Reporting 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 humanitarian emergency in the Central African Republic has reached levels not seen since 2015 due to new conflict dynamics observed since December 2020 when electoral related violence resulted in an intensification of the conflict. As a consequence, in 2022, 3.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, which constitutes 63% of the population. Of these, 2.2 million people have needs that are so complex and severe that their physical and mental well-being is at risk. This represents a 16 percent increase or 300,000 more people in severe humanitarian need compared to 2021. Increasing violence against civilians and humanitarians, and the lack of necessary resources jeopardize efforts to restore basic services. In the 2019 Human Development Index published by UNDP, CAR is ranked 188 out of 189 countries and territories. A total of 652,000 people are internally displaced and 738,000 others have taken refuge in neighboring countries as of February 2022. This total displacement figure means that 1 out of 4 Central Africans is currently displaced. According to the results of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) analysis of September 2021, 2.1 million people, or 43 per cent of the total population analyzed, is in acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 & 4).

In this context, OCHA facilitates the coordination of humanitarian response of more than 180 UN, NGOs (National and International) partners, Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and donors. OCHA CAR is adapting to the evolving complexity of the operating environment against a backdrop of growing needs and access challenges, therefore tailoring both its team composition and footprint to ensure improved and effective coordination of humanitarian response priorities in 2022.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNOCHA Deputy Head of Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Monitor, research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources on humanitarian issues in relation to the Humanitarian crisis in the CAR. • Contribute to the preparation of various written documents and information communications products, e.g. background papers, correspondence and presentations, Situation Reports, Flash updates, Humanitarian Bulletins etc. This includes proposing topics, undertaking research, conducting interviews, writing drafts, obtaining clearances, finalizing texts and ensuring distribution to agreed target audiences • Assist in the production of appeals and resource mobilization for international humanitarian assistance. • Assist in the organization of meetings, conferences, workshops and advocacy events. Attend and prepare detailed minutes and reports on meetings of relevance to OCHA. • Prepare for and accompany visiting UN and donor missions. • Perform other duties, as required. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNOCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNOCHA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNOCHA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; 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, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNOCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Excellent written and analytical skills • Experience in organization of advocacy events, workshops • Demonstrated experience s in conducting and participating in meetings and reporting thereof • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in in Humanitarian response, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Central African Republic (CAR) has sixteen Prefectures in addition to the District of Bangui. 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 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 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 2020 that carried 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 2 and 5 restricting movement to official travel only. The UNDSS security classification road map in CAR as of March 2022 highlighted high security risks over 2/3 of the roads countrywide. Currently, the UN staff curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am and the security is extremely volatile. 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 as well as UN hospitals provide basic medical care for the UN personnel. Four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country with at least two daily flight: Air France, Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Royal Air Maroc and Asky. 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 scheme 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 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 can live in UN Compounds with 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.
CAR is a unique country and UNOCHA is a unique (humanitarian) operation which provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural 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.