Onsite
Democratic Republic of the Congo
5 months
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1
assignment(s)

Open recruitment (advertised)

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General
Description of assignment title
Special Assistant to the office of the DSRSG/RC/HC

Assignment country
Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected start date
15/01/2024

Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity
MONUSCO

Type
Onsite

Expected end date
30/06/2024

Number of assignments
1

Duty stations
Kinshasa

Details
Mission and objectives
MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context
Assignment is with family (KINSHASA)

Assignment until 30 June 2024, with possible extension until 30 June 2025.

Task description
Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Head of the Integrated Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC (Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide substantive and practical support to the Head of Integrated Office (HoIO) in implementing the Mission’s mandate;
• Keep the HoIO informed on all matters requiring her personal attention, assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed;
• Manage the HoIO meetings, prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities, as appropriate;
• Ensure the recording and distribution of information within the pillar by editing and distributing Minutes, Note to the file, periodic and regular reports, talking points, code cables, etc.;
• Liaise and maintain close working relationships with the various components of the Mission;
• Organize and manage conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops as directed by the HoIO;
• Assist the HoIO in coordinating, planning, reviewing budget and processes;
• Liaise with Mission components to ensure appropriate follow-up regarding the implementation of HoIO instructions and guidance on both administrative and substantive matters;
• Review and ensure coordinated submission of substantive reports and documents;
• When working with (including supervising) 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 duties as may be required.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80

Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related field;
• Experience in drafting analytical documents, planning high level meetings and producing reports on tight deadlines is required;
• Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes) -or similar international organization or non-governmental organization- in a conflict or post-conflict setting is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of the D. R. Congo and the Great Lakes Region, the UN system, process management, conflict resolution are desirable;
• Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official is desirable;
• Computer literacy: skilled use of word processors, MS Office applications, experienced internet and social media user;
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations/MONUSCO therefore fluency in oral and written French and English is mandatory for this position;
• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise
Communication, Development programmes

Driving license
Yes Required

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in International Relations, Political Science or related field

Competencies and values
Client Orientation, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Other information
Living conditions and remarks
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.

Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy