EXECUTIVE 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.

UNHCR is the Lead of the Protection Cluster. The national cluster is based in Bangui while regional clusters are established in prefectures where UNHCR has a presence. UNHCR’s protection activities in CAR also include the monitoring of the protection situation of IDPs, IDPs and refugees returning to their areas of origin, as well as their host communities. The protection activities also include protection response to identified protection risks and a strong community-based approach in support among others of social cohesion. The UNHCR CAR operation seeks synergies between its protection interventions and interventions under the Camp Management/Camp Coordination (CCCM) as well as non-food item and shelter interventions.

Regarding return and durable solutions, UNHCR CAR facilitates the return of refugees as well as their reintegration. UNHCR co-leads with UNDP the Working Group on Durable Solutions. At the community level, UNHCR and its partners work with the government to support social cohesion and the search for solution to Housing, land and Property issues.

At the capital-level, UNHCR leads the Multi-Sector Operations Team for the Refugee Response and the national Protection Working Group, and actively participates in other relevant humanitarian coordination mechanisms as well as the Humanitarian Country Team and the United Nations Country Team.

The Executive Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Representative. He/she liaises with colleagues within the same office, in the Regional bureau for WCA, with UNHCR operations in the neighboring countries where necessary, and in the field offices in CAR on matters of non-routine significance in order to prepare documents for the supervisor and manage the flow of information.

Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in managing the flow of information to the supervisor, in identifying priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the supervisor and in proposing actions; • Analyse supporting documentation and summarize most relevant points for the supervisor; contribute to ensuring that appropriate action is taken by responsible Section Heads on matters brought to the attention of the supervisor. • Assist in following-up on policies and instructions presented by the supervisor. Keep the Supervisor of developments in UNHCR’s major operations in the West and Central Africa regions, and of policies issues related directly to UNHCR or to humanitarian issues under the broader UN system. • Assist the supervisor in the preparation of statements that represent UNHCR’s overall policies and which highlight specific areas of concern. Propose and draft substantive correspondence for the supervisor. (SMC notes, talking points, meeting notes). • Confer with Section Heads to secure timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, decisions or the signature of the supervisor. • Ensure that the supervisor is prepared for meetings and missions by drafting talking points, by researching relevant information; and by establishing contacts (within and outside UNHCR) on the subject matters to be discussed. • Accompany the supervisor to meetings and on missions in order to prepare notes on the discussions, ensure follow-up in matters raised, and support the supervisor with any relevant input. • Support the supervisor in efforts to raise the profile of UNHCR and the agency’s concerns within the context of the broader United Nations system. • Contribute to coordinating drafts of position papers and other documents relevant to the activities of the Office. • Ensure that high-level visitors are appropriately addressed, that they receive background information as necessary, and that protocol is respected. • Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications, skills, experience:
• Strong skills on social media (twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc…) • Good knowledge and experience of UN operations will be an asset. • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view • Produce analyses based on the reports received • Strong drafting skills and excellent in writing briefing notes.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • 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, • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; 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 maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective,

• Minimum 3 years of previous work experience relevant to the function. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) plus 2 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 1 year of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted. • Proven drafting and editing skills. • Excellent communication skills. • A proven ability to act with discretion and diplomacy is essential for this function.

Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel and Power Point), and Internet browsing.

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 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 SELEKA – a coalition of rebel groups and recent events in December 2013 that carried country into a chaos. The country is totally dependent on Cameroon seaport 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 4 and 5 restricting movement to official travel only. The curfew applies from 10pm to 5am.

There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Nevertheless, a UN clinic provides basic medical care for the UN personnel and the UN is building a hospital for its staff to be concluded in May. Four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France and Kenya Airways (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc and Asky (three times a week).

Flights are subject of cancellation when security situation volatility increases. UN flights are also available to move towards UN operation areas in the country. R&R cycle in the entire Central African Republic 6 weeks. The Living conditions are becoming more and more difficult due to the prices increase and scarcity of basic products and food. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market. 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.

Important consideration during COVID-19 pandemic:

As we continue to deliver services to the beneficiaries amidst COVID-19 pandemic, the later can present a heightened risk to people over the age of 65 and to those with pre-existing medical conditions, some of which are listed below, and candidates are strongly encouraged to consider them before applying to this IUNV Assignment in Central African Republic, where medical facilities are very poor in general, and the need for physical presence at the duty station for this assignment: Poorly controlled diabetes (Hb1AC above 7%); A history of cardiac failure. Unstable angina or a myocardial infarction in the past 6 months; Chronic obstructive lung disorder or asthma requiring daily use of inhaler; Ongoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy for cancer treatment; Long-term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs; Dialysis patients; any type of organ transplant; HIV with detectable viral load and CD4 count under 500; Pregnancies