Transport Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which is dedicated to supporting peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security efforts in Somalia. The UNSOS aims to provide logistical and operational support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other partners. The organization operates with a mission to enhance stability and security in the region, and it employs a diverse workforce committed to these goals. The UNSOS is part of the larger United Nations system, which has a global presence and operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Transport Assistant will play a crucial role in the Transport Section of UNSOS, primarily responsible for managing the fleet vehicle inventory and ensuring the effective operation of transport services. The incumbent will report directly to the Unit Chief and will be expected to monitor the distribution of transport assets, conduct bi-annual inventories, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that vehicles are available for various missions and emergencies, and that all transport operations comply with established UN procedures. The Transport Assistant will also supervise the Transport Warehouse, manage spare parts inventory, and conduct driving assessments for mission personnel. This position is vital for maintaining the operational readiness of the transport fleet and ensuring that all logistical needs are met efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Transport Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: 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 meetings, implementing the Vehicle Replacement Policy, processing vehicle write-off cases, providing technical expertise on Contingent Own Equipment (COE) and safety inspections, and participating in technical evaluations of vendor bids. Additionally, the incumbent will ensure the availability of vehicles for temporary assignments, supervise the Transport Warehouse, conduct regular inventory checks, monitor warehouse records, prepare financial summaries, and determine technical specifications for requisitions. The role also includes maintaining databases for UN driving permits, conducting driving tests, monitoring vendor performance, and participating in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the Transport Unit.

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 diploma or degree in Transport Logistics or Supply Chain Management is also preferred. The position requires a valid driver’s license and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in motor vehicle transport operations or a related area. Experience in supervising and monitoring drivers and transport operations in a conflict or post-conflict environment is highly desirable, as is experience in managing fleet operations at the international level. Familiarity with the Electronic Vehicle Monitoring System (EVMS) and training colleagues in transport operations is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with a technical or vocational certificate in mechanical engineering, transportation, logistics, or other related fields will be viewed favorably. Additionally, a diploma or degree in Transport Logistics or Supply Chain Management is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in the principles of transport and logistics management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in motor vehicle transport operations or a related area. This experience should include a minimum of two years in supervising and monitoring the rotation of drivers and managing transport activities in a conflict or post-conflict environment. Experience in transport asset management, fleet maintenance, and operations at the international level is also desirable. Candidates with experience working in a UN field mission and managing fleet operations using the Electronic Vehicle Monitoring System (EVMS) will have a competitive advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. While French is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates who can communicate effectively in both languages will be considered more favorably, but English is the primary language for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period of six months. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it is important to note that this temporary job opening may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to maintaining a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.