Communications 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.

Within limits of delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the COMCEN Supervisor, Communication Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Processes and distributions of all incoming and outgoing code cables, facsimiles and other relevant correspondence, as per the Supervisor given SOPs on this matter.
• Maintains filing system of all correspondences hard and electronic copies and prepares statistics charts for the COMCEN Supervisor
• Identifies and retrieves messages from military or civilian offices, maintains confidentiality of the documentation within the Communications Centre.
• Installs commissions and maintains the encrypted voice and facsimile devices within the Unit working in coordination with the COMCEN Supervisor.
• Uses the UN internal satellite network, commercial line facilities, computerized management systems, digital sender, crypto devices in the Communications Centre.
• Identifies system malfunctions and reports the problems to the COMCEN Supervisor.
• Provides first echelon maintenance to the equipment used by the facility as necessary.
• Manages information and facilitate internal operations.
• Maintains a 24/7 service with no disruption.
• Assumes accountability of all COMCEN activities.
• Performs other duties as required from the COMCEN Supervisor

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

SRSG/DSRSG/COS/Special Assistant and Personal Assistant to the SRSG/DSRSG/COS/ SRSG personnel. DMS/DDMS/Sections Chiefs/Administrative Assistants/RAOs/. UNHQ. UN Regional Offices (Staff Officers / Military Observers) FC/DFC. Counterparts in other United Nations agencies.

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 IVD); • 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.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Professionalism, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

the field of communications and general administration.

Other Desirable Skills:

Knowledge of automated information systems applicable to archives, libraries, records management and information networks.

Valid driving permit minimum class C and ability to operate 4X4 Vehicles.

Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment.

Living conditions are acceptable in regions, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. The country is landlocked with very limited travel possibilities and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Chad, DRC, 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 recent events in December 2013 that carried the country into a chaos.

The country is totally dependent on Cameroon sea port situated 1500 kms 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 10pm to 6am.

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 two airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France (once a week), and Royal Air Maroc (twice a week). Flights are subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases. MINUSCA operates two flights per week between Bangui and Entebbe, Uganda and it also operates a regular flight schedule between Bangui and other locations within CAR.

Bria is located in eastern CAR, approximately 600 Km from Bangui (capital city). Security situation is stable there, no need for an escort. MINUSCA have identified two houses to be used as guests’ houses. The rehabilitation is in process and the houses will be ready around end of November 2014. For now, offices are also used as accommodations. The local market is well furnished of basic goods and opened all the week.

Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme in Bangui has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations to a 6-week frequency. Living conditions are becoming more and more difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market. There is no MINUSCA (The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Guest House in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house according to the security measures can take about 4 weeks or more. 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.

Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in CAR.