General
Description of assignment title: UNV Welfare Officer
Assignment country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Expected start date: 07/01/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
Host entity: MONUSCO
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Bunia
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 non-family (BUNIA)
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff Welfare Unit the duties of the UNV Welfare Officer will include but are not limited to the following:
- Develop and deliver programs to increase adjustment to mission life as well as improve the quality of life of the personnel in his/her area of responsibility and as deemed necessary.
- Facilitate increased welfare initiatives in his/her area of responsibility through offering support to committees by drafting monthly and annual plans on welfare and recreational activities, participating in the implementation of activities ,mobilization of participants and update of the local committee.
- Develop regular recreational activities for the mission’s personnel in his/her area of responsibility (such as outings, film nights and other social events) in partnership with the local welfare committee.
- Coordinate delivery of fresh food, essential items to staff members in need and during critical moments.
- Liaise with other Mission components/section for renovation, establishment of welfare facilities such as gymnasiums, cafeteria, PX shops, libraries, sports grounds, accommodation facilities and periodical inspection of welfare and recreation facilities in his/her area of responsibility.
- Collect data, monitor and report on use of welfare funds, budget, Welfare and recreation activities, use of welfare facilities in his/her area of responsibility.
- Monitor environmental factors that could lead to unhealthy lifestyle.
- Increase staff awareness and information about social and recreational opportunities available to them in the mission through contributing to the induction training of new personnel by producing a guide to the local amenities, drafting of newsletters, leaflets, videos, and other communication tools on welfare activities as well as regular updating information posted on the internet system, facilitating access to housing information and developing links with local resources as appropriate.
- Assess welfare needs within the mission and provides a focal point for welfare initiatives within the mission.
- Assess, identify, monitor, and report to the Chief of Staff Welfare Unit on the sources of stress and the stress levels among Monusco personnel in his/her area of responsibility.
- Analyze and recommend welfare approaches to reduce stress among Monusco personnel.
- Any other related duties as requested by the supervisor.
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
- planning and organizing welfare events such as cultural and arts exhibitions, large scale sports and gaming events, training, large parties, welfare trips, travel and tourism and other Stress Management events.
- Excellent customer service skills, and creativity to deliver successful programs with limited resources are required. Very good computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher or in design
Area(s) of expertise
Social work, Administration, Logistics and Inventory
Driving license
Yes Required
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Social sciences or similar, Planning and Development, Logistics, Marketing/PR, Business Administration or Public information.
Competencies and values
Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, 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, 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