Air Operations Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized on 10 April 2014 deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation – MINUSCA, with the protection of civilians as its utmost priority. Its other initial tasks included support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. The newly established mission subsumed the UN Integrated Peace building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) on the date of the establishment and has been set to take over authority in military and police matters from the African Union-led peacekeeping operation – MISCA – on 15 September 2014. (http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/).

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Mission Air Operations Center or the Regional Air operations Officer, the UN Volunteer Air Operations Assistant will be responsible for the following tasks: · Provide support in managing the aircraft assigned to and transiting the airfield; · Provide support in managing the airport infrastructure, in concert with the Civil Aviation Authority; · Assist in the planning of flight schedules, reviewing flight requests, and preparing Air Task Orders; · Assist correcting flight safety deficiencies; · Comply with the DOS Aviation Manual, Aviation Section SOPs, and DOS Aviation Safety Program; · Coordinate aircraft and ground handling equipment refueling, passenger and cargo loading; · Liaise with agencies/offices in relation to the mission’s aviation requirements; · Assist in insuring security on the aircraft parking ramp; · Manage the movement of aircraft, to include marshalling; · Document aircraft movements and flight activity; · Assist aircrews in relevant operational functions; · Carry out additional related tasks, as assigned by the supervisor; · When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: · Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

the field of Air Operations.

Experience in Peace-keeping missions and proven ability in analytical work are desirable

Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Full compliance with security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be observed throughout the assignment.

The country is landlocked with very limited travel possibilities and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Chad, DR Congo, Sudan, South Sudan and Cameroon). Volatile socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance in particular in the capital city Bangui with frequent civil servants strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm causing insecurity in town. The population in Bangui including the expatriates is concerned about increasing cases of criminalities as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA – a coalition of rebel groups and the events in December 2013 that carried the country into a chaos. The country is totally dependent on Cameroon sea port situated 1500 km away causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time from Douala (Cameroon) to Bangui for a truckload averages a week because of very bad roads and several roadblocks. The country security level is between 3 and 5 restricting movement to

official travel only. Currently the curfew applies from 10 pm to 6 am. This situation puts tremendous stress on staff and their family members. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Nevertheless, a UN Dispensary provides basic medical care for the UN personnel and the UN hospital built is operational since August 2014. Only four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France (once a week), Royal

Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

Personnel in Bangui (MHQ) lives on local economy by renting apartments and houses. Living conditions are acceptable. In comparison to 2014 more accommodation is available but with high costs therefore sharing is recommended. Supermarkets having all variety of food and appliances are available but costlier than normal process. Also Level II Hospital run by military medical team is available next to the MHQ.

Bouar (Sector West HQ) is located in western CAR, approximately 500 Km from Bangui where living

conditions are quite acceptable. The local market is opened every day and well furnished with seasonal fruit and basic goods. Military Level I clinic exists but the mission has plan to provide better facility.

MINUSCA has constructed tented camp for civilian personnel with air-conditioned and acceptable

standards and prefabricated accommodation camps started in May 2016. Similarly, installation of office prefabricated units also ongoing. There is catering services provided by a commercial entity on payment basis. The security situation is stable but an escort is needed for some distance.

Nevertheless, currently all serving UN Volunteers have a decent accommodation ensuring minimum and above the minimum standard of comfort. The average cost for accommodation varies from around 500 USD, for a small apartment with no furniture and no power generator, to 1700 USD with all commodities. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN Volunteers in CAR carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.