United Nations Military Observer (UNMO)

Rank

Capt or Maj
No officer due for promotion to Lt Col should be nominated for UNMO posts except where that rank is specified in the request. Specific senior UNMO posts may be designated for Lt Cols or above.

Job Description

Tasks

• Patrolling on foot by vehicle and using helicopters to gather information by day and night in any terrain.
• Observing, monitoring and supervising agreements.
• Providing effective accurate and timely verbal and written reports using appropriate communications (radio, telephone, e-mail, written reports, presentations).
• Negotiating and mediating in difficult or tense situations, through translators if necessary.
• Conducting other tasks as directed by the FC/CMO or by those with appropriate delegated authority.

Environment

• Military Observers may have to live and work in conditions of hardship and physical danger.
• They will normally live either in team bases or amongst the local community.
• Long hours of strenuous work may also be required.
• Military Observers will normally operate unarmed.

Qualifications Required

Essential

• A citizen of the country he/she is representing.
• A serving officer between the ages of 25 and 55 (the upper age limit is not applicable to CMOs and officers of the rank of Colonel and above) with at least 5 years service as a commissioned officer (special cases for officers promoted from the ranks may be made).
• Physically and mentally fit for strenuous operations and long hours of work in difficult living conditions.
• Previous staff experience and service with troops.
• Trained in skills for patrolling by vehicle, foot and using helicopters.
• Training in light or medium weapons.
• Proficient in land navigation and the use of GPS.
• Proficient in the use of Night Vision Devices.
• Proficient in the working language of the Mission (normally English).
• Proficient in the use of computers and communications systems.
• Proficient in basic first aid.
• Proficient in driving 4x4 vehicles.

Desirable

• Completed an UNMO training course.
• Knowledge of the local language in the mission.
• Trained in negotiating skills.
• Trained in the use of translators.
• Previous peacekeeping experience.
• Operational experience.
• Training in UN security rules.
• Training in general situation of the mission.

Reading Material for the United Nations Military Observers Course

For further information please contact the Director Peacekeeping at:

Australian Defence Force Peacekeeping Centre
ADFWC
RAAF Base
WILLIAMTOWN NSW 2314
AUSTRALIA

Phone: +61-02-4964 6081 or +61-02 4964 6082
Facsimile: +61-02-4964 6002
E-mail: Peacekeeping@defence.gov.au