Concerned 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, tasked with the strategic objective of creating the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to sustainably reducing the presence of — and threat posed by — armed groups. See http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.

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Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July – 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Under the direct supervision of Chief Transport Officer (CTO), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Maintain an accurate staffing table and contacts list for all personnel employed within the section.
• Keep a contact list for key mission staff/offices, governmental offices, local and international companies
• Prepare all correspondence (including administrative documents) of the Section and ensure distribution.
• Coordinate and monitor all administrative issues and requirement of Transport Section (e.g. Stationeries, Office Equipment).
• Process all incoming and outgoing correspondences (memo, fax, reports) and ensure the distribution to other offices/units according to importance and urgency.
• Take notes and prepare minutes of meetings.
• Arrange and maintain the CTO calendar.
• Maintain the filing system (electronic & hard copy) of the office, reference materials and be responsible of the archive system.
• Ensure the attendance of the Transport Section, e.g. sick leave; leave requests.
• Distribute all relevant correspondences from the Mission Administration or the CTO to all the Units / Personnel of Transport Section.
• Coordinate all official regional and international travel arrangements (MOP, PT8, F10 etc.).
• Assist and give guidance on Personnel issues to national staff.
• Supervise one local staff (Office Assistant).
• Assist the Chief Transport Officer by providing input for the formulation of Transport operation and acquisition plans for the year.
• Assist in providing input that contributes to the raising the annual budgets for the Section.
• Process payment of invoices related to the Section.
• Produce relevant budget reports on status of the budget and related to the establishment of the yearly budget.
• Support the development and implementation of the budget.
• Carry out Service Entry Sheets in UMOJA and pursue all R&I reports to ensure that payments to vendors, consultants and contractors are made on time and as per the contract.
• Follow the costs recovery of the Section and raise the corresponding documents in UMOJA.
• Send out monthly and annual insurance reports to the UNHQ regarding Transport Section’s assets.
• Assist in the registration and insurance of vehicles in accordance with the local laws.
• Provide statistical input and prepare reports by use of reporting tools available in UMOJA.
• Manage the petty cash of the Transport Section.
• Carry out all other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the chief of the section
• When working with national personnel or (non-)governmental counterparts, the Volunteer is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are expected to:
• 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);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• 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.

Results/Expected Outputs:
• Main transport section’s administrative and budget processes are executed in accordance with the mission’s rules.
• Mission and section’s contact list for key mission staff/offices, governmental offices, local and international companies and UN Agencies are available.
• Transport section’s archive system is well maintained.
• Section’s budget is well executed, and reports are accessible.
• 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.

Professionalism: Ability and experience across a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work program, human resources, database management, etc. Knowledge and application of the UN systems, staff rules and regulations. Ability to manage processes, maintains accurate records, interpret/analyse a wide variety of data, and identify/resolve data discrepancies and activity problems. High degree of commitment to ensure the proper use of the unit’s financial resources. 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.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable

the private sector or with the United Nations at the national or international level in accounting, budgeting, or financial management are required
The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports MINUSCA with professionalism, dedication and client orientation.
The following qualifications are required:
– Relevant experience in budgetary and financial administration.
– Knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations is highly desirable.
– Knowledge of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards is desirable.
– Hands-on experience in financial ERP systems (i.e., Umoja) is highly desirable.
– Good PC-based computer skills, including Microsoft applications (in particular Word, Excel, MS Projects, and PowerPoint) and other relevant software packages. Knowledge of UMOJA Inventory Management System is an advantage.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft reports in concise manner.
– Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice 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.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security 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.