This volunteership or internship is designed to involve participants in a project in collaboration with Acted to address the critical needs of vulnerable conflict-affected populations in and out of camps in North Eastern Syria. The specific objectives of the project will be developing technical guidelines on conducting shelter capacity assessment in camps and the provision of stocked tents and/or maintenance to existing shelters to enhance safety and dignity of the camp residents. Additional responsibilities may include collaborating on various practical projects.
Background
Founded in 2004, Shelter Centre is a Swiss humanitarian NGO dedicated to supporting organizations involved in providing shelter to populations affected by conflict and natural disasters. Shelter Centre emphasizes collaboration, consensus, and capacity-building but does not directly implement operations. Shelter Centre also runs the Humanitarian Library which is a knowledge management platform bringing together multi-sectoral strategic guidelines and technical training for field use, always involving broad consensus within the humanitarian community.
Volunteership and Internship Description and Requirements
Role and Objectives
The volunteership and internship is designed to involve participants in a project in collaboration with acted to address the critical needs of vulnerable conflict-affected populations in and out of camps in North Eastern Syria. The specific objectives of the project will be developing technical guidelines on conducting shelter capacity assessment in camps and the provision of stocked tents and/or maintenance to existing shelters to enhance safety and dignity of the camp residents. Additional responsibilities may include collaborating on various practical projects.
Following Swiss employment law, we are able to offer two opportunities, for volunteers and interns, who will both receive the same mentoring support.
Volunteer Opportunities
Shelter Centre invites young professionals with diverse skills to remotely contribute to humanitarian activities within a dynamic and global team. Both full-time and part-time volunteer positions are available. Due to team collaboration requirements and varying time zones, a consistent schedule is essential for arranging meetings and ensuring effective project coordination.
Internship Opportunities
Shelter Centre invites young professionals with diverse skills to remotely contribute to humanitarian activities within a dynamic and global team. Both full-time and part-time internship positions are available. Due to team collaboration requirements and varying time zones, a consistent schedule is essential for arranging meetings and ensuring effective project coordination.
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a university and capable of obtaining a tripartite agreement with their institution, either as part of their curriculum (intra-curricular) or outside their curriculum (extra-curricular). Internships that are part of the curriculum and aimed at earning academic credits will be given priority.
Desired Candidate Profile
We are seeking passionate, motivated, well-organized, and results-oriented professionals with a strong interest in the humanitarian sector. Ideal candidates will have experience in shelter and settlements, website management and the ability to work across multiple platforms, prioritizing tasks effectively. Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, are essential. Fluency in French, Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish or other languages is highly desirable.
Main Responsibilities and Tasks
Informed by preliminary feedback, the volunteer or intern will contribute to the successful implementation of the acted project. This may involve activities including, but not limited to, contributing with your team to:
- Design a comprehensive shelter assessment tool tailored to the specific context of North Eastern Syria.
- Conduct a comprehensive shelter capacity assessment in Areesha, Serekaniye, Washokani, and Abu Khashab camps.
- Develop a minimal standards guidance note for sheltering conditions in camps.
- Understand the contexts and audiences, recognizing affected populations as primary responders.
- Work with the project team to understand requirements and objectives, including presentations.
- Preparing rough drafts and presenting ideas.
Applicants should also be flexible and motivated to work on other projects and activities, which may range from supporting operational technical work to collaborations with agencies.
Desired Education, Interests, Skills, and Experience
- Interest or experience in humanitarian shelter.
- Interest or experience in sustainable construction.
- Experience at the national level in the private sector, humanitarian sector, or civil society.
- Experience and knowledge of the context in North Eastern Syria desirable but not essential
- Experience working within varied cultures around the world and in remote areas.
- Experience in project management.
- University degree (or equivalent) in engineering (civil, structural, mechanical) or architecture.
- Knowledge of quantitative and / or qualitative research and analysis methods.
Required Education, Skills, and Experience
- Commitment to humanitarian action.
- Experience in shelter and settlements
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and demonstrated experience in project management.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work accurately to set deadlines.
- Proven ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues from varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Fluent spoken and written English (minimum Level C1 proficiency).
- General computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
In-kind time contributions will be considered from engineering firms, universities, and research bodies.
Volunteer and Internship Benefits
Volunteers and interns are fundamental to Shelter Centre’s work and receive weekly personal development opportunities, including mentoring sessions and career guidance. Additionally, volunteers and interns will receive a certificate of completion and recommendation letters upon successful completion. They will also have opportunities to network with professionals in International Geneva and benefit from weekly one-on-one career development meetings.
Conditions
- Availability: Full-time (35 hours/week) or part-time (20 hours/week) fully-remote positions, with flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones. The volunteership and internship is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of three months and a maximum of six months. Preference is given to full-time applicants.
- Location: Fully remote. Applicants must hold or obtain a valid permit allowing them to reside and undertake the volunteership or internship where they are located.
- Development: Shelter Centre, with over a decade of experience in remote collaboration, provides a structured and supportive environment for volunteers and interns.
Successful candidates will bear their own insurance, accommodation and living costs. Travel is not required.
How to apply
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV and motivation letter as soon as possible, as recruitment will be undertaken on a rolling basis.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter which responds to the ToR above to [email protected]
Closing date: 5th January 2025 (22h00, Geneva time, CET, GMT+1)
FYI: applicants to be considered for possible interviews will be contacted with further practical questions. Interviews will be undertaken on a rolling basis, due to key activities ongoing.