UNSOC

UNITED NATIONS STAFF OFFICER COURSE (UNSOC)

The aim of the United Nations Staff Officer Course is to prepare course participants for duty as a staff officer in a peacekeeping operation, including: contribute efficiently to the implementation of all military aspects of UN peacekeeping mandates in accordance with Department of Peacekeeping Operations / Department of Field Services principles and guidelines including the Force Headquarters (FHQ) handbook and local Standard Operating Procedures; Perform military functions in an effective, professional and integrated manner; and demonstrate the core values and competencies of the United Nations.

GENERAL

1.     Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre (MPC) conducts the United  Nations Staff Officer Course (UNSOC) with the view of training  participants in the different staff functions, UN procedures and administration in the  Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) environment.  

AIM 

2.     The aim of this instruction is to outline course details and administrative requirements.  

OBJECTIVES

3.     The objectives of the course are as follows:  

a.     To understand and put into practice the procedures and  responsibilities of staff officer in UN PKO.  

b.     To understand and put into application the principles, procedures and  concept of UN PKO.  

c.     To understand the legal aspect of UN PKO.  

d.     To understand how UN PKO are logistically and administratively  sustained, supported and maintained. 

CONDUCT

4.     The course will be conducted in MPC as follows:  

a.     Duration.  3 weeks. 

b.     Training Methodology.  Subjects will be introduced with the following  means:  

(1)     Lectures.  

(2)     Presentations.  

(3)     Classroom Exercises.  

(4)     Small and Large Group Discussions.  

(5)     INSTEX

5.     Lectures. Lectures will be presented by Subject Matter Expert (SME) from MPC DS/GPOI/DMTC and guest lecturers from various local organisation.

6.     Medium of Instruction. The course will be conducted in English.  

7.  Pre-requisite. Participants should possess some basic knowledge in United  Nations particularly the organization, roles and functions, UN Organs, UN Charter  and subjects that are reflected in the training programme. Participants are expected  to generate and deliver their ideas including their past experiences during the  classroom exercises and discussions.  

8.     Training Programme.  The programme will be confirmed four weeks prior to the start of the course.  

9.     Admin Brief.  An Administration briefing will be given by the Course Coordinator on the first day of training.  Please provide MPC with a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport photo page to [email protected] and attach your completed registration form.  

10.  Airport Transfer. Transportation from KLIA to MPC is available upon  request. OCP who do not request transportation are to make own arrangement to travel to MPC. The journey from KLIA to MPC is about an hour (100km).  

11.   Independent Arrivals. CP who are making their own way to MPC must arrive and complete check-in NLT 1800H on the Sunday prior to the course commencing. 

12.   Car Parking. A sufficient number of open car parks are available in MPC.  Local CP with private vehicle is required to obtain a Vehicle Pass at the Guard  Room before entering. Reverse parking is enforced throughout MPC.  

13.  Registration and Check-in. Upon arrival in MPC, proceed to the reception  counter located inside the accommodation block. MPC staff will be present to  assist.  Upon check in, each CP will be provided with a  room and an UNSOC welcome pack.   

14.    Accommodation. All CP must adhere with the following:  

a.     CP is responsible for the facilities provided at the accommodation  block.  

b.     Only CP are allowed to stay in the accommodation block throughout  the course. Accommodation for any accompanied family members should  be arranged separately by CP outside of MPC.  

15.   Wisma Pengaman. CP are allowed to use the facilities at Wisma Pengaman. The facilities are:

a.    TV Room

b.    Karaoke

c.     Indoor Games (billiards, carom and dart)

16.   Meals. All meals will be arranged at Blue Haven (Banquet Hall). If you have  any specific dietary requirement, please indicate on the registration form. Meal  timings are as follows:  

 a.     Breakfast - 0700H to 0745H  

 b.     Coffee Break - 1000H to 1030H  

 c.     Lunch - 1230H to 1400H  

 d.     Evening Tea - 1700H to 1730H  

 e.     Dinner - 1930H to 2100H  

17.  Dress. Camouflage uniform (No 5) during class lectures and outdoor activities. CP is required to bring the following attire:

a.      A lounge suit or equivalent

b.      Sports and swimming attire.

c.      Light tropical civilian attire.

d.      Smart casual attire for dinner and End of Course Dinner (Traditional Dress)

e.       National dress or equivalent.

18.  Temperatures. Port Dickson area experiences daily temperatures ranging from 26˚C to 37˚C with chances of showers.

19.    Computer and Internet Access. PC is available in the syndicate rooms. Laptops are also available for loan on request. Wi-Fi services are available throughout MPC.

20.    Library.  A library is located at the main MPC building. The opening hours are from 0830H to 1630H (Monday to Friday).  All CP are encouraged to use the library in their leisure time.  MPC library has a wide range of books and references related to peacekeeping, defence and security and general topics.

21.     Sports and Recreational Facilities. The following facilities are available at the centre.

a.       Swimming pool.

b.       Indoor and outdoor gymnasium.

c.       Mountain bike.

d.       Volleyball court.

e.       Basketball/Futsal court.

f.        Indoor game at Wisma Pengaman.

22.    Laundry Facilities.  A laundry room is available on the ground floor adjacent to the accommodation block. CP are reminded to purchase their own detergents prior to arrival at MPC.

23.   Groceries and Miscellaneous.  Grocery stores and supermarkets are available outside, within the vicinity of MPC.

24.    Smoking and Alcoholic Drinks.  Smoking and consumption of alcoholic drinks, in particular, are strictly prohibited in the Peacekeeper’s Inn and within the general area of MPC. However, smoking is allowed at certain designated smoking areas. 

25.     Departure and Check-out. CP are expected to check-out from the accommodation on the last day course starting from 1300H. Any late check-out must be informed to the Course Coordinator.  All CP will only be released after the closing ceremony. All CP return movements are managed by their own unit, including the flight booking to Sabah and Sarawak.

26.       Weekend. CP will be allowed to leave MPC during weekends for the duration of the course.

27.       Point of Contact. For any assistance, please contact the following officers:  

CONCLUSION 

28.      We sincerely hope that all participants will benefit greatly from this course. We look forward to work and share the knowledge during your four weeks course in MPC and at the same time enjoying the hospitality.