Transport Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Transport Assistant
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), which is a regional office of the United Nations established to support peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in West Africa and the Sahel region. The organization aims to promote stability, peacebuilding, and development in the region, addressing issues such as conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction. UNOWAS operates in multiple countries across West Africa and the Sahel, working closely with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international partners. The organization is committed to upholding the principles of the United Nations and ensuring that its operations align with the broader goals of the UN system. UNOWAS employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment for all its employees.

Job Overview:
The Transport Assistant position is crucial for the effective management of transport operations within the UNOWAS framework. The role involves overseeing the fleet management and dispatch sub-units, ensuring that all transport-related activities are conducted in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Transport Assistant will be responsible for monitoring the mission's vehicles through the Carlog systems platform, reviewing maintenance and repair programs, and providing recommendations to the Chief Transport Officer (CTO) to minimize repair costs. The position requires a proactive approach to managing transportation requests, route planning, and ensuring the availability of vehicles for various operational needs. The Transport Assistant will also play a key role in budget proposals and the implementation of vehicle replacement policies, making this position integral to the overall efficiency of the transport section.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Transport Assistant will carry out a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: monitoring the distribution of non-expendable transport assets, conducting bi-annual physical inventories, maintaining records in fleet management databases, preparing Business Object Reports, coordinating Mission Vehicle Establishment Committee (VEC) meetings, participating in the development of annual budget proposals, implementing vehicle replacement policies, processing vehicle write-off cases, providing technical expertise on Contingent Own Equipment (COE) and safety inspections, and contributing to statistical reports on transport fleet utilization. Additionally, the Transport Assistant will ensure routine transportation requirements are identified, analyze transportation requests, supervise route planning, establish service timetables, prepare and disseminate information regarding transport services, ensure maximum utilization of vehicle and driver resources, and provide transportation briefings to incoming personnel. The role also includes monitoring the mechanical conditions of vehicles, ensuring daily maintenance of shuttle buses, processing monthly trip tickets and EVMS statistics, maintaining documentation related to assigned duties, and conducting driving test assessments for UN personnel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a technical or vocational certificate in mechanical engineering, transportation, logistics, or related fields being desirable. A valid driver's license is also required. The position demands a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in motor vehicle transport operations or a related area. Experience in procurement processes, contract management, performance monitoring, vendor management, and transport planning is essential. Additionally, experience in international operations within a post-conflict environment is considered desirable, highlighting the need for candidates who can navigate complex operational contexts effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with a technical or vocational certificate in mechanical engineering, transportation, logistics, or other related fields will have an advantage. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical aspects of transport operations and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in motor vehicle transport operations or a related area. This experience should encompass various aspects of transport management, including fleet operations, logistics coordination, and vendor management. Candidates with experience in procurement processes and contract management will be particularly well-suited for this role, as these skills are essential for effective transport planning and execution. Experience in international operations, especially in post-conflict environments, is also desirable, as it indicates the ability to work in challenging and dynamic settings.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written French and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, ensuring that all transport-related information is conveyed accurately and efficiently. Candidates who possess additional language skills may have an advantage, but fluency in French and English is mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. While specific details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its hiring practices, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens during the recruitment process.