Protection Technology Officer

Host entity: MONUSCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Information technology and telecommunications, Safety and security

Application deadline: 24/09/2026

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 delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Chief Security Management Unit (SMU) or Military Support supervisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following duties:

1. Protection Systems Management
• Manage day-to-day operation, monitoring, and maintenance of protection technologies deployed across mission facilities.
• Ensure operational readiness and serviceability of Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) early warning systems.
• Conduct routine inspections, fault identification, troubleshooting, and performance verification of installed equipment.
• Maintain technical logs, maintenance records, and operational reports.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities with vendors and technical support providers.

2. Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)
• Manage and oversee Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) deployed within the mission area.
• Monitor radio frequency (RF) detection systems for unauthorized drone activity.
• Identify, classify, track, and assess potential aerial threats.
• Support implementation of drone mitigation measures in accordance with UN policies and host-country regulations.
• Assist in evaluating effectiveness of anti-drone technologies and recommend system improvements.
• Participate in security assessments concerning emerging UAS threats.

3. Surveillance and Detection Capability Management
• Manage long-range electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), thermal imaging, and video surveillance systems.
• Support operation of ground surveillance radars and perimeter intrusion detection systems.
• Monitor and analyze surveillance feeds to identify anomalies, potential security incidents, and emerging threats.
• Ensure sensor coverage and system performance meet mission operational requirements.
• Coordinate integration of surveillance assets into mission-wide security operations.

4. Sensor Fusion and Command-and-Control Operations
• Administer integrated command-and-control (C2) platforms that combine multiple sensor inputs into a unified operating picture.
• Ensure proper data flow between radar, video, RF detection, access control, and other security systems.
• Support real-time situational awareness for mission decision-makers.
• Produce technical threat assessments and operational summaries based on multi-source information.
• Contribute to development of standard operating procedures for integrated security operations.

5. Technical Analysis and Incident Response
• Monitor, document, and investigate security events involving RF anomalies, drone incursions, perimeter violations, or other technological threats.
• Conduct technical analyses of recorded data to determine threat characteristics and vulnerabilities.
• Prepare incident reports, risk assessments, lessons learned documents, and recommendations.
• Assist security leadership in evaluating trends and security technology performance indicators.
• Support crisis-response mechanisms requiring technical surveillance expertise.

6. Training and Capacity Development
• Design and conduct training programs on mission protection technologies.
• Develop user manuals, technical guidance documents, and operational procedures.
• Deliver practical instruction on radar systems, surveillance equipment, C-UAS platforms, and response procedures.
• Mentor mission personnel on technology-enabled security practices.
• Build local capacity to ensure sustainability and continuity of operations.

7. Strategic Planning and Technology Enhancement
• Contribute technical expertise to security infrastructure projects and upgrades.
• Assess new technologies for operational suitability within mission environments.
• Participate in procurement planning, technical evaluations, and equipment acceptance inspections.
• identify capability gaps and recommend innovative solutions to strengthen mission protection measures.
• Support implementation of mission technology modernization initiatives.

Skills and experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the operation, maintenance, or management of security technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with surveillance, detection, monitoring, or mission protection systems.
• Experience working in challenging operational environments.
• Experience within military, peacekeeping, law enforcement, border security, or critical infrastructure protection sectors.
• Experience in remote or high-risk security environments.

Technical Competencies
The candidate should demonstrate expertise in several of the following areas:
Surveillance Systems
• Electro-Optical (EO) Cameras
• Infrared (IR) Monitoring
• Thermal Imaging Technologies
• Video Management Systems (VMS)

Detection Technologies
• Ground Surveillance Radar
• Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems
• Target Tracking Technologies
• Early Warning Systems

Counter-UAS Technologies
• RF Detection Systems
• Drone Identification and Classification
• RF-Based Mitigation Platforms
• Multi-Sensor Target Tracking

Security Integration
• Command-and-Control (C2) Systems
• Sensor Fusion Platforms
• GIS-Based Security Monitoring
• Security Operations Center Technologies

IT and Communications
• Networked Security Systems
• IP-Based Surveillance Infrastructure
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Data Communications and Signal Processing

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism
• Accountability
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Planning and organizing
• Teamwork and respect for diversity
• Communication
• 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

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.