regarding shelter and settlement are identified, documented, and communicated to relevant actors.
• Assist in monitoring shelter-related distributions and other assistance to ensure that minimum standards, operating procedures, and accountability principles are respected.
• Assist in coordination with government authorities, site management, and the refugee community to ensure the smooth implementation of shelter and settlement activities.
• Monitor emerging risks, technical issues, service gaps, and other developments related to shelter and settlement within the camp and ensure that relevant information is promptly communicated to the CCCM Manager.
• Represent DRC in external technical forums (e.g., SCCCM sector, Technical Working Groups) as requested by the CCCM Manager.
• Provide inputs and feedback on work plans, contingency plans, programme strategies, and general programme implementation.
• Assist with all procurements and logistical arrangements associated with the Shelter and Settlement component, in collaboration with DRC procurement and logistics staff, including the development of technical specifications for procurement.

Team Management

• Manage and coordinate the day-to-day work of the assigned Shelter and Settlement team in the field and directly supervise relevant Officers, Assistants, and volunteers.
• Provide regular technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to team members to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and quality of implementation.
• Monitor staff attendance, field deployment, leave plans, and workload and ensure appropriate staffing arrangements are maintained to support programme continuity.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of new team members and volunteers as required, in coordination with the CCCM Manager and HR department.

• Ensure that staff and volunteers comply with DRC policies, safeguarding requirements, security procedures, and relevant programme standards.

Safety

• Comply with all global and location-specific safety rules, policies, and procedures. Report safety incidents, near- misses and other relevant information to the safety team as shall be briefed during onboarding. Failure to adhere to these is a disciplinary offence while it may also leave the position holder, their colleagues and DRC Bangladesh, at risk.
• Additional responsibilities include ensuring team members’ safety while they perform duties on behalf of the organization. As a manager, position holder needs to be proactive, take highest level of precautions at their disposal for safety and seek support from the safety team or even senior management team if deemed necessary.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in NBS, shelter construction, site development, landslide risk mitigation, or social infrastructure projects, including CFW modalities.
• Prior experience in refugee camp or displacement settings will be considered a strong asset.
• Prior experience in refugee camp or displacement settings will be considered a strong asset.
• Proven expertise in technical design, drawings, and analysis of landslide reduction measures using advanced NBS
• approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex institutional environments, building effective collaborations with internal teams, external partners, and local stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of cash-based interventions (CBI) for infrastructure and NBS programming, and their integration into wider recovery and resilience outcomes.
• Solid knowledge of emergency shelter, early recovery, and infrastructure interventions, with the ability to design and
• implement integrated and multi-sectoral approaches.
• Competence in humanitarian programme assessment, response analysis, technical design, and MEAL frameworks, ensuring accountability and evidence-based programming.
• Sound knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies relevant to infrastructure, NBS, and shelter and Infrastructure programming.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building, training design, and facilitation of practical, context-adapted workshops for staff, partners, and community members.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including concise writing/drafting, and engaging presenting and facilitation.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to take a flexible, creative and innovative approach when
• needed.
• Proven ability to work independently as part of a small team, and to form close working relationships with a diverse range of colleagues.
• Highly motivated and hard-working, with strong attention to detail.
• High degree of flexibility; willingness to deploy at short notice, to insecure environments, and to operate in a physically
• demanding working environment.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• Relevant technical training or certification in shelter, construction, or humanitarian response is desirable.

LANGUAGES  

• English (Fluent in writing and speaking)
• Bengali (Fluent in writing and speaking)
• Chittagonian (Desired)

ALL EMPLOYEES 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 act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

POSITION DETAILS

• Type of contract: National
• Employment Band: G
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Duty station: Cox’s Bazar
• Closing Date for Application: 14 October 2026

WHAT WE OFFER      

1. Two Bonuses (paid on a pro-rata basis with monthly salary)
2. Relocation Allowance
3. Mobile Allowance
4. Leave Encashment
5. Group Life Insurance including Family
6. Dental and Optical Benefits
7. Gratuity
8. Excellent Working Environment and Opportunity of Growth
9. Various Learning and Development Platforms

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Applications must be submitted through the mentioned link on the page by clicking on the Apply Button.   
2. All applicants must send a cover letter along with an updated CV (we encourage CV no longer than four pages) in English.   
3. Mentioning three referees' details of your present supervisor and HR along with past employment’s supervisor with CV.

Note: Applications sent by email will not be considered. In addition, DRC doesn’t charge any fee for any of its recruitment process & believes in equal opportunity in employment regardless.

If you have questions, you can visit our FAQ page. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website: www.drc.ngo.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates are particularly highly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap. 

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics.   

***FRAUD ALERT***

It has been brought to the attention of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from DRC in Bangladesh. These offers reportedly concern fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants asking for money. DRC would like to stipulate that the organization never charges or accepts any money from job seekers during the recruitment process. DRC recommends that you do not respond to unsolicited offers of employment.

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