UNV Associate Administrative Officer / Security

Details:
Mission and objectives:
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, and are 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/.
Context:
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/).
Task description:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Administration and Logistics unit within Security Section in Bangui, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
– Assist in identifying the major aspects of the budget, for proper preparation and monitoring.
– Prepare cost estimates and budget proposals, resourcing requirements such as staff and non-staff requirements, including projects aspects, reviews, analyses and revises data with respect to the finalization of the budget proposal as well as Result Based Budgeting inputs.
– Provide support with respect to the elaboration of resources requirements for budget submissions.
– Monitor extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
– Monitor the implementation of allotments in accordance with the established procedures, including proposal/request of
redeployment/reallocation of funds.
– Ensure the sufficient and effective use of budgetary resources through robust monitoring of budget utilization to the approved budget and timely provision of information to the security section management for decision-making.
– Provide support and guidance on budget implementation and corrective actions were necessary.
– Produce monthly expenditure reports for distribution.
– Assist in preparing the budget performance report of the Section and ensures that correct and accurate data and information are provided by various Units in compliance with the Mission’s instructions.
– Assist in reviewing and finalizing the performance report ensuring valid and adequate variance explanations between approved budgets and actual expenditure.
– Draft or prepare correspondence Memos to respond to inquiries, service certification, and other administrative, budget, and financial matters.
– Assist in training session to staff, contractors & labor force for enhancing their capacity.
– Perform any other duties related to the above as assigned by the unit’s supervisor.
Expected results:
– Section’s budget monitored and implemented.
– All expenditures are being documented and tracked.
– Proper presentations and gun charts are provided at any given time in response to any request from the senior managers or so.
– Budget files and data are properly kept and organized.
– Weekly and monthly reports submitted on time.
Requirements:
the private sector or with the United Nations at the national or international level in budgeting, Human resource, Administration, logistics, supply chain, financial management are required preferably in developing countries.
– Relevant experience in budgetary and financial administration.
– Knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations is highly desirable and is an advantage.
– 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 (Word, Excel, MS Projects, and PowerPoint) and other relevant software packages.
– 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.
Competencies and values:
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. Communication, Professionalism, Working in Teams
Area(s) of expertise:

Administration

Human resources

Economics and finance

Required education level:
Bachelor degree or equivalent
Other information: 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.
Bria (Sector East HQ) is located in eastern CAR, approximately 600 Km from Bangui (capital city). Security situation is stable there, no need for an escort. MINUSCA has constructed tented camp for civilian personnel with air-conditioned and acceptable standards and prefabricated accommodation camps started in May 2016. Similarly installation of office prefabricated units also ongoing. 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.
Bouar (Sector West HQ) is located in western CAR, approximately 500 Km from Bangui (capital city) where living conditions are quite acceptable. The local market is opened every day and well furnished with seasonal fruit and basic goods. Military Level I clinic exists but the mission has plan to provide better facility. MINUSCA has constructed tented camp for civilian personnel with air-conditioned and acceptable standards and prefabricated accommodation camps started in May 2016. Similarly installation of office prefabricated units also ongoing. There is catering services provided by a commercial entity on payment basis. The security situation is stable but an escort is needed for some distance.
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United Nations