Welfare Associate

Volunteering Medical & Health

Overview

Manage recreational programs and welfare activities for UN personnel.

You have:

• Previous experience in welfare matters, event management, or logistics required.
• Fluency in oral and written English; good at spelling, grammar, oral communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and discretion.
• Good office management skills.
• Good IT skills, including graphic design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, In-design, Corel).
• Knowledge of gym equipment management or personal training/or fitness activities.

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 about the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized on April 10, 2014, the deployment of a United Nations Multidimensional Peacekeeping Operation - MINUSCA, with a high-priority protection of civilians. Its other functions include supporting the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promoting and protecting human rights; supporting justice and the rule of law, as well as processes related to disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation.

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the RAO and the Chief Welfare Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Organize, and manage recreational programs in full compliance with the UN rules and regulations. • Support programmers' development in accordance with DPKO guidelines and the MINUSCA SOP on welfare and recreation as per the directed by the RAO and Chief Welfare Unit. • Provide accountabilities for all funds received, held or disbursed for welfare activities, as well as for all facilities or other property received or under his/her control for implementing welfare and recreation activities in the region. • Ensure that all MINUSCA components benefit from welfare and recreation activities and facilities, including surveys, and conduct analysis of information and data from personnel in the Region HQ and related Offices. • Keep detailed inventory of all equipment, material and furniture purchased by welfare funds. • Supervise recreation activities, restaurant catering and welfare club work according UN rules and regulations. • Inspect and maintain all premises and equipment used by personnel, under strict quality control. • Take under his/her responsibility the establishment or organization of recreational activities including community gatherings, welfare trips, club house, reading areas, movie screening, setting up or control bar and cafeteria or place where refreshments are served and other activities aiming at recreation of UN personnel and families. • Provide information about welfare activities through proper advertising and promotion of the recreational activities. • Organize weekly events such as Happy Hour and special sporting, cultural and social events at the occasion of UN International Days. • When working with national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training. • Any other related tasks assigned by the Chief Welfare Unit.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Creativity, Empowering Others, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports the MINUSCA Welfare Unit with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required: - Previous experience in welfare matters, event management or logistics required. - Experience in welfare activities, - Fluency in oral and written English; good at spelling, grammar, oral communications. - Excellent interpersonal skills and discretion. - Good office management skills. - Good IT skills, including graphic design (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, In-design, Corel or other programmes which will allow creating a proper promotion of recreational and welfare events); good knowledge of MS Office applications; web site designing knowledge is an asset. - Knowledge of gym equipment management, Personal Trainer, fitness or other sports activities, church activities are an asset,

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 military Level I clinic exists, but the mission has plans to establish a better facility. MINUSCA has constructed a tented camp for civilian personnel with air-conditioned and acceptable standards, as well as prefabricated accommodation camps and office units. There are also catering services provided by a commercial entity on a payment basis. The security situation is stable, but escorts are needed in some cases.

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org