UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Preamble: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1. UNV Assignment Title: UNV Political Affairs Officer

2. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer (22)

3. Project Title: MINUSCA’s Political Affairs Division

4. Duration: From Entry on Duty (EOD) until 30 June 2015 initially (with possible extension depending on Mission’s mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance)

5. Location, Country: Bangui, Bambari, Bria, Bossangoa, Bouar and Kaga- Bandoro, Ndele, Berberati, Bangassou, Paoua, Birao and Obo, Central African Republic (CAR)

6. Expected Starting Date: Immediate

7. Brief Project Description: Further to the Security Council resolution 2149 (2014), MINUSCA is mandated to “devise, facilitate, coordinate and provide technical assistance to the political transition and electoral process”, to assist Transitional Authorities in mediation and reconciliation processes at both the national and local levels and to provide good offices and political support to address the root causes of the conflict. To this end, PAD has proposed to focus its activities in support of a conducive environment to promote national dialogue and reconciliation and to support the political process.

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA)

9. Organizational Context: 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) 10 April 2014 and eventually took over authority from the African-led International Support Mission to Central African Republic (MISCA) on 15 September 2014.

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

10. Type of Assignment: Non-family duty station

11. Description of tasks:

The UN volunteer Political Affairs Officer will report directly to the Director of the Political Affairs Division or a designated officer and will be responsible for the following duties:

1) Political Analysis and Advice

 Provide country-specific and regional analyses on the impact of developments in CAR and in the region, and make policy recommendations for UN response.  Identify, analyze and monitor political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate, assess implications and make recommendations on policies, strategies and other measures to address the issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives.  Monitor progress towards an inclusive political dialogue and the implementation of the transitional process.  Provide advice, in coordination with the Electoral Affairs Division, to the National Electoral Authority, political parties, civil society, and other stakeholders, including donors, on electoral issues as they relate to the political dialogue and longer term peace process.

2) Reporting and Information Management

 Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, General Assembly or other bodies.  Prepare contextual information materials; such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio;  Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility.

3) Planning, Coordination and Facilitation

 Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, Government representatives, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information- sharing, policy and coordination matters.  Support national efforts to develop inclusive political dialogue mechanisms to address root causes of conflict with all main stakeholders, including signatories of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement  Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation.

 Assist in the organization of meetings and mission events, prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities as appropriate and draft correspondence, political reports, analyses and talking points for Mission Leadership.  Participate in fact-finding –and other-missions; Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate.  Perform other relevant duties as required.  When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.

12. Results/Expected Output:

 Efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Political Affairs Division.  A substantial number of analytical papers in French and English, including daily, weekly sitreps, code cables, talking points, background notes, speeches, press release on the political situation in CAR produced.  Research and analysis on political-related issues in CAR documented.  High-level meetings for government officials, UN delegations or any other parties supported.  A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Promotion of the UN Volunteer programme mandate1

UN Volunteers are expected to integrate the UNV programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN Volunteers should dedicate a proportion of their working week to the following in support of and in synergy with their primary role as UN Volunteer.

a. Strengthen knowledge and understanding of the influence of voluntary action by the communities serviced directly or indirectly by MINUSCA by doing the following;

i. Research of the subject matter; ii. Develop knowledge of related non-profit community based organizations and promote major issues of these organizations through voluntary actions that will influence development and peace-building initiatives; iii. Undertake awareness-raising (promotion) activities in communities that will increase knowledge of issues of interest to MINUSCA and UNV mandate; iv. Encourage communities to volunteer thoughts and actions to the development of their communities on the basis of core child protection issues of concern.

b. Build relationships with a wide range (private/public) of Community Based Organizations, (CBO’s) Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) - to support and/or participate in community driven voluntary activities and assist them to tell their stories to the World Volunteer Web site; c. Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers and fellow UN Volunteers to better understand the connections between MINUSCA mandate and volunteerism; d. Monitor on a continual basis the impact of integrating issues, activities and voluntary action at the community level;

1The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was created by the General Assembly (GA) in 1970 through GA resolution 26/59. Since then, UNV’s mandate has been expanded by GA resolution 31/131 in 1976, GA resolution 56/38 in 2001 and others in the follow-up to the International Year of Volunteers in 2001.

e. Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peace-building and development process and experiences from the above outlined activities and submit them to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; f. Promote and/or advise CSO’s and Citizens groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), and encourage relevant - groups to use OV whenever – technically possible.

13. Qualifications/Requirements:

1. Experience: A minimum of three (03) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, development, disarmament or related field. Experience in political outreach, analysis and reporting is required. Experience in international organization or non-governmental organization- in a conflict or post-conflict setting is highly desirable. 2. Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related fields. A first-level university degree (BA) in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 3. Ability to operate a computer with MS Word, Excel Power Point and Access and Data bases. 4. Valid driving permit and ability to operate 4X4 vehicles 5. Languages: Fluency in spoken and written French is required and working knowledge of English is desirable.

14. Competencies and Values:

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and 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;

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 operate effectively across organizational boundaries; 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;

15. Living Conditions:

Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Living conditions are acceptable in Bangui, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with.

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 8pm to 6am.

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 two airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France (once a week), and Royal Air Maroc (twice a week). Flights are subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases. MINUSCA operates two flights per week between Bangui and Entebbe, Uganda and it also operates a regular flight schedule between Bangui and other locations within CAR.

Bria is located in eastern CAR, approximately 600 Km from Bangui (capital city). Security situation is stable there, no need for an escort. MINUSCA have identified two houses to be used as guests’ houses. The rehabilitation is in process and the houses will be ready around end of November 2014. For now offices are also used as accommodations. The local market is well furnished of basic goods and opened all the week.

Bouar is located in western CAR, approximately 500 Km from Bangui where living conditions are quite acceptable. The local market is opened every day and well furnished with seasonal fruit and basic goods. The hospital is also functional. As everywhere in CAR it is difficult to find houses well accommodated but interesting possibilities still exist and living cost is better than in Bangui. The security situation is stable but an escort is needed for some distance.

Kaga Bandoro, is located in the center is 320 Km far from Bangui and the same living conditions of Bouar applies here.

Bambari , Bossangoa ,Berberati, Paoua, Ndele, Bangassou, Birao and Obo have the same living conditions as Bouar and Kaga Bandoro.

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.

Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in CAR.

16. Conditions of Service

Initial assignment until 30 June 2015; monthly living allowance (MLA) base intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, with a base rate of US$ 1,554, which is adjusted monthly according to the movement (upwards or downwards) of the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM), which is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) to ensure that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations despite varying costs of living. The applicable MLA is calculated as follows: MLA = (MLA base rate x PAM) + MLA base rate. See ICSC website http://icsc.un.org for more information on the applicable PAM rates.

In addition, UN Volunteers are provided a one-time settling-in-grant (if applicable); a family allowance (if applicable); Well-Being Differential (applicable only in hardship non-family duty stations) life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

17. Application Procedure:

If you have not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by registering your profile at https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile. Important: Once you have created your UNV account by validating your email address, please complete all sections of your profile. Go to ‘Special Recruitment’ section on the left menu, click on the ‘Edit’ button and select the advertisement code “15CAF_POLITICA” from the drop down list. Please do not forget to click the ‘Update’ button.

If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: http://myprofile.unv.org click on the ‘Special Recruitment’ option on the left menu, then click on the ‘Edit’ button and select the advertisement code “15CAF_POLITICA”.

Application deadline is 17 May 2015. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UN Volunteers and applications from qualified women are strong encouraged.