Board of Inquiry Officer

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.

Expected results/outputs:

• Successful completion, within set deadlines, of tasks detailed in the “Task Description” section;
• Updates to the database are accurate and done in a timely manner to reflect the actual status of assigned cases;
• Follow-up with relevant sections are completed to obtain outstanding documentation to avoid delays with progress of assigned cases;
• Unit Supervisor and/or Section Chief are kept abreast of status of cases, inclusive of issues that may challenge progress of assigned cases.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Board of Inquiry Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Become fully conversant with the Standard Operating Procedures for Board of Inquiry (BOI), Department of Field Support Policy Directive on BOI, and the relevant UN authorities;
• Liaise with relevant offices in the civilian, police and military component for Investigation Reports and pertinent documentation;
• Establish a rapport with related counterparts/clients (i.e. Force Provost Marshal, Chief Military Personnel Officer, Chief Force Police Unit, Office of the Force Commander, Military Legal Advisor, Chief Conduct and Discipline, Chief Security Advisor, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Military Personnel Officer);
• Prior to convening a Board of Inquiry, review the Investigation Report and/or all relevant documentation to the case to identify the grey areas, missing information, gaps, discrepancies and contradictions which requires to be addressed; identify parties forming subject matter of the action and/or witnesses to be interviewed for clarification purposes;
• Confirm the availability of nominated Board members from the Roster, avoiding conflict of interest;
• Draft BOI Convening Order and ‘case-specific’ Terms of Reference for review/approval from the Supervisor, Section Chief, the Office of Legal Affairs and the Convening Authority: the Head of Mission;
• Ensure that Board members receive all relevant documents to the case for review well in advance before the first Board meeting;
• During the proceeding, keep the Supervisor periodically informed on issues to the case for guidance and feedback;
• Ensure the Board members receive Legal and Administrative Briefing; administer Undertaking of Confidentiality;
• Throughout the proceedings, act in an advisory role to the Board and provide guidance in accordance with the Terms of Reference and the applicable UN rules/regulations/directives/administrative instructions etc., and ensure the Board is focused on the issues before them;
• Provide adequate clerical, logistical and communications support to the individual Boards during proceedings;
• Participate in on-site visits and take notes of all observations on the ground;
• Locate and arrange for interview of witnesses beforehand allowing the parties to be prepared and/or to refresh the facts of the case;
• Obtain Witness Attestations, take statements ensuring relevant questions addressed; if not, advise the Chairman. Type and forward completed Statements for review, amendments and/or obtain signatures;
• Monitor progress on the case, keeping in mind the deadline for submission of the final report according to the Standard Operating Procedures for BOI;
• Specific to the BOI report, ensure findings and methodology possess the requisite integrity and merit, that all avenues to the inquiry have been exhausted, that writing is format compliant and structure is clear and unambiguous in its expression;
• Ensure that the recommendations are practical, feasible and implementable;
• Forward the draft BOI Report to the Legal Office for their review, comments and/or approval;
• If applicable, forward the comments and concerns by the Legal Office back to the Board members for their further consideration;
• After obtaining approval from the Legal Office, compile the BOI case file, complete with annexes and the signed Final BOI Report for review, comments and/or approval by the Supervisor, Section Chief, Office of Legal Affairs and the Head of Mission;
• On behalf of the SRSG, draft Transmittal Memorandums for the Under Secretary-General Department of Field Support summarizing the facts of the case, ensuring accuracy , paying close attention to spelling, grammar, language, coherency, chronology, tone, style and format; draft Transmittal Memorandums to relevant sections, indicating how the Board arrived at the recommendations and requesting its implementation;
• Follow up with relevant offices to ensure the recommendations have been implemented as requested by the Head of Mission;
• Scan the finalized BOI case files to the various databases, including BOI Tracker;
• Should misconduct on a case be established on a BOI, inform Conduct and Discipline Unit;
• Monitor and record movement of BOI case files in circulation;
• Maintain a proactive and dynamic approach to problem solving related to the assigned case portfolio and the unit’s workload;
• Provide back-up support during colleagues’ absence;
• Ensure timely, professional and effective response to enquiries;
• Any other related duties as may be required.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

At least 3 years of experiences in law, investigations/inquiries, politics, international affairs, or business administration. Experience in research and drafting documents. Experience working in a developing, conflict or post-conflict setting is an advantage. Experience in working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is an advantage. Experience working on thematic issues relevant to the MINUSCA mandate and/or work experience in Central Africa is desirable.

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice 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.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.