National Project Officer (Shelter)

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

On 26 August 2026, a sudden and destructive flood and debris flow affected communities along the river systems in central Nepal, causing extensive loss of life, displacement and damage to homes and critical infrastructure. The disaster severely affected settlements in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other downstream districts, while damage to roads and communications continues to constrain access to some affected areas. As of 4 September 2026, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reports that 1,294 bodies have been recovered, 5,053 people remain missing, and 301 people have been injured. A total of 13,095 people have been rescued. An estimated 352,000 people, across 17 municipalities in six districts, have been affected by the flood.

Given the mixed displacement patterns observed at the collective sites, host family arrangements, and in-place sheltering near damaged homes, IOM will also support a phased approach that moves from immediate life-saving emergency shelter support toward household-level recovery assistance. The initiative is designed to address initial emergency response and shelter recovery ensuring affected households are not left without adequate shelter during the transitional period while national damage assessments and recovery frameworks are finalized. Under the overall supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Head of MECR department, the successful candidate will support the implementation of activities of Shelter and Settlements in the field.
 

1. Lead the technical implementation and quality assurance of shelter and settlement interventions at the field level.

2. Oversee technical assessments of damaged houses, emergency shelter needs, potential temporary settlement locations and site suitability.

3. Provide technical guidance to engineers, district coordinators and communities on settlement planning, shelter construction, repair and self-recovery solutions.

4. Ensure transitional shelters comply with approved designs, Government standards and hazard-resistant construction principles.

5. Coordinate with local governments and relevant authorities on site planning, land and housing considerations and implementation requirements.

6. Support monitoring, troubleshooting and timely reporting on technical progress and challenges.

7. Oversee the organization of meetings, community consultations, trainings and coordination events.

8. Facilitate shelter/settlement related training/orientation to all relevant parties including field engineers, masons and contractors.

9. Facilitate travel, field deployment and communication between project staff and relevant internal and external stakeholders.

10. Prepare weekly reports and share with relevant colleagues and Head of MECR Department. 

11. Assist with any other tasks assigned by the central office.

• Bachelor's degree in development studies, statistics, social sciences, disaster management or a related field from accredited Institute with two years of professional experience.

   

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• Experience working in humanitarian settings.
• Proven experience in the field.
• Experience in administrative and operational support, preferably in humanitarian or development programmes.
• Strong organizational and document management skills.
• Familiarity with procurement and financial procedures is desirable.

• Strong skills in data quality assurance, reporting and results-based management.
• Knowledge of accountability to affected population and community feedback mechanisms is an advantage.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written to produce reports. 
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English.
• Able to work independently, under pressure, undertake frequent project related travels and able to work during weekends and overtime.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and project management tools is a must. 
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D Sketch and GIS is desirable.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with communities, government officials/local authorities and other institutions essential. 
• Ability to establish priorities and undertake assigned tasks with minimum supervision. 

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, Fluency in English and Nepali both oral and written is a must. 

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies