Driver at UNDP

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. UNHCR also has a man-date to help stateless people. In more than four decades, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. Today, a total 7,685 staff in more than 125 countries continues to help some 33.9 million persons.

The protracted political instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to a continuous stream of refugees into Zambia over the years. However, delays to hold Presidential elections in the DRC have resulted in intensified instability, especially in the eastern part of the country. Since 30 August 2017, Zambia has been receiving an increased number of new arrivals from the DRC, mainly from Pweto in Haute Katanga and Moba, in Tanganyika Province. The Congolese refugees and asy-lum seekers fled conflict and violation of human rights as Government soldiers fight militias who have sprung up in the Eastern part of the country. While most of the new arrivals enter through the Chiengi border area, some are also crossing into Zambia through other entry points, such as Nsumbu, Kaputa and Mpulungu, in Northern Province as well as Kipushi and Kakoma, in North Western Province and Kasumbalesa and Sakania, on the Copperbelt Province. Some asylum seekers travel directly to Lu-saka. Asylum seekers who are arrive through other entry points (other than Chiengi) are relocated to Meheba and Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlements.

UNHCR is coordinating the Congolese emergency response efforts in support of the Government of Zambia. The UN Agency is responsible for undertaking direct and primary advocacy with the Government for all refugee matters, while facilitating inter-agency planning, resource mobilization, implementation, and coordination of the refugee response in Zambia. As of today, over 21,000 Congolese have crossed into Zambia since January 2017 with 2,400 living in Meheba refugee settlement, Kalumbila District, North Western Province. Inter-agency contingency planning figure shows 50,000 as the number of persons that may cross into Zambia via entry points located in North Western and Copperbelt Provinces.

The Driver’s position in the Office normally falls under direct supervision of the Administrative Officer/Assistant. The incumbent is responsible for up keep and maintenance of the assigned UNHCR vehicle(s) as per technical guidance and specifications established by the organisation. She/he is required to follow strict instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor. While basic function of a Driver is to drive the official vehicles of UNHCR, she/he may be called upon to perform minor maintenance and repair of UNHCR vehicles.

The incumbent has regular contacts with staff within UNHCR office and with service providers outside UNHCR involving a limited exchange of information.

Duties And Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Administrative Officer/Assistant. The UNV Driver will undertake the following tasks:

• • Drive UNHCR vehicles for the transport of authorized passengers and delivery and collection of mail, documents, UNHCR pouch and other items;
  • Perform day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicles; check oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc. and ensure that the assigned UNHCR vehicles are road worthy and maintained up to the established security standards;
  • Perform minor repairs and arrange for other repairs and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean;
  • Ensure that the steps required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in accident;
  • Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing, etc;
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers Are Required To

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  • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by read-ing relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark IVD);
  
  
  • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
  
  
  • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
  
  
  • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
  
  
  • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
  
  
  • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
  
  
  
  

Results/Expected Output

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  • Assigned UNHCR vehicles are properly maintained and equipped as per technical guidance and specifications established by the Organisation;
  
  
  • Local traffic rules and regulations are strictly observed;
  
  
  • Instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor and security focal point are strictly followed by the Driver and the passengers during the journey;
  
  
  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities partic-ipated in and capacities developed.
  
  
  
  

Competencies

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  • Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of speciality and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
  
  
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

• Completion of Primary Education or equivalent technical or commercial school;


• Minimum 2 years of previous job experience relevant to the functio;


• Driving licence, knowledge of driving rules and regulations and skills in minor vehicle repair;


• Good knowledge of English and local language;


• Mechanical skills;


• UNHCR Learning Programmes, other training.

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