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

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July – 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Electrical Unit Supervisor in Bangui, and/or the Electro-mechanical unit head, the UN Volunteer Electrical Technician is responsible for the following duties: – Support the implementation of engineering strategies and projects related to the electrical and Renewable Energy; – Support the implementation, supervision and monitoring of electrical and renewable energy strategies and projects; – Support the development of guidelines for the electrical solar and renewable energy initiatives; – Ensure effective and efficient management of electrical and Renewable Energy projects; – Provide technical support for designing, reviewing, executing and commissioning the electrical and Renewable Energy projects; – Participate in the assessment processes of required locations and prepare Bills of Quantities/Technical Specifications, cost estimate and Scope of Work pertaining to electrical works; – Assist in reviewing technical documentation (design, calculation the electrical load, choosing the proper generators/ solar systems, technical description); – Prepare provision for solar system installation and PV system sizing in accordance with existing electrical system; – Assist in finalizing the installation of the solar PV system by suggesting any required changes in system installation; – Assist in the preparation of tender documents pertaining to the electrical works of new projects (designs, bill of quantities, cost estimate and technical specifications) in accordance with International codes and relevant work practices; – Assist in the analysis of measures, quantities, and description of each item in the offers against the advertised BOQs; – Participate in evaluation of bids for the electrical and Renewable Energy projects and respond to technical clarifications from Procurement and other review committees; – Assist in preparing the recurrent lists and demands for electrical spare parts; – Upon request, liaise and coordinate with the counterparts and others, to identify projects components and their needs to achieve proper planning and timely implementation of the projects; – Assist is raising and preparing requests through the internal systems (UMOJA and others), for spare parts in support of Bangui and the sectors and follow up till completion; – Assist the warehouse with identification of required spare parts, for further issuing to the working sites in Bangui and the sectors; – Supervise the electrical activities incorporated in the ongoing projects to ensure that the electrical works are implemented in accordance with the designs, technical specifications and safety measures and standards; – Supervise contractors’ performance, if any, in all matters related to the electrical works and ensure that the minimum safety requirement is adhered to, in all the ongoing projects sites; – Check and review material submittals and equipment incorporated in the works to ensure the compliance with designs, specification, instructions and safety regulations as per contractual agreements; – Ensure that the health & safety measures are adopted and followed to the full extent and with no deviation and if needed instruct additional safety measures; – Review the Contractor’s work schedules and updates thereof; closely monitor the work progress; – Prepare inspection/progress reports; – Verify the works submitted by contractors/and or consultants, check and record the measurements of the executed electrical works and provide a report to Head of Electrical Unit for preparation of payment certificate; – Provide reports for contractor claim and/or variation of orders for approval of Head of Electrical Unit and participate in preparing written snag lists for final project handover.; – Assist in supervision of national staff and ICs, preparing their attendance and any other administrative related matter.; – Carry out any other tasks related to the works and project given by head of the electromechanical unit; – Collaborate with relevant institutions and Facilitation of Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing; – Assist in training session to staff, contractors & labor force for enhancing their capacity; – Assist in organizing training on the electrical and renewable energy projects for the staff in the office; – Support the sectors and the TOBs, with the required services and support, therefore the incumbent will need to travel within the mission and spend the required time in locations where the support is needed; – Any other tasks as needed by the head of the unit, head of the electromechanical unit and/or by the chief engineer. Results/Expected Outputs: – Reliable and timely intervention in case of any problem with electrical power. – All electrical installations are well maintained, smoothly and safely running. – Sectors, sub-sectors and TOBs are well supported and on timely manner; – New Hybrid diesel solar systems are installed, connected and savings are observed; – Spare parts are available and new requisitions for new spare parts are raised on time; – Weekly and monthly reports submitted on time; – Capacity Development documented.

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.

Living conditions and remarks

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am. The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way. This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market. There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities. A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well. Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice 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. A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency. The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security 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.