Heavy Duty Mechanic

Host entity: MONUSCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Transport, movement, travel, Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Safety and security

Application deadline: 05/11/2026

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.

Assignment context

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

Task description

Within the terms of the organization's delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Motor Transport Officer (MTO), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Complete maintenance and repairs of all United Nations Heavy Vehicles and MHE/Engineering equipment operated by MONUSCO in assigned areas per the manufacturer's specs and to the highest standard.
• Assist in workshop management on a broader scale in all related Transport sub-units in a supervisory capacity if need be.
• Be familiar with, able to operate, and understand error code data from Vehicle Electronic Diagnostic tools. Reprogramming vehicle systems with these tools is a highly desirable ability.
• Identify spare parts from the manufacturer's parts reference book/catalog.
• Ensure that all spare parts, filters, lubricants, etc., required for each repair are correctly documented in the vehicle work order.
• Ensure that presence within the workshop is consistent with working hours and that all inspections/repair tasks are completed promptly.
• Assist in recovering or repairing vehicles that cannot be recovered to the workshop on-site.
• Ensure the security of all equipment provided for use within the workshop area.
• When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring, and formal and on-the-job training.
• Practice workshop safety and housekeeping.
• The candidate may be required to perform Supervisory or Managerial functions in certain circumstances. In such a situation, his/her expected role/s will be fully explained, and an international staff member will monitor the performance.
• Any other related duties as may be assigned by the MTO.

Skills and experience

• At least five years of post-training experience are required;
• Knowledge of automotive parts management, inventory, and warehousing basics, including ERP/ Umoja working knowledge, is required.
• National/International Vehicle Driving License up to C class;
• Demonstrated experience in training/coaching or the interest to do so is essential;
• The applicant is familiar with and experienced in using necessary diagnostic tools. An understanding and previous experience in areas of hydraulic systems, electrical/electronic systems, and pneumatic braking systems is essential
• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in the area of specialty and ability to apply sound judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept broad 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.

Living conditions

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 both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), 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, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered 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 in Kinshasa and Goma.
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, Bukavu, Kisangani), 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.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.