Mission and objectivesConcerned 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 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). MINUSCA current uniformed personnel levels stand at 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, and are tasked with the strategic objective of creating the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to sustainably reducing the presence of โ and threat posed by โ armed groups. See http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.
Contextโข Youths and Women cooperatives and association for promotion of small-scale enterprises and transformation of local production are in place. โข A network of income generation activities are encouraged and supported โข Conflict resolution committees seeking peace, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation are supported as requested in the Area of Responsibility (AOR). โข Restoration and extension of State authority: Recognized State representatives are deployed and functional in areas formerly occupied by armed groups. State institutions have the capacity (priority setting, budgeting and planning) to deliver basic social services to citizen. Participative coordination structures for recovery, development and poverty reduction in place of the AOR are achieved. โข Confidence building and support to civil society: Civil society is structured, and representatives are involved in internal and inter-provincial consultation frameworks and outreaches. Civil Society Organizations are implicated in Aid effectiveness and outreach on peace and security.
Task DescriptionWithin the framework of the mission political strategy and its integrated plan covering the next five years, the mission has endeavored to closely working with the UN Agencies while giving focus to reconciliation but equally to activities promoting communities' economic resilience and income generating activities. Under the direct supervision of Chief Civil Affairs and his designated official in the Sector and/or Officer in Charge Civil Affairs (CA) and within delegated authority, the Associate Civil Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: โข Conduct situation analysis and focus group to assess communitiesโ reconciliation needs including economic resilience activities. โข Design projects aiming at promoting small scale enterprises with an emphasis on reconciliation and social cohesion. โข Promote entrepreneurship spirit. โข Value chain schemes initiatives will promote local economy and create condition for self-reliance. โข Provide representation of the Mission at the local level and ensures that all relevant governmental and non-governmental actors have accurate information about the mandate and full range of operations of the Mission. โข Establish and maintain contact with representatives of local authorities, as well as civil society actors, non-governmental organizations, community representatives and representatives of local interest groups. โข Coordinate activities and initiative (across disciplines and components) with other team members to achieve consistency and synergy in mandate implementation. โข Undertake assessment of specific sectors with a view to identifying needs and priorities. โข Contribute to overall mission monitoring and planning. โข Assist in the organization of outreach activities to promote good relations and understanding between Missionโs actors and the population as well as to ensure accurate information dissemination on Missionโs role and mandate. โข Contribute to the design and management of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to foster confidence in the peace process and demonstrate peace dividends among the population. โข Work closely with civil society groups or institutions that promote a culture of peace and reconciliation by organizing joint initiatives such as community events. โข Assist in protecting and promoting rights of excluded and/or threatened groups through advocacy in full respect of Missionโs mandate. โข Draft daily, weekly and situation reports as required. โข Consolidate monitoring and reporting methodologies and information tools for the CA. โข Consolidate reporting and operational management tools. โข Liaise with MILOBs and substantive Sections for collection of information linked to reporting (Child Protection, Human Rights, Political Affairs, Public Information, CIVPOLโฆ). โข Organize a physical and computerized filing and archive system of relevant information, reports and other documents received or produced by the CA: Constitute a database on civil affairs in CAR. โข Standardize the filing and archive system of the field offices. โข 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.
Competencies and valuesโข Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. โข Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing othersโ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. โข Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Living conditions and remarksCentral African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. The country is landlocked with very limited travel possibilities and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Chad, DR Congo, Sudan, South 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. 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 4 restricting movement to official travel only. Currently the curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am. 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 four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France (once 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. Staff in Bangui (MHQ) lives on local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to 2014 more accommodation is available but with high costs therefore sharing is recommended. Supermarkets having all variety of food and appliances are available but costlier than normal process. Also Level II Hospital run by military medical team is available next to the MHQ. Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme in Bangui has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations to a 6 week frequency. and food. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market. There is no MINUSCA Guest House in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are possible and getting a house according to the security measures can take a few 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.