General

Description of assignment title: National Political Affairs Assistant

Country assignment: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected start date: 01/09/2023

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

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: MONUSCO

Type: Onsite

Duration: 10 months ( with possibility of extension )

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Kinshasa

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 with family ( KINSHASA )

Task description

Under the direct supervision of a ( e ) chief ( fffe ) section of the Political Affairs Division ( PAD ), the United Nations Volunteer will perform the following tasks :

•  Collect and analyze information from various primary sources in order to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of political, electoral, institutional and security issues related to the DRC and the region ;
•  Examine and monitor political events in the DRC, including the electoral process and institutional developments, by analyzing the challenges, opportunities and possible solutions ;
•  Assess trends likely to affect the political situation and the organization of elections in the DRC and make recommendations to the section and to PAD colleagues for possible solutions or actions of the share of senior MONUSCO officials, and SRSG in particular, in particular by providing advice on early warning, good offices and preventive diplomacy ;
•  Participate in the drafting, by its assignment section, of analytical reports on political, institutional and electoral questions; notes, information documents, discussion and correspondence points for senior United Nations officials, as appropriate ;
•  Contribute to the planning and management of the section’s work ;
•  Perform other related tasks as required.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in – A minimum of three years of experience in the DRC and / or in the region in political science, international relations, law, conflict resolution or in related fields, including in electoral or institutional matters, is required. – Electoral experience within the framework of a Congolese or regional institution, a United Nations peacekeeping operation, a political mission, a United Nations agency, a national or international NGO or any other relevant national or international experience in the field of elections is highly desirable.

Area ( s ) of expertise

Elections and governance, Legal affairs, Administration

Driving license

YES Required

Languages

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

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in University diploma in political science, electoral studies, international relations, law, journalism, public administration or a related field.

Competencies and values

Client Orientation, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgment and Decision-making, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, so it is very diverse. Living conditions are different between MONUSCO duty stations in Kinshasa, but there are only very basic conditions in the provinces, where, for example, there may not be a guarantee of public food or running water. The ability to live and work in difficult conditions is essential. Housing is very expensive In Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. There are supermarkets in large cities ( Bukavu, Kisangani, for example ), but consumer goods are very expensive ( everything is imported ). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered as duty stations’not belonging to a family, With the exception of Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe, which are currently under study. Moved to specific sites / places ). In Kinshasa and Goma, there are a number of other situations, such as the increase in the number of crimes and other crimes. A certain degree of medical service is provided by all MONUSCO duty stations. Some vaccinations are compulsory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other people arriving. Certain MONUSCO staff, including United Nations Volunteers, may be invited to provide evidence of vaccination of all or part of the vaccines, although this is unlikely. All United Nations Volunteers must’ensure that they are up to date with all appropriate vaccines, which should be clearly and correctly mentioned in the international vaccination certificate ( “yellow card” ). Malaria is present throughout the DRC, so it is recommended to take prophylaxis. Monetary unity is the Congolese franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange travelers checks from the capital. Credit cards are generally accepted in Kinshasa. In large cities ( for example, Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani ), American banks may be absent ( including ATMs ) and VLA payments will be processed in cash.United Nations volunteers have the option of sending part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. Besides the DRC, namely lingala, kikongo, tshiluba and Swahili.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity program 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