General

Description of assignment title: Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

Assignment country: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected start date: 09/15/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: MONUSCO

Type: Onsite

Duration: 10 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Goma

Details

Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

Assignment is a non- family (GOMA)

Task description

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of Motor Transport Officer (MTO) the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•  Complete maintenance and repairs of all United Nations Light and heavy Vehicles as well as MHE/Engineering equipment operated by MONUSCO in assigned area in accordance with the manufacturer’s specs and to the highest standard.
•  Assist in workshop management on a broader scale in all related Transport subunits in supervisory capacity if need be.
•  Identify spare parts from the manufacturer parts reference book.
•  Ensure that all spare parts, filters, lubricants etc. required for each repair are correctly documented in the vehicle work order.
•  Ensure that presence within the workshop is consistent with working hours and all inspections/repair tasks assigned are completed in a timely manner.
•  Assist in recovering / repairing vehicles on-site which cannot be recovered to workshop for repairs.
•  Ensure the security of all equipment provided for use within the workshop area.
•  When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.
•  Practice workshop safety and house keeping
•  Any other related duties as may be required.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

5 years of experience in Transport or Vehicle Mechanic/Electrical

•  Vehicle Mechanic/Electrical – Diploma/Technical Certificate.
•  At least five years of post-training experience.
•  Good knowledge in electrical wiring diagrams, and previous experience in working in AC systems.
•  Having a Good experience in fault diagnosis systems and following the approach of fault diagnosis chart.
•  Good knowledge of automotive spare parts management, inventory, and warehousing and having good experience in picking up the spare parts required buy using different spare parts resourcing tools including (manual spare parts, CD and DVDs, and the manufacturer websites).
•  Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, working knowledge of French language is necessary.
•  Demonstrated experience in training / coaching or the interest to do so is essential.
•  The applicant is familiar and experienced in the use of necessary diagnostic tools. An understanding and previous experience in areas of hydraulic systems, hydraulic pumps and control mechanism, electrical/electronic system, automatic transmissions, and pneumatic braking systems is essential.
•  Previous experience working with software related to service orders/ work orders, preferably Umoja/ ERP is desirable.
•  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel is required.
•  Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
•  National/International Vehicle Driving License up to C class.

Area(s) of expertise

Transport

Driving license

YES Required

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Technical/vocational diploma in Transport or Vehicle Mechanic/Electrical

Competencies and values

Professionalism, Team work, Respect for diversity and gender, Communication, Integrity and planning and organizing.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy