FAQs

1. What is UNSOA?

UNSOA was established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1863 (16 January 2009) as a field support operation. UNSOA is mandated to provide logistical support package to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), including equipment and services, but not including the transfer of funds.

The support package includes vital life support such as food, water, health and sanitation, and fuel; engineering; vehicles and other equipment; stationery; furniture; communications and Information Technology; information support operations; property management; capacity building; aviation and medical services; contigent owned equipment (COE) reimbursement; and support of AMISOM civilian personnel.

2. When did UNSOA become operational?

UNSOA became operational on the basis of a mandate from the Security Council on 16 January 2009.

3. Apart from providing support to AMISOM, what else does UNSOA do?

a) Support to the Somali National Army (SNA) 

UNSOA supports the Somali National Army through the provision of food and water, fuel (in some locations), transport, tents and in theatre medical evacuation. This support will only be provided to SNA troops in joint operations with AMISOM. 

b)  Support to UN agencies 

UNSOA also provides administrative and logistical support to the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for the Great Lakes Region (O/SESG-GLR), the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG) and a few UNMISS staff based in Mombasa.

4. What role does UNSOA play in rebuilding Somalia?

Through its logistical support to AMISOM and SNA, as well as administrative and logistical support to UNSOM, UNSOA supports the peace and stabilization efforts and therefore contributes towards peace building in Somalia.

UNSOA also supports the humanitarian efforts in Somalia by providing logistical support (movements) to the UN Country Team.

5. What are some of UNSOA’s achievements?

UNSOA achievements since establishment include:

  • Dramatic improvement in the quality of life (food, water, accommodation, etc.) of AMISOM personnel; 
  • Establishment of an efficient supply chain which has ensured that AMISOM is well supplied and able to function more effectively; 
  • Reimbursement to TCCs for use of equipment; 
  • Extensive training for AMISOM personnel in a variety of areas essential for effective peacekeeping. This includes both pre-deployment and in-mission training; 
  • Establishment of a sophisticated public information outfit to support AMISOM. 

6. Where does UNSOA get its funding?

The Financial instruments for UNSOA are a combination of:

  • Assessed Contributions – from the UN regular budget
  • Trust Funds – for voluntary contributions

7. Where can I get more information on UNSOA?

More Information on UNSOA can be searched on http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/ and http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/about/dfs/

8. Can I get a job with UNSOA, if so, how do I apply for the job?

Applications for positions UNSOA must be made through the online Inspira application system. General Service positions are advertised in the local dailies.

9. Does UNSOA accept International UNVs volunteers?

Yes. We have a few International UNVs through the UNDP Somalia Office.

10. How do I become a UNV?

You register through UNV's online registration form. If you meet UNV's minimum requirements, you will be able to create a UNV account. After a successful account creation, you will receive an email with a subject line: "Verify your email address". After having clicked on the link provided, you will receive another automatic email confirming the successful creation of your UNV account and guiding you to complete your registration. Once you have filled in all the required fields, you must click on the "Submit My Profile" button to add your profile to the UNV database of candidates. You will then receive your registration email containing your Roster Number.