Electoral Advisor (Logistics and Operations)

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. In its current context, the mission’s other task included support to the implementation of political agreement for peace and reconciliation negotiated in Khartoum and signed on 6 February 2019 between the Government and representatives of the 14 armed groups. According to United Nations Security Council Resolution S/RES/2448 (2018), the mission should also facilitate humanitarian assistance; promote and protect human rights; support justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes.

The International UNV Electoral Advisor (Logistics and operations) is responsible for:

• Providing the Mission Support Team with logistics planning and management of the 2020-2021 elections logistics operation at the local level for which the Nations Elections Authority (ANE) is responsible; • Supporting those same authorities in the development and drafting of deployment and collection plans for election material at the provincial level; • Helping put in place structures and tools for monitoring and managing the deployed elections material; • Advising and proactively participating in the implementation of decisions related to electoral logistics while encouraging tasks to be completed on time; • Participating in the drafting of various reports of the MINUSCA Mission Support Division; • Acting as liaison officer between the electoral authorities and the logistics structures of MINUSCA; • Assisting with the planning of deployment of materials towards the administrative districts, tracking and management of warehouses; • Any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Working in Teams

At least 3 years of experience in the electoral domain, in particular in the in developing countries, the experience acquired in the field of multilateral or international missions being privileged.

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 between 3 and 5, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 6 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 very 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 all variety of food and appliances are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA Guest House 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 500 USD for a small apartment with no furniture, no power generator and no running water, 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 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 the Bria Green field, where all civilian and military camp components are situated.

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 similar5 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.