Driver

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, and its core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The Driver position at UNESCO's Regional Office in Apia, Samoa, is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of staff, officials, and visitors. The role requires a high level of discretion, integrity, and responsibility, as the incumbent will be responsible for driving official vehicles and ensuring that all driving services meet the highest standards. The Driver will also be expected to assist with basic clerical tasks when not driving, contributing to the overall efficiency of the office. This position is open only to Samoan citizens or residents with legal rights to live and work in Samoa, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and compliance with local regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Driver will perform a variety of duties including but not limited to: driving UNESCO staff, officials, and visitors using official vehicles; ensuring the provision of reliable and safe driving services; meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport and facilitating basic visa and customs formalities; translating in the local language when necessary; driving on field trips; maintaining the assigned vehicle through daily logs, minor repairs, and timely arrangements for major repairs; ensuring the vehicle is clean and in good running condition; providing inputs for vehicle maintenance plans and reports; ensuring availability of required documents and supplies in the vehicle; reporting accidents accurately and timely; delivering and collecting mail and documents; and performing other clerical duties as needed. The Driver may also undertake the duties of other drivers during their absence and may be assigned additional tasks by the Director or Supervisor as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess secondary education and a valid Samoan driver's license (class B, E). The position requires an experienced driver with at least two years of professional driving experience in Apia, knowledge of local driving rules and regulations, and a safe driving history. Experience in transporting executive personnel for various companies and driving a variety of vehicle types, including light passenger vehicles and 4x4 SUVs, is essential. Certification or training in defensive driving and personal safety is considered an advantage, as is work experience as a driver in an international organization, embassy, or UN agency.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is secondary education, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the role. Additionally, candidates must hold a valid Samoan driver's license, which is critical for performing the driving duties associated with this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of two years of professional driving experience, particularly in the Apia area. This experience should include a proven track record of safe driving and familiarity with local traffic regulations. Experience in transporting high-level officials or executives is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.

Languages:
While the primary language for this position is English, proficiency in the local Samoan language is mandatory for effective communication, especially when translating for officials and visitors. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a service contract at Level 2, with a duration of one year. It is open to both internal and external candidates, but only Samoan citizens or residents with legal rights to work in Samoa are eligible to apply. The application deadline is set for midnight on 05/12/2025, and candidates must complete an online application through the UNESCO careers website. The recruitment process may include assessments and interviews, and selected candidates will undergo reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a non-smoking policy and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.