Contingent Owned Equipment Assistant

Job Title: Contingent Owned Equipment Assistant

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: UNMISS

Assignment country: South Sudan

Expected start date: 12/11/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 8 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Juba

Details

Mission and objectives

Under Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes: (a) Protection of civilians (b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance (c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process (d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers. Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.

Context

UNMISS was established in 2011 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO); subsequently, UNMISS mandate has been renewed through resolutions 2057 (2012), 2109 (2013), 2155 (2014), 2187 (2014), 2223 (2015), 2241 (Dec. 2015), 2304 (2016) and 2327 (2016), 2392 (Dec. 2017), 2406 (Mar. 2018), 2459 (Mar. 2019), 2514 (Mar. 2020), 2567 (Mar. 2021), 2625 (Mar. 2022).

Task description

The UN Volunteer within a team of COE Inspectors/Assistants will be responsible for individual contingent units. Under the supervision of the Chief COE/MOU Management Unit, the COE Inspector/Assistant, will perform the following duties: a. Conduct Arrival, Periodic, Operational Readiness, Repatriation, and other inspections of units to verify by physical inspection that the Troop/Police Contributing Countries (T/PCC) and the UN follow their agreed responsibilities as detailed in the MOU. b. Prepare and raise Major Equipment (ME) and Self-Sustainment (SS) verification reports in the Uniformed Capability Management (UCM) system, and process for eventual approval by the COE Programme Manager/Chief COE/MOU Management Unit. c. Maintain the e-COE System and ensure data quality in the e-COE System (UCM). d. Produce standard and customized reports using e-COE data using Business Intelligence and electronic spreadsheets for Mission Support Division (MSD), Force Headquarter (FHQ) and Police Headquarter (PHQ) as required. e. Maintain accurate contingent Tables of Organization and Equipment (TOE) to include the organizational chart, tasks for which the unit has been organized, equipped, and trained, unit’s allocation of ME, SS responsibilities and staffing list. f. Maintain accurate records of ME and SS inspections records. g. Provide advice to contingent staff of formed units for which he/she is responsible on all COE/MOU related matters including recommendations as to how non-compliance with MOU may be rectified. h. Identify, in consultation with the COE Team Leader, any deficiencies and surpluses of equipment and SS capabilities compared to MOU and operational requirements and recommend corrective action. i. Produces weekly and monthly reports for COE Programme Manager/Chief COE/MOU Management Unit as required and perform administrative tasks including monitoring the archiving of documents and provide statistics. j. Organizes, coordinates meetings and draft the meeting minutes for the review of COE Programme Manager/Chief COE/MOU Management Unit. k. Follow up and process the monthly Uniformed Strength Reports (USRs) and ensure it has been fully endorsed and certified in UCM system. l. Follow up and process the submitted Daily Allowance and Recreational Leave Allowances claims (DA & RLA) and ensure its completion and closure. m. Draft reports and interoffice memos as required by the Chief COE/MOU Management Unit and review all the outgoing correspondence from the Unit. n. Manage the Unit’s SharePoint and ensure it is classified and updated on daily basis. o. Additional duties as required by the COE Programme Manager/Chief COE/MOU Management Unit. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: a. Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). b. Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. c. Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application. d. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. e. Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. f. Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

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

Requirements

Required experience

4 years of experience in the national and/or international level in Logistics, Administration, or Contingent Owned Equipment or another relevant programme. b. Technical computer experience is required, knowledge of UCM system is desirable. c. Excellent oral and written English skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. d. Previous knowledge of e-COE system will be desirable. e. Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. f. Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. g. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. h. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. i. Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. j. Sound security awareness. k. Have affinity with interest in improving the work environment and work collaboratively with team members, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Information technology, Administration, Logistics and Inventory

Driving license

Manual Transmision Required Required

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Administration & Logistics, and inventory & Information Technology & Energy and environment or related field of study. Administration related study or relevant training and/or professional experience will be desirable

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. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • 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. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability: 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 the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Living conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba. All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda is considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. Several locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict. Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics, and provide hospital-based care. The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential. South Sudan is a unique country and unique Peacekeeping (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural 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.

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

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