Contingent-Owned Equipment (COE) 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. See http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit, and his / her deputy, the incumbent will have to provide general administrative and operational support by performing the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Assisting day-to-day office operations/office tasks, including technical and clerical functions • Updating and maintaining the COE daily and weekly agenda • Keeping of electronic and hard copies of files up-to-date. • Providing support for Verification Reports (VRs) processing, tracking the VRs provided by COE teams, collecting all necessary signatures and provide inputs to operations/database manager for VR status report. • Ensure soft copies of all verification reports are uploaded accurately to the COE shared drive (COSMOS). • Maintain hardcopy archives of verification reports and executive summaries. • Coordinating the receipt and processing of Monthly Equipment Status Reports sent by respected contingents. • Liaising ith COE team members and acquire daily tasks for submission of DDMS weekly activities report • Ensuring the Troop Strength Reports are submitted to COE by the Military FHQ and Police Coordination cells and assisting in the reports’ validation and monthly submission process • Monitoring the status of vehicle Maintenance and Leave Plans • Ensure that stationary and general office supplies stocks are maintained and replenished in a timely manner. • Assisting inspection teams when necessary to raise MOPs and travel authorization requests. • Preparing all necessary documentation for Inspectors in relation with pre-inspection briefings and worksheets to conduct verification Inspections • Data entry to the COE database and shared drive update under the supervision of the Database Manager • Participate in COE verification inspections when required; • Assist with remote administrative support to COE Inspection teams while in the sectors when required • Perform other related duties as required by Chief COE Unit.

, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Communication, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Self-Management, Technological Awareness

At least two years of relevant professional experience (previous working experience with UN or international organization is desirable).

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. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

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.

The town of Bria (Sector East HQ) is located in eastern CAR, approximately 600 km from Bangui. The security situation is stable there (no need for escorts). MINUSCA has constructed a tented camp for civilian personnel with air-conditioned and acceptable standards, as well prefabricated accommodation camps. There are catering services provided by a commercial entity on a payment basis. The local market is also well-furnished with basic goods. There is Level 2 fully equipped military hospital in Bria.

The town of Bouar (Sector West HQ) is located in western CAR, approximately 500 km from Bangui, where living conditions are quite acceptable. The local market is open every day and well-furnished with seasonal fruit and basic goods. A military Level I clinic exists, but the mission has plans to establish a better facility. MINUSCA has constructed a tented camp for civilian personnel with air-conditioned and acceptable standards, as well as prefabricated accommodation camps and office units. There are also catering services provided by a commercial entity on a payment basis. The security situation is stable, but escorts are needed in some cases.

The town of Kaga Bandoro (Sector Centre HQ) is located in the centre of the country at 320 km from Bangui. The living conditions are similar to the ones prevailing in Bria.

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.