Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation – the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) – on 1 July 2010. It was done in accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May to reflect the new phase. Between 2021 and 2025, the Mission entered a new phase characterized by a dual dynamic: continuing to carry out its core responsibilities—particularly the protection of civilians—while preparing for a gradual and responsible transition, in close coordination with the Congolese authorities and international partners. In 2025, the Mission operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by a renewed deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma by the M23, which significantly exacerbated the humanitarian and protection crisis in North Kivu. In this challenging context, MONUSCO continued adapting its posture to support civilian protection efforts, coordinate with national authorities and maintain engagement with international partners. This assignment will be based with MONUSCO in Entebbe (Uganda) Duty Station. More information: https://monusco.unmissions.org/en

Task Description

• Lead the planning, design review, and implementation of infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and environmental management projects across multiple field locations. • Provide technical oversight throughout the full project lifecycle, including feasibility assessments, design validation, procurement documentation, construction supervision, and project close-out. • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and ensure effective allocation of tasks, monitoring technical performance and delivery timelines. • Review engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and tender documentation. • Supervise contractors and consultants during project implementation, ensuring adherence to approved designs and contractual requirements. • Establish and monitor quality assurance and quality control procedures, including site inspections. • Conduct environmental and engineering risk assessments, including baseline studies. • Ensure compliance with environmental safeguards and sustainability principles in infrastructure development, including wastewater management, water quality monitoring, and solid and hazardous waste handling. • Support procurement and contract management processes by preparing technical inputs, cost estimates, and evaluation documentation. • Monitor project progress, review contractor submissions, and verify interim payment certificates, variations, and completion documentation. • Maintain comprehensive engineering records including inspection reports, test results, as-built drawings, and technical correspondence. • Contribute to technical reporting, performance monitoring, and results-based management frameworks for infrastructure and environmental programmes. • Provide technical guidance and capacity building to junior engineers, technical staff, and implementing partners. • Brief senior management on engineering progress, operational risks, environmental compliance issues, and recommended corrective actions.

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.

Living conditions and remarks

As Uganda’s main international airport is located in Entebbe, it serves as the primary entry point for international travellers. It offers direct connections to and from major global and regional destinations, including Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Dubai, Johannesburg, Juba, Kigali, Kinshasa, London, Nairobi, and others. Entebbe International Airport is connected to Kampala via the modern Entebbe–Kampala Expressway, which significantly reduces travel time between the airport and the capital. Entebbe and Kampala are currently classified under UN Security Level III (moderate), reflecting a stable but cautious operating environment requiring adherence to standard security risk management measures. This level indicates that while the overall environment is permissive for operations, personnel should remain vigilant and comply with security advisories. The Security Management Team (SMT), along with other entities within the UN security management system (such as wardens), meets regularly to monitor the security situation and ensure preparedness. The Security Section, in coordination with the Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), provides regular updates and conducts mandatory security briefings for newly arrived personnel, including updates on political, social, and operational developments. Movement advisories (e.g. on night travel along certain routes) may be issued periodically based on risk assessments. A Level 1 clinic is available at the United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe, and several UN-approved private hospitals are located in Kampala. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Uganda, including yellow fever. While verification at the airport is not always consistently enforced, travellers may still be required to present proof of vaccination upon arrival. All UN personnel must therefore ensure that vaccinations are up to date and properly documented in the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Entebbe is designated as a family duty station for UN personnel. International schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities are available in Kampala and, to a lesser extent, in Entebbe. Markets and supermarkets are also readily accessible. Multiple mobile network providers operate across Uganda, and SIM cards and airtime are widely available. UN personnel have access to office internet and telephone services, including the option to make personal calls using a PIN-based system on a cost-recovery basis. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) supporting major international bank cards are available in both Entebbe and Kampala. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.