Movement Control (MOVCON) 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. (http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/)..

Assist in the control of military, police, and civilian personnel and equipment (COE & UNOE) movements throughout the theater of responsibility. Under the supervision of a Movcon Officer the UNV volunteer will be responsible for managing mission MOVCON operations as follows: - As and when required provide an interface and liaison capacity with the Movement Control Section detachments and Offices. - Assist in preparing briefings and statistical reports. - Arrange and coordinate movement activities within a sector or mission area, to include road, air and river. - Assist in the planning and execution of rotations and repatriations of military and police contingents. - Provide on the ground liaison and coordination with international civilian transport agencies on all aspects of support necessary to implement contingent movement plans as may be required. - Where and when directed deploy and assist in the supervision of a mobile Movement team for high intensity operations. - Oversee and participate in air terminal operations by physically assisting with the Movement of passenger baggage, the check-in of passengers of the supervision of these functions - Other duties as assigned.

Communication, Integrity, Professionalism

the field of MOVCON activities.

Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Living conditions are acceptable in Bangui, but full compliance with security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is a must. 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 10 pm to 6 am.

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 four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France (once 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. Staff in Bangui (MHQ) lives on local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to 2014 more accommodation is available but with high costs therefore sharing is recommended. Supermarkets having all variety of food and appliances are available but costlier than normal process. Also Level II Hospital run by military medical team is available next to the MHQ. Kaga Bandoro (Sector Centre HQ), is located in the center is 320 Km far from Bangui and the same living conditions of Bria applies here. Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme in Bangui has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations to a 6 weeks 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.