UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Transcription

1 Preamble: UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive. 1. UNV Assignment Title: UNV Associate Claims/Property Survey Officer 2. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer 3. Project Title: UNV Support to MINUSMA 4. Duration: Initial contract up to 30 June 2015, with possibility of subsequent 12-month contract extensions 5. Location, Country: Bamako, Mali (duty station can change in the course of assignment, including northern regions) 6. Expected Starting Date: Immediate 7. Brief Project Description: The MINUSMA Claims and Property Survey Unit (CPSU) functions as a Secretariat for the Local Claims Review Board (LCRB) and the Local Property Survey Board (LPSB) The LCRB, in accordance with the authority delegated to the Mission by the Controller, acts in an advisory capacity on the settlement of third party uninsured claims and claims for loss or damage of personal effects attributable to service of civilian members of the Mission and UN Civilian Police (CIVPOLs) The LPSB is responsible for investigating and reporting on any loss, shortage, damage, coverage, unserviceability and other irregularity in equipment, supplies and other property entrusted to the DMS and indicate the degree of responsibility, if any, attributed to MINUSMA personnel in connection with such property discrepancy. Accordingly, the Unit is responsible for processing the necessary documentation and carrying out such other activities as are necessary to enable the two Boards discharge their responsibilities. The Unit also processes documentation for insured third party vehicle accident claims against MINUSMA and forwards the documentation an insurance company that handles MINUSMA s third party accident insurance. 1

2 The Unit also assists when need be the Board of Inquiry Unit in providing BOI secretary functions especially to travel to the northern part of Mali. 8. Host Agency/Host Institute: United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) 9. Organizational Context: The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April Under the terms of the resolution, the mission support the political process and carry out a number of security-related stabilization tasks, with a focus on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return of displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections. The Mission operate under robust rules of engagement with a mandate to use all necessary means to address threats to the implementation of its mandate, which would include protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and protection of United Nations personnel from residual threats, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment. This could include the conduct of operations on its own or in cooperation with the Malian defense and security forces. French forces deployed in Mali were also authorized to intervene in support of MINUSMA when under imminent and serious threat upon request of the Secretary-General. MINUSMA comprise up to 11,200 military personnel, including reserve battalions capable of deploying rapidly within the country as and when required, and 1,440 police (comprising formed police units and individual police officers). The majority of the military, police and civilian substantive and support components operate primarily in the north with a possible logistics base in Gao or Sevare, while a light presence, including civilians, military and police elements would be based in Bamako. 10. Type of Assignment Place: Non-family duty station 11. Description of Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Chief Claims and Property Survey Unit, the UNV Associate Claims/Property Survey Officer will perform the following tasks: Contribute in the management of Claims & Property Survey Unit and ensure its effective and efficient operation; Work as a team member to achieve relevant results in compliance with United Nations Property Management rules and regulations; Assist in the provision of administrative support to the Supervisor of the Unit, the Chairperson of the Local Property Survey Board (LPSB), the Chairperson of the Claims Review Board (LCRB); Review and analyze compensation claims and documentation received from other sources (Local Police, Contingents, staff members and/or third party claimants or their lawyers) in connection with loss or damage to property; Process compensation claim cases for presentation to Claims Review Board through the Unit Supervisor; Prepare correspondences to claimants, lawyers, insurance companies and others; Participate in claim survey missions (on-site visits) within the area of operation, in order to verify discrepancies, contradictions in evidence, or to secure additional information; Prepare and disseminate recommendations and approvals of LCRB, LPSB or Head of Administration to concerned parties for action / follow-up on actions to be taken; 2

3 Initiate the timely submission of Automobile Accident Loss Reports (AALR) to insurance representative (Adjusters); Keep abreast with Galileo Disposal Module of write-off assets, as well as with IPSAS standards; Assist in the preparation of semi-annual and annual property write-off financial reports; Any other related tasks as may be required such as BOI Secretary. When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent should set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development. Promotion of the UN Volunteer Programme mandate UN Volunteers are expected to integrate the UN Volunteers Programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban and rural) in the course of their work. As such, the UN volunteer should dedicate a proportion of her/his working week to the following in support of and in synergy with his/her primary role as a UNV Associate Claims and Property Survey Officer: Strengthen knowledge and understanding of the influence of voluntary action by the communities serviced directly or indirectly by the UNV programme in MINUSMA by doing the following: o Research of the subject matter; o Develop knowledge of related non-profit community-based organizations and promote major issues of these organizations through voluntary actions that will influence development and peace-building initiatives; o Undertake awareness-raising (promotion) activities in communities that will increase knowledge of issues of interest to the UNV programme s mandate and its role in supporting MINUSMA; o Encourage communities to volunteer thoughts and actions to the development of their communities on the basis of issues of concern. Build relationships with a wide range of (private/public) Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support and/or participate in community-driven voluntary activities and assist them to tell their stories to the World Volunteer Web site; Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers and fellow UN Volunteers to better understand the connections between the UNV programme s engagement within MINUSMA and volunteerism; Monitor on a continual basis the impact of integrating issues, activities and voluntary action at the community level; Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peace-building and development process and experiences from the above-outlined activities and submit them to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; Promote and/or advise CSOs and citizens groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), and encourage relevant groups to use OV whenever technically possible. 12. Results/Expected Outputs: At the end of the contract, the UNV Associate Claims and Property Survey Officer will provide claims and property survey support in a productive, professional, and efficient manner to support the mission in achieving its mandate in this area. The management of Claims & Property Survey Unit effectiveness and efficiency ensured. Strong team building achieved which contributes to the success of the Unit s activities and compliance with the different SOPs in Claims and Property Management issues. 3

4 Efficient administrative support to the Supervisor of the Unit and the Secretariat of the different internal review boards, i.e. LPSB, LCRB. Thorough review and analysis of compensation claims and documentations received resulting in just compensation. Timely and efficient processing of third-party and staff claims, ex-gratia cases for submission to the local insurance or Local Claims Review Board to expedite compensation. Timely and well prepared draft correspondence for supervisor s approval to clients, lawyers and local insurance. Well documented reports of fact finding claim surveys (on-site visits) to verify discrepancies, contradiction of evidences and other additional information in support of the investigation of claims. Timely submission and well prepared draft reports to the Chief of Unit for presentation and approval of LCRB, LCRB or DMS. Timely submission and well prepared semi-annual and annual property write-off financial reports. Timely follow up of all decisions provided by the internal review boards. Training and full implementation of Galileo Disposal Module applying IPSAS standards in order to update all status of mission assets, i.e timely write-off of assets for disposal Efficient support of other tasks requested, e.g. secretariat support as BOI Secretary for ad hoc cases.a final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. 13. Qualifications/Requirements: a) Qualifications, skills, experience: The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports MINUSMA with professionalism, planning and organizing, and client orientation. The following qualifications are required: A first-level degree(b.a) Minimum of undergraduate level in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law or social sciences related area At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in Claims or Compensation Administration, Boards of Inquiry, Public or Business Administration, Finance, Legal or related field; Relevant experience at the United Nations or any other international organization, especially in non-family duty stations is highly desirable; 4

5 Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team of international and national personnel; Demonstrated ability to use computer applications such as Microsoft Office suites Word, PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheet; Fluency in spoken and written French and English are required. Affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and the UN System; Sound security awareness. Valid national driver s license; ability to drive a manual gear, preferably 4x4, vehicle; b) Competencies and values: a) Competencies and values: Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and 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; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment; 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 operate effectively across organizational boundaries; 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 conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; 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 the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations 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. 5

6 14. Living Conditions: Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (February 2013 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 490 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply. 15. Conditions of Service: This is an Initial contract up to 30 June 2015 renewable depending on Mission s mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A volunteer receives a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 2, for single person, US$ 2, for person with one recognized dependent, and US$ 2, for person with two or more recognized dependents. Settling-In-Grant (SIG) (if applicable); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); and a monthly resettlement allowance of US$ 150 for satisfactory service are provided. The UNV program will provide a copy of the UN Volunteers Conditions of Service to the successful candidate together with the offer of assignment. 16. Application Procedure: If you have not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by registering your profile at Important: Once you have created your UNV account by validating your address, please complete all sections of your profile. Go to Special Recruitment section on the left menu, click on the Edit button and select the advertisement code 14MLI_CLAO from the drop down list. Please do not forget to click the Update button. If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: click on the Special Recruitment option on the left menu, then click on the Edit button and select the advertisement code 14MLI_CLAO. Application deadline is 12 December The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UN Volunteers and applications from qualified women are strong encouraged. 6