Part of MINUSCA’s mandate (see https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/mandate) relates to Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration (DDR) and Repatriation (DDRR), including cantonment, as follows:

• To support the CAR authorities in implementing an inclusive, gender-sensitive and progressive programme for the DDR and, in case of foreign elements, repatriation, of members of armed groups, and, as appropriate, and in consultation and coordination with international partners, support possible, temporary, voluntary cantonment sites in support of community-based socioeconomic reintegration.
• To support the CAR authorities and relevant civil society organizations in developing and implementing CVR programmes, including gender-sensitive programmes, for members of armed groups including those not eligible for participation in the national DDRR programme, in cooperation with development partners and together with communities of return in line with the priorities highlighted in the RCPCA.
• To provide technical assistance to the CAR authorities in implementing a national plan for the integration of eligible demobilized members of armed groups into the security and defense forces, in line with the broader SSR process, the need to put in place professional, ethnically representative and regionally balanced national security and defense, and to provide technical advice to the CAR authorities in accelerating the implementation of the interim security arrangements provided for in the APPR, following vetting, disarmament, demobilization and training;
• To coordinate the support provided by multilateral and bilateral partners, including the World Bank and the Peacebuilding Commission, to the efforts of the CAR authorities on DDRR programs to reintegrate eligible and vetted members of the armed groups into peaceful civilian life and to help ensure that these efforts will lead to sustainable socioeconomic reintegration.

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 a DDR team leader, the UN Volunteer Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) and Repatriation (DDRR) Officer will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
– Participate in DDR and community violence reduction field operations.
– Contribute to research and analysis of information and the preparation of analytical papers.
– Contribute to briefings of military contingents, INGOs and partner agencies and the DDR training of MINUSCA personnel as necessary. – Coordinate logistics arrangements for field missions and repatriation of Ex combatants.
– Organize interviews of ex-combatants and their dependents, as needed.
– Contribute to DDR sensitization and public information efforts.
– Participate in and facilitate information-gathering, monitoring and reporting on issues related to foreign armed groups and security in the area of responsibility.
– Assist team leader in the preparation of high-level visits.
– Perform other DDR-related tasks as requested by team leader.
– Assist Director, deputy Director and other DDR staff at MINUSCA headquarters or on special missions as required.
– When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.
– Contribute to documenting Lessons Learned and Best Practices in DDR operations in the CAR.
– Perform other related duties as required by direct supervisor.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; 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.
• 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 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 communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and 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 area of operations as may be necessary.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

international conflict, post-conflict, humanitarian response or community development context, out of which preferably 2 years of experience in DDR/RR, Security Sector Reform, or related areas.
Previous work experience with government, the military, the police, international organizations and bilateral agencies is an advantage.

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.