• Conduct technical surveys and structural safety assessments of damaged houses to identify the most vulnerable households and determine safe and feasible shelter solutions.
• Design and validate transitional shelters (T-shelters) and repair/retrofit solutions that comply with ES/NFI Cluster technical guidelines, Sphere standards, and disaster-resilient construction practices.
• Prepare technical drawings, BoQs, work specifications, and cost estimates using engineering software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ETABS/SAP2000, MS Project, and MS Office).
• Supervise shelter construction, repairs, and retrofitting works to ensure adherence to earthquake-resistant construction techniques and project quality standards.
• Provide capacity building and on-site training to masons, carpenters, and beneficiaries on earthquake-resilient construction methods (e.g., safe foundation, bracing, reinforcement, roofing).
• Review and approve construction materials to ensure compliance with ES/NFI environmental guidelines and quality requirements.
• Work in close coordination with ES/NFI Cluster members, local authorities, and community representatives to avoid duplication and ensure harmonized response.
• Ensure proper QA/QC (Quality Assurance and Control) through regular inspections and documentation of construction progress.
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and cluster-required technical reports including site updates, progress monitoring, and challenges.
• Support the development of disaster preparedness and response strategies for shelter interventions in earthquake-prone areas.
• Provide timely updates on the status of shelters and infrastructure works to the Sr. Project Officer and the project manager.
• Performing any other duties as the job requires or assigned by the supervisor.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide's vision, mission and core values.
Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications (Bullet Points)
• BSc in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering specialization preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of transitional shelter design, retrofitting techniques, and ES/NFI Cluster shelter guidelines.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, SAP2000/ETABS, MS Project, and MS Office Suite.
• Strong technical knowledge of earthquake-resistant construction standards in Afghanistan (e.g., stone masonry in mud mortar, RCC bands, safe roofing).
• Ability to plan, supervise, and monitor construction sites with field engineers and community mobilizers.
• Understanding of Sphere standards, humanitarian shelter practices, and UNOCHA/AHF-funded project implementation.
• Knowledge of construction safety standards and environmental considerations.
Experience (Bullet Points)
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in civil/shelter engineering with at least 1 year in emergency or earthquake response projects.
• Experience in transitional shelter construction, major/minor repairs, and retrofitting projects.
• Field-level experience in supervising site engineers (formen) and teams and liaising with community representatives and local authorities.
• Previous experience with IRW or other I/NGOs in Afghanistan is desirable.
Key Personal Qualities (Bullet Points)
• Have good communication skills, can effectively communicate with local communities.
• Can work in Stressed environment and can meet deadlines.
• Have time management skills.
Desirable:
• Relevant experience of working with humanitarian/development sector/INGOs
• Working knowledge of the regional languages of Afghanistan.
• Having experience in QC/QA and selecting appropriate construction materials.
• Experience in staff supervision, teaching delivery, mobilization, teamwork, and reporting.
Interested and qualified national candidates should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation and an updated CV to the following link:
Shelter Engineer (Roster) | Jobs.af
The closing date for accepting applications is 29 November 2025
Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be called for written test.
Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an international, non-profitable, non-governmental humanitarian relief organization with its head quarter in Birmingham, UK. It enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for International Red Cross and red Crescent Moments and NGOs in Disaster Relief. Islamic Relief has been working in Afghanistan for more than 23 years, providing emergency relief and implementing life-changing development projects for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. Islamic Relief set up our first Afghanistan office in 1999. Since then, IRA continued providing assistances in emergency relief, food security, livelihood, education, health, nutrition, shelter, orphan sponsorship, Ramadan and Qurbani programmes.