Living Conditions:
The volunteers will be based in various field locations, i.e. Ad Damazin, El Daein, El Fasher, El Geneina, El Obeid, Kadugli, Kassala, Kosti, Nyala, Zalingei.
Darfur is the western-most region of Sudan. The region's main towns are El Fasher, Nyala, and Geneina. The region has been in a state of humanitarian emergency since 2003. This environment requires a mature level of cultural awareness. The security situation within Darfur is unpredictable, though moderately calm in most areas. Risks to personnel are reduced by strict adherence to UN security guidelines, instructions and mitigating measures. Crime rate, though not alarming, gives some cause for concern. It is mandatory for all personnel to receive a security briefing upon arrival. The cost of living in Darfur is relatively reasonable. The markets and shops are generally stocked with local and common cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and other common food items. These markets are easily accessible. Local restaurants hardly serve well-known non-local recipes. Telecommunications are appreciably reliable in Darfur. There are three main international telecommunication companies in Darfur which provide mobile phone, internet and other telecom services.
Kadugli is the capital of South Kordofan. It is located in the south-west of the state. Kadugli is a small city surrounded by the Nuba Mountains. It is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages, although Arabic is the official language. Kadugli has three main climate seasons: winter, summer and autumn. Winter runs from November to January. Temperatures are warm temperate to cool
temperate. In summer, from February to April, temperature increases to 45°. Autumn, from May to October, is considered the longest season in the area. Temperature usually drops to 20° and it rains. The security situation in Kadugli is unpredictable, although last few months were calm. UN staff are required adherence to UN security guidelines, instructions and mitigating measures. The average living cost in Kadugli is reasonable and depends on individual life style. Markets open mainly from 8 am to 7 pm while the shops usually open early morning up to midnight. Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and other common food items are available. There is a limited number of restaurants and entertainment places. Telecommunication services from Zain, Sudani and Areba are working well.
El Obeid is the largest city in all of Kordofan. It is the capital of North Kordofan, and it is well connected to other states like South and West Kordofan, as well as Khartoum by paved road, which makes El Obeid an important commercial city. El Obeid residents come from different parts of Sudan. Thus it holds various cultures and tribes. The climate in El Obeid is dry and moderate most of the year, although it has a rainy season, when the temperature drops. The security situation in El Obeid is very calm and conflicts were never experienced. Notwithstanding, UN staff must adhered to UN security instructions. All food items like fruits, vegetable, meat, fish, etc. are available. Restaurants, Family Park, open spaces and theatre exist. Three telecommunication companies (Zain, Sudani and Ariba) provide good services. Sudan Post Company for mailing services has a branch in El Obeid.
Kassala is located approximately 700 km away from Khartoum, in one of the poorest states in Sudan. The duty station is socially isolated, surrounded by a conservative Sudanese culture. The natural environment is harsh, dry and very hot, particularly from March to June. During the rainy season from July to September, the temperature decreases significantly, and it can even be chilly in the morning and evening during the winter from October to February. The security situation is very calm and stable, and UN personnel are allowed to live in private houses in the town. The town has a relatively stable electricity and water supply. The internet connection is available through private provider’s cable in some parts of the town. 3G is available in the entire town, but can be unstable. UNHCR Office has stable V-Sat Internet. Most daily commodities can be obtained in the local markets in Kassala. Malaria exists but not excessively. Health services are available at the hospital in Kassala town.
Conditions of Service
Two years contract; monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) – intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities – of 4,702 Sudanese Pounds per month (VLA rates are periodically reviewed). Settling-in-grant (if current residence is different from duty station); life, health and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.
UN Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
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