Associate Civil Affairs Officer

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Position Title: Associate Civil Affairs 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 authorized by the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council in April 201

• The mission's primary objective is to ensure the protection of civilians amidst the ongoing security, humanitarian, human rights, and political crises in the Central African Republic. MINUSCA operates with a significant presence of uniformed personnel, including 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, and is tasked with creating the political, security, and institutional conditions necessary for reducing the threat posed by armed groups. The mission also focuses on supporting the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promoting human rights, and supporting justice and the rule of law. The organization has a strong commitment to peacekeeping and has integrated various functions to address the complex challenges in the region.

Job Overview:
The Associate Civil Affairs Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Civil Affairs and designated officials, contributing to the mission's political strategy and integrated plan over the next five years. The role involves conducting situation analyses and focus groups to assess community reconciliation needs, designing projects to promote small-scale enterprises with a focus on reconciliation and social cohesion, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within communities. The officer will represent the mission at the local level, ensuring that all relevant actors are informed about the mission's mandate and operations. The position requires coordination of activities across various disciplines to achieve consistency in mandate implementation, as well as contributing to mission monitoring and planning. The officer will also assist in organizing outreach activities to promote good relations between mission actors and the local population, and will be involved in the design and management of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to foster confidence in the peace process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Civil Affairs Officer include conducting situation analyses and focus groups to assess community needs, designing projects to promote small-scale enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship, establishing contacts with local authorities and civil society actors, coordinating activities across disciplines, assessing specific sectors to identify needs and priorities, contributing to mission monitoring and planning, organizing outreach activities, designing and managing Quick Impact Projects, protecting the rights of excluded groups, drafting reports, consolidating monitoring and reporting methodologies, and standardizing filing and archive systems. The officer is also encouraged to dedicate time for capacity development of national staff and counterparts through coaching and training.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of civil affairs, community engagement, and project management. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter, with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, communicate effectively, and maintain professionalism under pressure is essential. Candidates should also possess strong analytical skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Associate Civil Affairs Officer position should have a relevant educational background, typically a master's degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field. A bachelor's degree combined with additional years of relevant experience may also be considered acceptable. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of civil affairs and peacebuilding.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in civil affairs, community development, or related fields. Experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and community engagement is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in challenging environments, particularly in post-conflict settings, and should demonstrate the ability to manage projects and coordinate with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Central African Republic may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, which is classified as a non-family duty station due to the challenging security and living conditions. The country has a volatile socio-political situation, and staff may experience stress due to limited medical infrastructure and services. The role may involve working under difficult conditions, including heat and limited access to basic services. The UN provides basic medical care through a dispensary and has established a Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme for staff. Accommodation costs vary significantly, and staff are encouraged to share housing to manage expenses. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the unique challenges of working in a peacekeeping mission.