Job Title: Reporting Officer
Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Host entity: UNOCHA
Assignment country: Central African Republic
Expected start date: 30/11/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 11. Sustainable cities and
communities
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Bangui
Details
Mission and objectives
Humanitarian needs remain severe in the Central African
Republic due to conflict dynamics. Violence against civilians and insecurity in
localities outside urban centers continue to increase the vulnerability of
several million people, whose livelihoods are being eroded and whose access to
food and basic services, including health care and water, is severely limited.
In 2023, 3.4 million people, or 56 per cent of the population need humanitarian
assistance and protection. 489,000 people are internally displaced, while
another 750,500 have taken refuge in neighboring countries (as of 31 August
2023): one out of five Central Africans is either displaced within CAR or a
refugee. In 2023, the humanitarian community needs US$533 million to assist 2.4
million people who would hardly survive without the necessary assistance.
Clashes between parties to the conflict remain recurrent and new displacements
are recorded, as are violations of human rights and international humanitarian
law by armed men.
Context
In this context, OCHA facilitates the coordination of
humanitarian response of more than 180 UN, NGOs (National and International)
partners, Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and donors. OCHA CAR is adapting to
the evolving complexity of the operating environment against a backdrop of
growing needs and access challenges, therefore tailoring both its team
composition and footprint to ensure improved and effective coordination of
humanitarian response priorities in 2023.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of
UNOCHA Deputy Head of Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s),
the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Monitor, research,
analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources on humanitarian
issues in relation to the Humanitarian crisis in the CAR. • Contribute to the
preparation of various written documents and information communications
products, e.g. background papers, correspondence and presentations, Situation
Reports, Flash updates, Humanitarian Bulletins etc. This includes proposing
topics, undertaking research, conducting interviews, writing drafts, obtaining
clearances, finalizing texts and ensuring distribution to agreed target
audiences • Assist in the production of appeals and resource mobilization for
international humanitarian assistance. • Assist in the organization of
meetings, conferences, workshops and advocacy events. Attend and prepare
detailed minutes and reports on meetings of relevance to OCHA. • Prepare for
and accompany visiting UN and donor missions. • Perform other duties, as
required. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned 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 • conducting and participating in
meetings and reporting thereof • Experience in organization of advocacy events,
workshops • Excellent oral, written and analytical skills; excellent drafting,
formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document
production and editing; • 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; • 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; •
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; • Self-motivated, ability to work
with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable:
valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4
over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; •
Have affinity with or interest in in Humanitarian response, volunteerism as a
mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Crisis and emergency response, Human resources
Driving license
-
Languages
French, Level: Fluent, Desirable English, Level: Working
knowledge, Desirable
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in a relevant area, e.g. Social sciences
or area related to the production of public information materials; a
first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant
training and/or 4 years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of
an advanced university degree;
Competencies and values
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations
relevant to UNOCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or
transferrable to UNOCHA procedures and rules; discretion, political
sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good
judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors,
especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy,
personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and
willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently
under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively,
accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity:
demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNOCHA in daily
activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains;
resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are
in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action
in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or
authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively
across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to
establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations
in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity
and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender,
religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender
equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and
men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and
provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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; •
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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of
different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and
work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical
hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments
for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and
to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes
solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards
UNOCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The Central African Republic (CAR) has sixteen Prefectures
in addition to the District of Bangui. 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 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 including the expatriates is concerned about increasing cases of
criminalities as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by SELEKA – a coalition
of rebel groups and recent events in December 2020 that carried 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 2 and 5
restricting movement to official travel only. The UNDSS security classification
road map in CAR as of March 2022 highlighted high security risks over 2/3 of
the roads countrywide. Currently, the UN staff curfew applies from 10 pm to 5
am and the security is extremely volatile. 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 as well as UN hospitals provide basic medical care for the UN
personnel. Four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country
with at least two daily flight: Air France, Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Royal Air
Maroc and Asky. Flights are subject of cancellation when security situation
volatility increases. UN flights are also available to move towards UN
operation areas in the country. R&R scheme 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 prices
increase and scarcity of basic products and food. Fresh vegetables and fruits
are available in the market. 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 can live in UN
Compounds with 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. CAR is a unique country and UNOCHA is a unique
(humanitarian) operation which 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
