Information Systems Assistant (Radio Support)

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

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Chief ICT Operations or designated authority, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following duties: Radio Systems Operations and Support

• Install, configure, program, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot VHF, UHF, and HF radio systems.
• Support fixed, mobile, and portable radio communications equipment used throughout the Mission Area.
• Monitor the operational condition and availability of radio communications systems.
• Diagnose and resolve radio equipment faults, communication failures, poor audio quality, coverage issues, and intermittent connectivity.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on radio equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Conduct radio communication tests and verify equipment performance after installation or maintenance.
• Support radio network expansion and deployment projects.
• Coordinate restoration activities during radio communication outages.
• Provide technical support during emergency and operational deployments when required.
• Maintain accurate technical records for radio systems, equipment, and configurations. TETRA Radio Systems Support Radio Programming and Configuration
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of TETRA infrastructure and terminals.
• Conduct TETRA coverage and communication quality assessments.
• Support TETRA base stations, repeaters, infrastructure, and associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot TETRA network, terminal, coverage, and communication issues.
• Program and configure TETRA portable, mobile, and fixed radio terminals.
• Install, configure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot TETRA digital trunked radio systems.
• Program and configure radio equipment in accordance with approved mission requirements and radio plans.
• Configure channels, frequencies, talk groups, zones, scanning functions, and other approved radio parameters.
• Maintain radio programming files and configuration records.
• Support the controlled deployment of updated radio configurations and software.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot radio systems and associated equipment in mission vehicles. Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT) Systems Support
• Install, configure, activate, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT) equipment and associated services.
• Provide technical support to users operating Iridium PTT equipment in remote locations.
• Coordinate with service providers and vendors for Iridium PTT service-related issues.
• Maintain Iridium PTT equipment, user, configuration, and service records.
• Support deployment of Iridium PTT equipment for remote and emergency operations.
• Conduct functional testing of Iridium PTT devices before and after deployment.
• Troubleshoot Iridium PTT connectivity, registration, coverage, audio, and service issues.
• Manage and support Iridium PTT portable terminals, talk groups, and operational configurations. Radio Repeater and Base Station Support
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot VHF/UHF radio repeaters and base stations.
• Conduct repeater coverage and functionality tests.
• Monitor repeater performance and identify service degradation.
• Maintain radio consoles, control equipment, and associated accessories.
• Support integration of repeaters and base stations with mission radio networks.
• Inspect and maintain associated antennas, feeders, connectors, grounding, and power systems. Antenna and Radio Infrastructure Support
• Support the installation and commissioning of vehicle-mounted radio antennas, cabling, power connections, and radio control equipment.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot radio power systems, including batteries, chargers, and DC power supplies.
• Support solar and backup power solutions for radio systems where applicable, including basic inspection and fault identification.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot radio antennas, coaxial cables, feeders, connectors, and mounting systems.
• Conduct antenna inspections and basic RF performance checks.
• Perform radio coverage assessments and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Support installation of radio equipment at buildings, vehicles, towers, and remote sites.
• Verify grounding, lightning protection, and power arrangements for radio installations.
• Conduct site readiness inspections prior to radio equipment deployment. Technical Assessments and Radio Planning Support
• Conduct technical site surveys for radio communication requirements.
• Assess radio coverage, site suitability, equipment requirements, and communications needs.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations relating to radio communications systems.
• Review radio installation designs, equipment specifications, and technical documentation.
• Evaluate contractor- and vendor-delivered radio installations and services. Emergency and Operational Communications Support
• Prepare, configure, test, deploy, and maintain field communication kits for temporary, remote, and emergency operations.
• Provide technical support for emergency radio deployments and restoration activities.
• Support rapid deployment of portable and mobile radio systems during operational requirements.
• Prepare and test radio equipment prior to field deployments.
• Support communications requirements for temporary sites, events, exercises, and emergency operations.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support during critical communication incidents.
• Assist operational users with radio equipment and basic communications procedures. Asset Management
• Maintain accurate inventory records for radio equipment, accessories, antennas, and supporting infrastructure.
• Conduct periodic radio equipment inspections and reconciliations.
• Monitor lifecycle requirements for radio communications equipment.
• Support replacement and upgrade planning for aging radio equipment.
• Maintain records of equipment assignments, movements, repairs, and replacements. Reporting and Documentation
• Maintain technical documentation relating to radio systems and communications infrastructure.
• Prepare maintenance reports, service records, and radio system performance reports.
• Document faults, outages, corrective actions, equipment changes, and lessons learned.
• Maintain radio programming records, equipment configuration information, and technical databases.
• Prepare radio infrastructure assessment reports and technical recommendations.
• Maintain site inspection and maintenance documentation. Expected Results
• High availability and reliability of mission radio communications systems.
• Reliable Tetra, Iridium, VHF, UHF, and HF communications supporting mission operations.
• Timely completion of preventive and corrective radio maintenance activities.
• Effective identification and resolution of radio equipment and communication faults.
• Improved radio coverage, communication quality, and system reliability.
• Effective support to emergency and operational radio deployments.
• Safe and technically compliant radio installations.
• Reduced radio communication outages and downtime.
• Accurate radio equipment inventories, configuration records, and technical documentation.
• Effective management and lifecycle support of mission radio communications assets.

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; and
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in Kinshasa. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Goma), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa and Entebbe which are family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including Kinshasa, Goma and all the other towns. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili. The DRC is a unique country, and MONUSCO is a unique peace operation. It offers an interesting and enriching environment, while also requiring a high level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Flexibility, and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions – sometimes involving physical hardship and limited comfort – are therefore essential.