Rations 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.

Assignment is non-family (Bukavu)

Under the direct supervision of Chief Rations Unit through the Rations Operations Officer the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Monitor contractors’ performance; • Examine, verify and review the contract terms in respect of food rations items supplied by the contractors to ensure that they respects terms and conditions; • Perform quality control and quality assurance for all work and/or services provided by the contractor; • Monitor shipments of incoming containers and inspect the rations on arrival, including accompanying documentation as required, i.e. health and safety certifications to conform to UN Standard. • Conduct regular inspections/site visits at contractor's facility (warehouse & vehicles) to check cleanliness, validation and warranty of fresh, frozen and dry items and subsequent submission of reports to Chief Rations Unit; • Conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with directives/instructions given during previous inspections; • Conduct scheduled and unannounced inspections at all unit/contingent's rations stores, reefers, kitchens and dining halls to ensure compliance with ration management guidelines and procedures, hygienic and safety standards of both food handlers and equipment; • Conduct periodic inspections at sub-contracted local bakeries and suppliers to ascertain compliance with hygienic and quality standards of products provided to military units/contingents; • Assist food officers (contingents) in resolving ration quality complaints; • Participate in regular training programs, i.e. Electronic Rations Management System Training, food seminars and food conferences for contingent's food officers organized by rations unit or locally by Sector Rations Unit. • Provide suggestions and solutions on quality problems revealed and provide input to the reports; • Monitor the cold chain used by the contractor so that food is stored in acceptable conditions of storing; • Monitor and advice accordingly on pest control in the contractor’s facility; • Perform other related functions as assigned by the Chief of Unit.

Professionalism, client orientation and respect for diversity and gender

Rations or Supply

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse.

Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative.

All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis.

The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad.

In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.