Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Officer

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Position Title: Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Officer
Location: Bangui
Country: Central African Republic
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which was established in April 201

• The mission was authorized by the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council to address the security, humanitarian, human rights, and political crises in the Central African Republic (CAR) and its regional implications. MINUSCA's primary mission is the protection of civilians, along with supporting the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promoting and protecting human rights, and supporting justice and the rule of law. The mission has a significant presence with 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, all working towards creating political, security, and institutional conditions that sustainably reduce the presence and threat posed by armed groups in the region. The organization operates in a challenging environment, focusing on disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation processes, and collaborates with various international partners to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Officer will work under the direct supervision of a DDR team leader and will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to DDR and community violence reduction. This role involves participating in field operations, conducting research and analysis, preparing analytical papers, and contributing to briefings for military contingents and partner agencies. The officer will also coordinate logistics for field missions and the repatriation of ex-combatants, organize interviews with ex-combatants and their dependents, and assist in public information efforts related to DDR. The position requires active participation in monitoring and reporting on issues concerning foreign armed groups and security in the area of responsibility. The DDR Officer will also assist in preparing for high-level visits and contribute to capacity development for national staff and counterparts. This role is crucial in documenting lessons learned and best practices in DDR operations in the CAR, ensuring that the mission's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the DDR Officer include: participating in DDR and community violence reduction field operations; contributing to research and analysis of information and preparing analytical papers; contributing to briefings of military contingents, INGOs, and partner agencies; coordinating logistics arrangements for field missions and the repatriation of ex-combatants; organizing interviews of ex-combatants and their dependents; contributing to DDR sensitization and public information efforts; participating in and facilitating information-gathering, monitoring, and reporting on issues related to foreign armed groups and security; assisting the team leader in preparing high-level visits; performing other DDR-related tasks as requested by the team leader; assisting the Director, Deputy Director, and other DDR staff at MINUSCA headquarters or on special missions; dedicating time for capacity development through coaching and mentoring national staff; and contributing to documenting lessons learned and best practices in DDR operations.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the DDR Officer position include demonstrated expertise in the area of specialty, the ability to apply good judgment, and the capacity to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment. Candidates must possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently, and the capability to establish priorities and coordinate their work effectively. A mature and responsible attitude is essential, along with the ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. Candidates should also demonstrate effective teamwork skills, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the DDR Officer position should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, peace and conflict studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, and additional training or certifications related to disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in DDR processes, humanitarian assistance, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex environments, preferably within the UN system or other international organizations. Experience in capacity development, community engagement, and working with diverse stakeholders is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is highly desirable, given the context of the Central African Republic. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the local population.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in a non-family duty station with a challenging security and working environment. The assignment is renewable on an annual basis, with a maximum duration of four years, contingent upon the mission's mandate, budget availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The duty station may change based on operational needs, and UN Volunteers may be required to work in remote locations. Living conditions in the Central African Republic are difficult, with limited medical infrastructure, high costs of living, and security concerns. UN personnel are advised to comply with security instructions and are encouraged to share accommodations due to the high costs associated with private housing.