Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)E (most hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Non Family with Residential Location
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA4
Target Start Date2025-01-01
Deadline for ApplicationsDecember 15, 2024
Terms of Reference1. General Background
The operation in Dadaab is simultaneous a protracted refugee situation and a large number of new arrivals due to drought and insecurity in Somalia. The Dadaab Refugee Complex was established in 1991 to host refugees from Somalia fleeing the civil war.
The East and Horn of Africa have long been center stage for conflict and forced displacement with Kenya currently hosting 812,910 refugees and asylum-seekers. Established in 1991 and situated in Garissa County, the Dadaab Refugee camps are now home to 408,985 individuals/ 78,440 households. Figures are as of October 2024. Somali refugees are the majority, representing more than 96% of the population.
Refugees and asylum-seekers have been living in extremely challenging conditions for more than three decades.
The Government’s Department of Refugee Services (DRS) is responsible for the management and coordination of refugee affairs with technical support from UNHCR.
For more than three decades, refugees and asylum-seekers in the Dadaab refugee complex have been living in challenging protection conditions, set within a volatile security situation, limited provision of basic services, limited freedom of movement and access to justice as well as poor shelter and infrastructures. Despite the protractedness of the situation, refugees depend on UNHCR-provided tarpaulin for shelter.
In addressing the challenges, UNHCR works with partners to advocate for effective international protection and durable solutions. There have been positive developments, led by the Government and supported by UNHCR. The Garissa Integrated Socio-Economic Development Program (GISEDP) was launched in September 2023 and will promote the economic growth of Dadaab, take a whole-of-society approach, and offer sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities. It forms an integral part of the Government-led Shirika Plan which will empower communities and transform camps into socioeconomic hubs.
Find out more here: https://www.unhcr.org/ke/gisedp-1
The electrical power in all the camps and UNHCR compound in Dadaab is provided through generators. There are Gensets at the Dadaab main office compound, Police stations, and at the Department of Refugee Services that require daily maintenance and occasionally major overhaul. The electrical and generator maintenance services are required 24/7 and fall under the responsibility of the Supply Unit which closely liaises with the Administration, Programme and Transport units in its operation.
Living and Working Conditions
The town of Dadaab is in the North-Eastern Province of Kenya. It is in a semi-arid area and is mostly dry and hot all year round with some rains during specific periods. Due to the isolation of the duty station and ongoing security concerns, the duty station is categorized as hardship category `E and substantial security level. The UN compound is surrounded by Hesco fences, and there is a curfew in place from 6 pm to 6 am, when the external gate is closed. All movement outside the UN compound to and within the camps requires armed police escort.
To mitigate the effects of hardship and psychological stress as well as to allow reunion with family members, locally recruited personnel are granted five days of time-off every 10 weeks, under the flexible work arrangement (i.e. compressed time-off). National staff members are required to work 1 extra hour per day in order to benefit from Special Compressed Work Schedule (SCWS) measure.
There are limited banking facilities at Dadaab with only one bank in which staff may open a bank account and withdraw cash with certain debit/credit cards. Internet and communications networks are available at the compound. Remoteness, isolation, and lack of entertainment in social life are factors to also be considered prior to applying. There is, however, a gym and a tennis court available, as well as space around the compound for exercising.
Security Considerations
The security situation continues to be a challenge in SO Dadaab, and the candidate needs to have undergone proper security training, including the mandatory SSAFE training. Meanwhile, staff movements in the Dadaab Operation are restricted, and all staff are obliged to adhere to security advisories. Staying in the office compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks.
Dadaab is at UN security level (SLS) 4 as a duty station.
Most national staff live in the UNHCR compound. Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment. Apart from a satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic, there is no other medical backup. Therefore, staff assigned to Dadaab must be in good health. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised and bring enough prescription medicines among others.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the direct supervision of Administrative Officer, the Individual Contractor will undertake the following tasks:
• Assists in working out maintenance schedules and follows up on the UNHCR and Partner generators.
• Installs, repairs, and tests electrical equipment to maintain electrical power in buildings and structures, detects shortcuts and defective connections, and restores operation of non-functioning equipment.
• Analyses electrical circuits, wiring diagrams, and drawings, and installs, repairs, calibrates, services, or replaces electrical devices and systems to prevent overload.
• Inspects, tests, evaluates, calibrates, and updates generator systems and wiring to improve reliability and to assure stability, safety, and compliance.
• Assists in planning electrical network and installation in new offices and provides the necessary documentation, description of installations and cost estimates facilities.
• Checks installations in UNHCR premises and proposes improvements to bring the electrical installation up to an acceptable standard.
• Performs electrical installations, maintenance, and repair to keep the electrical networks in good condition.
• Assists in planning and scheduling corrective action and preventive maintenance to repair or modify defects and to maintain the operating condition of facilities and equipment.
• Assesses critical loads of power requirements to power sources and generators to determine user needs for electrical and/or backup power.
• Maintains cost, inspection, and maintenance records on generators and power systems to document maintenance work and equipment replacement.
• Prepares reports of inspections, labour, and material estimates to apprise the supervisor of conditions of property and equipment and materials needed for repairs.
• Keeps inventory of generators, spare parts, and vital electrical components
• Responds to 24-hour emergency calls to repair electrical systems.
• Perform other related duties as required.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
• Comprehensive Electrical Power Needs Assessment in the field as well as other pertinent reports are prepared in a timely manner and in accordance with instructions from the supervisor.
• A work plan with budget estimates in the relevant area of operation for smooth transitioning through the entire programme cycle and financial year is developed.
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
(Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
• Secondary Education is required.
• Technical Diploma in Mechanical and Electrical systems is an added advantage.
b. Years of experience
• For LICA 4- 1-year relevant experience with High School Diploma or Bachelor or equivalent or higher.
Certificates and/or Licenses
• Electrical Studies.
• Electricity.
• Electronics/Electro-Mechanics
c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies, or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies).
Required:
• GB-Experience in electrical installation/maintenance.
Desired:
• Experience in generator installations and electrical work in UN environment is an asset.
• Experience in lineman's works; knowledgeable in the preparation of mechanical and electrical estimates.
• Knowledge of computer operation is advantageous.
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
• Core Competencies:
• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Result Orientation
• Cross-Functional Competencies:
• Analytical Thinking
• Technological Awareness
,
,
,
,
Skills
EducationGeneral Equivalency Diploma (GED): Electric Engineering, General Equivalency Diploma (GED): Mechanical Engineering, High School
CertificationsElectrical Studies - Other, Electricity - Other, Electronics/Electro_Mechanics - Other
Work ExperienceWork Context: Support Function
Other informationThe testing of shortlisted candidates is optional.This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Home-BasedNo