Mission and objectives

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 of 29 April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted on 30 August 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO). The settlement plan, as approved by the Security Council, provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General was to have sole and exclusive responsibility over matters relating to the referendum and was to be assisted in his tasks by an integrated group of civilian, military and civilian police personnel, to be known as the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.

Context

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established Security Council resolution 690 of 29 April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted on 30 August 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberacion de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de Oro (Frente POLISARIO). The settlement plan, as approved by the Security Council provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. While the organization of the referendum has not been possible. Other requirements of the mandate have been pursued successfully. MINURSO today performs the following tasks: Monitor the ceasefire between the parties that became effective on 6 September 1991 on developments in and affecting Western Sahara. Reduce the threat of mines and UXOs Support the UNHCR confidence building programme.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief Transport Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Transport Assistant will: Assist in the preparation of demand forecast plans for the purchase of technical assets required by Transport Section including but not limited to spare parts, tyres and workshops equipment; Maintain records of expenditures as part of the Section Budget management team; Assist in the raising of requisitions for technical and non – technical purchases as required; Provide support to the Budget and Audit processes as part of the annual budget cycle; Assist in the preparation of documentations for cargo Movement Request (CMR), gate pass for the shipment of spare parts and workshops equipment and materials to Team site Workshops; Help to maintain the records relating to specialist tools and equipment including certification records. Codification of spare parts and technical equipment in UMOJA; Support the Transport Technical team by performing site inspections at the Team site workshops; Provide Training and mentoring to the National Staff in the use of SAP based systems; Maintain an accurate inventory of all workshop assets and equipment; Carry out other duties as assigned by the Chief Transport Officer or his delegated representative;

Competencies and values

, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

The MINURSO Area of Responsibility (AOR) is comprised of Western Sahara and “Tindouf Area” in Algeria. Western Sahara is located on the Northwest coast of Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, situated between Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. MINURSO’ AOR is divided into four security areas: the Laayoune area, West of the berm (WoB), East of the berm (EoB), and Tindouf area in the South West of Algeria. Laayoune is the largest city in Western Sahara and it is where MINURSO maintains its MHQ, MLB and CTC compounds. Currently Security Level System (SLS) 3 is in effect at all security areas. The risk of terrorist attack has increased due to a direct threat issued against MINURSO by a terrorist group, whereas risk of armed conflict has also been elevated due to the tension in the Guerguerate area. Civil unrest and crime continue to remain as possible threats against UN assets and resources in Laayounne. Natural hazards and road traffic accidents are also a concern in several security areas. The risk from landmines/ unexploded ordinances (UXOs) remains applicable in some areas of the AOR. Respective Host Authorities have primary responsibility for securing UN personnel, assets and resources in the area of operations under their control. Algerian authorities provide security to the UN inside Tindouf city and up to the Algerian Check point where the Frente Polisario (FPOL) assumes responsibility for providing security to the UN. The movement restriction in Tindouf is in place from 10 pm to 6 am. Travelling towards the airport or to the FPOL refugee camps must be escorted by both Algeria and FPOL. All personnel employed by the organizations of the United Nations system are responsible for their own safety and security, irrespective of their location of assignment. Persons employed by organizations of the United Nations system are accountable to the Head of Mission (HoM). As such you are expected to follow any guidelines and recommendations that are issued by the HoM/Designated Official and actively seek to keep yourself informed of any security policy development that will guide your assignment in the AoR. Western Sahara is unique and MINURSO is a unique (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.