Training 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.

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized in April 2014 the deployment of a United Nations multidimensional stabilization peacekeeping operation, MINUSCA. The Mission is mandated to ensure the protection of civilians, support the peace process, including the implementation of the ceasefire and the APPR, facilitate the full, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the protection of the United Nations. Its other tasks include the promotion and protection of human rights, assist the preparation and delivery of peaceful local elections, support the extension of State authority, the deployment of security forces, and the preservation of territorial integrity, security sector reform, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes, and support for national and international justice, the fight against impunity, and the rule of law. MINUSCA has an authorized 14,400 military personnel and 3,020 police personnel, and 1,671 civilian personnel. See https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusca.

Under the direct supervision of Chief Training Officer/Chief Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks

• Design, develop, deliver, or coordinate training events, seminars and workshops aimed at enhancing the· competencies and technical skills of personnel; training events also include technical and substantive· modules, induction briefings, safety and security briefs, leadership, management, communication skills, and planning; • Coordinate the implementation of external training and follow up on the post-external training requirements; • Coordinate the preparation of the Mission Training Budget; • Monitor the Mission Training Budget, considering the most effective use of resources; • Raise obligations to cover financial commitments of activities, verify outstanding obligations and advise on their possible liquidation; • Review and finalize financial performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures; • Manage e-learning programme and coordinate internal training request. • Manage the database for all training activities and maintain accurate statistics inputs; • Develop and maintain a filing system for training undertaken and update at daily basis the Training budget database; • Prepare and maintain standards of procedure for Internal and External Training; • Produce statistics and maintain ongoing records of training activities; • Prepare report on trainings undertaken and propose recommendations; • Generate various e-reports on training-related activities;

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality, and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately, and confidentially; responsive and client oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: 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 communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts, and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

training or presentations or conference service management. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in educational, management, development, or other relevant field of study.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice 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.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security 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.