Field Coordination 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.

The Office of the Chief of Operations and Resource Management (CORM) is responsible to support the Chief Mission Support (CMS) in implementation of the Mission’s mandate, by bringing together strategic and cross cutting mission support functions to ensure coherence in forecasting, performance monitoring, planning and coordination related to operational and resourcing activities. The CORM oversees, manages and directs the following strategic operations and resourcing functions of Mission Support components: coordination of regional offices, financial resourcing, performance and risk management, human resources and training and medical, staff counselling and welfare. In addition, the CORM acts as Officer in Charge in the absence of the CMS.

Under the general guidance and direct supervision of the CORM, the UNV Field Coordination Officer supports the CORM with effective and efficient administrative management of the Office of the CORM, including but not limited to the following duties:

Assist in the development of administrative/coordination systems and procedures; Perform, under minimal supervision, the full range of office management and administrative support functions. Ability to multi task, excellent drafting skills and attention to detail are a must; Provide overall management and operational support; ensure smooth and efficient information flow within the O/CORM; prepare and process confidential information; assist in the development of office administrative systems and procedures; Perform a variety of administrative duties (e.g. annual leave planning, travel arrangements, maintenance of basic stationery requirements, receiving and routing of correspondence, filing); Maintain the O/CORM and CORM calendar/schedules and monitor/review/take follow up actions as appropriate; Draft O/CORM correspondence including administrative circulars/bulletins, reports and documents; Provide assistance in the coordination of meetings, training, special projects and other events; Provide support to the O/CORM in arranging/attending meetings; preparing materials/ agendas, preparing minutes, monitoring and follow up activities; Generate a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases and assist in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology/software; Maintain a viable system of document tracking incoming and outgoing correspondence) utilizing both paper and electronic methods; Support the O/CORM with all projects, including rectification of gender imbalance and capacity building of national staff; Act as back up for the CMS Administrative Assistant when required; Prepare and dispatch documents to mail, fax digital sender and pouch; Perform other related administrative tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Accountability, Communication, Integrity, Professionalism, Working in Teams

At least 4 years of progressive working experience within the United Nations system or the private sector in the field of Law, Administration, Finance, Project Management, Human Resources or other related fields.

Computer skills: Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and office equipment

Knowledge: Affinity with and interest in Peacekeeping, post-conflict situations, and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and the UN system; Awareness of Afghanistan’s complex and sensitive cultural and historical context; a personal disposition appropriate to the environment of Afghanistan; Sound security awareness

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. In Kabul the mission operates from UNOCA Compound (UN Operational Complex in Afghanistan).

Generally speaking stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN volunteers just like other UN staff, are limited when it comes to movement. The movement is done inside the “green box” (only) mostly in armored vehicles driven by national qualified UN drivers.

Upon arrival, volunteers are accommodated at the UNV designated accommodations within the UNOCA compound for a fix charge of US$ 10 per day (US$ 300 per month for a room), exclusive of food. Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a restaurant, a “Superette” and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs, run by the welfare Office, within the same compound. Most produce/staples are common in the markets e.g. rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt etc. UNOCA has a new minimarket where basic goods can be bought.

Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics.

Contact with and outreach to the local community is usually limited. As mentioned many places are off-limits and the choice of recreational facilities are very poor. For all these reasons, bring a stock of books, DVDs/VCDs, computer games, etc., is highly recommended.

Living allowances are paid in US$ at the end of each month, but bank transfers by UNAMA to accounts abroad are possible.

Summer in Afghanistan is hot and dry but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary. Most common consumer articles are available in Kabul (and in the regions).

Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are absolutely essential.