Project Driver

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services, and it calls for a collective effort to build a better future while upholding human rights and ethical standards.

Job Overview:
The Project Driver plays a crucial role in providing reliable and safe driving services to UNFPA personnel and project staff. This position requires a high level of discretion, integrity, and responsibility, as the driver will be responsible for transporting UNFPA staff, officials, and visitors, as well as managing vehicle maintenance and safety protocols. The driver must demonstrate a client-oriented approach and possess excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The role also involves keeping abreast of traffic regulations and safety measures to ensure timely arrivals for meetings and events, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of the UNFPA operations in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Driver will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing reliable and safe driving services for UNFPA staff, officials, and visitors, ensuring timely transport to various locations.
• Handling the delivery and collection of mail and documentation as required.
• Meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport, managing visa and customs formalities when necessary.
• Driving to UNFPA project locations across the country, ensuring adherence to safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols.
• Keeping up-to-date with traffic and road conditions to facilitate safe and punctual arrivals.
• Managing all aspects of vehicle maintenance, including conducting minor repairs, cleaning, and arranging for major repairs and servicing.
• Maintaining daily vehicle logs and assisting in the preparation of vehicle maintenance plans and history reports.
• Keeping track of insurance and tax formalities for the vehicle.
• Acting as a translator in the local language for official passengers when needed. 1
• Guiding and coaching junior drivers as appropriate. 1
• Assisting country office staff with general administrative duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a valid driving license and have a minimum of five years of work experience as a driver, demonstrating a safe driving record. Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, or embassies is considered an asset. Applicants should have excellent knowledge of driving rules and regulations, chauffeur protocol, and local road conditions. Skills in minor vehicle repairs are highly desirable, along with good verbal communication skills in English and the ability to communicate in local languages such as Sinhala and/or Tamil. Candidates should exemplify integrity, commitment to UNFPA's mission, and embrace cultural diversity.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of Secondary Level Education (G.C.E. Ordinary Level) or an equivalent qualification. This educational background ensures that candidates possess the foundational knowledge necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience as a driver, with a proven history of safe driving. Experience in the UN system or similar international organizations is advantageous, as it indicates familiarity with the operational protocols and standards expected in such environments.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of the English language and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with passengers and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes leave days, health insurance, and additional remuneration for pensions and social security obligations. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.