UNV with UNMISS; UNV; South Sudan

I’ve entered my tenth month of being a UN Volunteer with UNMISS and now, almost confidently, I can answer almost all Frequently Asked Questions someone might have for the procedures and life as a UNV and other general questions about moving to South Sudan.

Below, I’ve taken all the relevant questions I’ve received over this period through emails and messages to help you out in taking an informed decision on accepting or not a job offer with UNMISS as a UNV or moving to South Sudan.

Frequently Asked Questions – Moving to South Sudan

  • How long MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) visa clearance does take? – In my case, it took about two months. However, this is not a set timeline and might be different on a case to case basis.
  • Should I take antimalarial drugs? – I don’t take any antimalarial drugs. I just regularly use mosquito repellent when outside my accommodation during night time. However, I know of staff members who do take malaria pills on a regular basis.
  • Any tips about moving, packing, things to bring with and preparation for the move? Is there something for women to be aware of? – It does matter a lot where in SS will you be posted. Juba for instance provides more option for everything (food, clothes, restaurants, places to go out and all), whereas Yambio where I am is more limited. I’ve heard the same about the other states.

Basically, the mandatory things you have to have are: yellow fever vaccine card, mosquito repellent, and do not take pictures anywhere in Juba – in particular near military, police, or government buildings (you could end up in prison for that).

The weather is always hot, people dress modestly. I live inside the UN compound so the culture is more international.

UNV; UNMISS; Juba; South Sudan

Frequently Asked Questions – Being a UNV with UNMISS

  • How do I become a UNV (with UNMISS) – the process of becoming a UNV is very similar to getting a job. You apply for a special call (or fill out the profile in the UNV portal), you get selected for an interview, you are invited to submit the medical forms, you get your visa, and then UNV Office brings you to the country of service. You can read about my process of becoming a UNV with UNMISS here.
  • When they send you an email saying your profile is under consideration, how long does it take to receive the medical forms – Following the offer letter I received for the position, two days later I got the medical form to be filled and returned. So, in between being under consideration and receiving the medical forms, you need to get the offer letter.
  • What does it mean when you get an email from UNV saying you are under serious considerations for the applied post – It means, most probably, you will be the selected candidate.
  • Financial aspects of being a UNV with UNMISS: USD 150 is deducted for accommodation from the Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA). Additionally, if you use ESKO to order food, then the amount spent gets deducted from your VLA. UNV; Yambio; South Sudan; UNMISS
  • Banking issues: UNVs might open a bank account in the local bank to receive the VLA. In that case, they are eligible for a remuneration of the bank fees for VLA transfer.
  • R&R Policy: UNVs are eligible for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) after 42 days they spent in the country (as of now – it might change depending on the situation). There’s no allowance for R&R. However, there’s no deduction in the VLA for the period the UNV is outside the country. The designated R&R country for UNVs in UNMISS is Uganda and we can use the UN flight to fly there.
  • Broadcasts: there are various type of broadcasts sent out in UNMISS which are valuable and often provide necessary information on mandatory courses, changes in policies, or news updates. Once in the ground, ask to be included in the mail list so you don’t miss out.

Let me know if you have any other questions either in the comments or shoot me a message at [email protected]

UNV; UNV with UNMISS; UNMISS; South Sudan

7 thoughts on “Frequently Asked Questions: UNV with UNMISS?

  1. Hello. Thanks for the comprehensive review. However may I ask if the accommodations deducted amount still the same in 2021? 150 USD monthly? And the accommodations is shared or private units? Thanks in advance

    1. Hello. Thanks for reading. The deducted amount is still the same in 2021, 150 USD monthly. This amount is for single accommodation (which is the case for all UNVs who are serving in my duty station for instance).

      1. Hi,
        I hope you’re well!!!
        Thank you for all informations really good for as,
        Please two things
        1*how much the food costs in the month?can I bring with me the small equipment…
        2*Can I ask to transfer my VLA to home bank and same cash to local bank or by Pett cash?
        Have a lovely day

        Larbi jaggar

        1. Hello there,
          You are welcome.
          As per your questions:
          1. it depends where you are located and what is your eating style so I can’t really provide an estimate for that. You can bring small blenders or mixers or toasters but you can also find them in Juba.
          2. Yes. You can split the VLA and have it transferred in two accounts (UNV Office will provide with the form where you decide what % gets transferred where). Cash can be taken then from the local bank where your money will be transferred but not from the UN/UNV.

          Hope these answers help.

          Best,
          Lavdi

          1. Noted with thanks Lavdi,
            I hope get this UNVs this time.
            Last November I’m waitlisted with one of one unit ,this time with technical compliance unit in unmiss aviation
            Cheers,

            Larbi

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