Vacancy Announcement-Generator Assistant-Bunj

Preamble:
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: Generator Assistant- Re-advertisement

  2. Type of Assignment: National UN Volunteer

  3. Project Title: UNV Support to UNHCR Operation in South Sudan

  4. Duration: One year (renewable, based on satisfactory performance)

  5. Budget code: 2015/12125/7000020/PB/811AH/614025/4SSDA/4126

  6. Location, Country: Bunj, South Sudan

  7. Expected Starting Date: Immediate

  8. Brief Project Description:

UNHCR South Sudan Operation is a complex operation which is currently overseeing large refugee influx from Blue Nile/South Kordofan States of Sudan into Upper Nile/Unity States of Republic of South Sudan. The Office requires a dedicated focal point for Generator Assistant in Bunj.

  1. Host Agency/Host Institute: The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

  2. Organizational Context:

The office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to provide protection (Including assistance) and seek durable solutions for refugees. The South Sudan Operations is currently involved in the return of the Internally Displaced People from the north as well as refugees from countries surrounding South Sudan. Most of them come from DR Congo, fleeing the violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army

  1. Description of tasks:

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the (Emergency Power Infrastructure Technician) and the immediate supervision of the (ICT Officer (Infrastructure), the Volunteer will undertake the following.
• Assist the supervisor to work out maintenance schedules and follow up maintenance of the UNHCR Generators and Electrical installations
• Follow up repairs of Generators / Electrical installations and propose replacement when required
• Assist in planning Generator / Electrical network and installations in new offices
• Check Generators / Electrical installations in UNHCR premises and propose improvements to bring the Generator installations up to an acceptable standard
• Assist the supervisor in monitoring and control of the maintenance and repairs parts to keep the generators / Electrical installations in good operating condition
• Assist the supervisor with monitoring and control of fuel deliveries and consumption
• Assist the supervisor to ensure best practice in maintaining cleanliness of the Generators / Electrical installations, power house and surrounding with emphasis on waste disposal
• Assist the supervisor on checking that the generator / electrical installation does not degenerate and good maintenance procedures and practices are always adhered to
• Assist the supervisor check the parameters of the generator regularly and ensure that they operate on balance phases and balance loads
• Assist in proposing necessary amount of spare parts and request electrical materials when necessary
• Repairs and maintenance of electro-mechanical equipment (lights, water heaters, water pumps, stoves, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.)
• Keep relevant technical documents updated
• Advise the head of section within technical area
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor

Capacity Building
• When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training and capacity-building.

  1. 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 & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN Volunteers should:

  2. Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

  3. Be acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;

  4. Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiating and/or participating in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;

  5. Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible;

  6. Encouraging, mobilising and supporting co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis;

  7. Discussing with supervisors on how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed through the assignment and integrate activities that promote volunteerism for peace and development into work plans;

  8. Assisting with the UNV ‘buddy programme” for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.

  9. Results/Expected Outputs:

• Efficient, timely, responsive and high-quality management of the Common Premises
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view

  1. Profile Requirements:

a) Qualifications, skills, experience:

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNHCR with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:

Education:

Diploma in vocational education or Technical training in related fields

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional job experience in generators installation, maintenance / repair. Electrical and air conditioners installation repairs and maintenance.
• 2yrs experience working with UN and NGO’s in an International environment is preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Philosophical Orientation:

• Computer proficiency with good knowledge of MS Excel, MS Word and Ms Access is Essential
• Competence in carrying out technical tasks including repair of other related equipment’s will be an advantage
• Excellent knowledge of English (written / oral / comprehension) is essential. Working knowledge of another UN language (preferably Arabic) is an asset
• Good interpersonal communication skills and ability to remain calm
• Belief in and commitment to gender equality
• Belief in and commitment to human rights
• Diplomacy and assertiveness; the ability to respectfully and carefully confront and discuss sensitive issues with a wide range of actors, groups, and individuals
• Sensitivity to and respect for a range of cultural beliefs
• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System

b) 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.

  1. Living Conditions:
    • Bunj, South Sudan is a difficult duty station, which is classified as a non- family duty station and is categorized as security Level IV. There is a UN imposed curfew from 9.00pm to 6:00am due to security and crime issues. There is basic infrastructure in the capital city and very poor infrastructure in the outskirts of the states of South Sudan.
    • The Local Currency is South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), the exchange rate between USD and the local currency in banking facilities is 3:16.
    • Accommodation in the states is very basic, and mostly available at UN agency compounds i.e. prefabricated units/containers or through local rentals. There is availability of utilities, water, and electricity in the accommodation.
    • There are restaurants serving food from different regions of the world in Juba markets, and shops are fairly well-stocked with food items, clothes and other household goods. There are also local markets for vegetables and other farm produce in the states. The cost of living is generally high as almost all the goods are imported.
    • UN personnel are provided medical services in the UN Agency clinic. Other medical services can be obtained at the UNMISS Level 3 hospital.

  2. Conditions of Service:

Contracts are issued for 12 months at a time (renewable depending on Mission mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance). Settling-In-Grant is provided if the duty station is different to the place of recruitment. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost-of-living expenses (US$890.00 per month). Life, health and permanent disability insurance is included, as well as annual leave, and resettlement allowance.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

Interested applicants should send in their motivation letter and CV to the following email contacts: joseph.ohide@undp.org and edna.madison@undp.org clearly marked title ‘Generator Assistant” or submit their applications to UNDP Security Reception addressed to UNV Office in a sealed envelope. Applicants are requested to indicate the title of the position on the envelope. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Closing date for this positions is 26th November 2015.