Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized on 10 April 2014 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) on the date of the establishment and has been set to take over authority in military and police matters from the African Union-led peacekeeping operation – MISCA – on 15 September 2014.

(http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/).

-Provides technical expertise on Contingent Own Equipment (COE) and safety inspections.

-Carryout technical and safety inspection of all COE mobile equipment.

-Prepare technical and safety inspect check list for all COE mobile equipment for minor defect (equipment still may be used) and major defects which renders the vehicles and/or equipment unroadworthy (not to be used until fixed).

-Provides inputs for statistical report on COE fleet composition and fuel consumption through monthly trip tickets analysis.

-Assists in the management of COE vehicles, within the limitations of the COE

-Manual, particularly about safety and serviceability.

-Plan a timetable in conjunction with the COE team leader to conduct COE mobile equipment technical and safety Inspections.

-Liaise with COE and confirm inspection dates in accordance with the quarterly plan

-Conduct technical and safety inspection on arrival at the contingent.

-Conduct Periodic and Operational Readiness Inspections of all mobile COE as per the COE Quarterly Inspection Plan.

-Maintain updated details of contingent mobile equipment files/records for insurance coverage and COE database management.

-Prepare Quarterly and periodic technical and safety Inspection Reports for CTO attention.

-Liaise continuously with contingents regarding the equipment declared unsafe/unroadworthy for corrective action and reinspection when repaired before putting back into operation.

-Conducts driving test assessments for the contingent personnel as may be required in support of Road Safety Unit.

-Participates in the development of the COE Transport Safety Inspection Standard Operating Procedures.

-Participates in the training activities to enhance the capacity of international and national staff members.

-Performs other related duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism.

Communication, Professionalism, Working in Teams

Minimum four (4) years previous experience in Transport or material management and/or Light Heavy Vehicles Mechanic

Central 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. Power cuts are a norm causing insecurity in town. The population in Bangui including the expatriates is concerned about increasing cases of criminalities as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA – a coalition of rebel groups and recent events in December 2013 that carried the 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 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.

There is catering services provided by a commercial entity on payment basis also the local market is well furnished of basic goods and opened all the week.

There is Level2+ fully equipped military hospital in the Bria Green field where all civilian, military camp components are situated.

Kaga Bandoro (Sector Centre HQ), is located in the center is 320 Km far from Bangui and the same living conditions of Bria applies here.

Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme in Bangui 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 high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market. There is no MINUSCA Guest House in Bangui. 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 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.