Rations Officer

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Position Title: Rations 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 focus is on the protection of civilians amidst the ongoing humanitarian, human rights, and political crises in the Central African Republic. MINUSCA aims to create political, security, and institutional conditions that sustainably reduce the presence and threat posed by armed groups. The mission has a significant presence with 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, and it operates with a commitment to supporting the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promoting human rights, and supporting justice and the rule of law. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of civilians and has a comprehensive approach to peacekeeping that includes disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation processes. The mission has subsumed the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) and continues to adapt its strategies to meet the evolving challenges in the region.

Job Overview:
The Rations Officer position is a vital role within the UN mission, focusing on the management and oversight of food supply contracts and ensuring the timely processing of invoices related to food deliveries. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Rations Officer and will be responsible for assisting in the preparation of the annual budget for the Rations unit, ensuring that all financial transactions related to food supplies are processed accurately and efficiently. The role requires a keen attention to detail, as the officer will need to verify invoices against contractor data, manage discrepancies, and maintain comprehensive records of all transactions. The Rations Officer will also be involved in generating reports and summaries related to food supply performance and will play a key role in liaising with various sections within the UN to ensure smooth operations. This position is not only about managing finances but also about contributing to the overall mission of providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring the well-being of personnel in a challenging environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Rations Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting the Invoice Supervisor in preparing the Rations unit's annual budget and performance reports; ensuring timely processing of food delivery invoices to secure discounts; addressing any financial discrepancies with contractors; generating invoice files in the Electronic Rations Management System (ERMS) and SAP; reviewing and confirming invoices for accuracy; finalizing and posting invoices into the ERMS/SAP; preparing summaries for payment submissions; liaising with various sections to ensure timely processing of invoices; monitoring contract expenditures; maintaining effective record-keeping and audit trails; updating the Food Rations database; and preparing periodic performance summaries for contractor reviews. The officer will also be expected to adapt to changing operational needs and may be required to travel to remote locations as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Rations Officer position should possess strong analytical and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. They should demonstrate expertise in financial management and have a solid understanding of budgeting processes. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a humanitarian or peacekeeping context, with a focus on logistics and supply chain management. Strong communication skills are essential, as the officer will need to collaborate with various stakeholders, including contractors and UN personnel. A high level of integrity and professionalism is required, along with the ability to work independently in a politically sensitive environment. Familiarity with the UN's operational procedures and financial systems is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, logistics, or a related field is required for the Rations Officer position. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas may be advantageous. Candidates should have a strong academic background that demonstrates their ability to handle complex financial and logistical challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in financial management, logistics, or supply chain operations, preferably within a humanitarian or international organization. Experience in managing contracts and working with vendors in a challenging environment is highly valued. Candidates should also have a track record of successfully handling financial discrepancies and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of French is highly desirable, given the context of the Central African Republic, where French is widely spoken. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
This 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 assignment is renewable annually, with a maximum duration of four years, contingent upon mission needs and performance. The living conditions in Bangui are difficult, with limited access to basic services and high costs of living. UN personnel are expected to adapt to austere conditions, and sharing accommodation is recommended to manage costs. The position may require travel to remote locations within the area of operations, and candidates should be prepared for the physical and psychological demands of working in a potentially hazardous environment.