Special Assistant - Political Affairs

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/.

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.

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Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work and travel anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

This position is located in the Office of the Chief of Staff within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Special Assistant, Political Affairs will be based in Bangui and will report directly to the Chief of Staff. As part of the front office of the Chief of Staff, the Special Assistant will contribute to the overall coordination and smooth operation of activities aligned with the implementation of MINUSCA's mandate as outlined in resolution 2709(2023). The Special Assistant will provide support to the assigned special assistants in the front office and serve as the main point of contact for all matters related to humanitarian affairs. Additionally, the Special Assistant will assist in coordinating and reporting on statutory meetings of the Chief of Staff and the sections under the Office of the Chief of Staff (OCOS). The special assistant will also be responsible for providing briefing notes and research-supported reports as needed.


Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Staff or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Special Assistant Political Affairs will:

• Provide support to the Special Assistants in the Office of the Chief of Staff in fulfilling their respective roles.
• Act as the main point of contact for all matters pertaining to humanitarian affairs, including the DSRSG RC/HC pillar, in collaboration with the Special Assistants.
• Coordinate and supervise the development of return-to-mission briefings for the MCOS and the Head of Mission.
• Coordinate the weekly COS pillar and the Security Management Team meetings and compile their respective reports.
• Produce background notes and research supported papers as needed.
• Stay on standby to take on any other additional tasks assigned by the Chief of Staff.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.