Driver - Food and Agriculture Organization

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with offices and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities.

RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The position is located at RAF, Accra, Ghana.

Main Purpose

The Driver is responsible for driving staff of the Regional Office for Africa, other FAO offices and programmes in the Country. He/she ensures the safety, technical soundness and comfort of the vehicle(s) assigned.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative for Africa and the direct supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer, RAF.

Working Relationships

In his/her function as Driver for the Regional Office for Africa, the incumbent is in regular contact with staff from all levels of the country office, with national and international visitors, with (high ranking) officials from the Government and other (UN) Agencies, with project managers, consultants and other personnel from within and outside the Organization.

He/she is often the first point of contact for people from outside the country office. He/she interacts on a day-to-day basis with personnel and officials from local offices and service providers.

Key Functions/Results

• Drive the Regional Office staff and their official visitors on official trips, and drive for the Assistant Director-General/ Regional Representative and his/her visitors on occasions, as necessary.
• Meet staff and official visitors at the airport; facilitate immigration, customs formalities, hotel check-in and other local formalities.
• Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, transportation/vehicle-related expenditures, vehicle servicing, repairs, etc.
• Ensure day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle(s); check oil, water, battery, tires, etc.; perform minor repairs and timely arrange for any other repairs necessary to keep the vehicle safe and technically sound at all times; maintain the vehicle(s) in clean conditions.
• Handle local and organizational formalities when involved in an accident; ensure that in this case all organizational and local/country rules, regulations and procedures are followed correctly.
• Collect and deliver mail, documents, pouches and other communications/items from and to the country office; go to the post office, airport, government agencies, other UN agencies, institutions, project sites, etc. to take and deliver items and communications; keep records as required.
• When needed, assist the country office staff in performing simple clerical duties such as making and answering telephone calls, making photocopies, keeping records, etc.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Impact Of Work

The incumbent’s work impacts the timely and efficient delivery of the immediate work unit’s programme.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary school education. Possession of valid driver’s license.

Experience: Two years of work experience as a driver. Flawless, safe driving record.

Languages: Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.

Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. “Commuting distance” means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Team Work
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

• Good knowledge of the local driving rules and regulations; skills in minor vehicle repair.
• A high degree of punctuality and reliability is required.
• Safe driving manner. Good sense of direction and knowledge of local conditions.
• Ability to cope with extended working hours.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

• Must be able to use discretion and have a high level of trustworthiness.
• Familiarity with FAO and/or UN system vehicle operation and safety policies, procedures and guidelines.