The University of Liverpool, UK, in conjunction with two international NGOs, The Brooke and SPANA Ethiopia, are implementing a Wellcome trust funded research project investigating histoplasmosis (a fungal disease) in working horses and donkeys in Ethiopia.
Under the overall supervision of the project director and the direct supervision of the in-country project coordinator and Finance and Operations Support Manager, Brooke Ethiopia, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing driving services and general support for the Histoplasmosis research team in Ethiopia —in line with the policies, standards and commitments of the three institutions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Drive the field vehicle, ensuring safe and on time arrival of staff to the duty station/destinations and back as required;
2. Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the vehicle to ensure road worthiness. This includes daily check of tires, brakes, engine oil, fan belt, water, battery, etc.;
3. Perform and arrange for minor repairs as required and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean inside and out, and always has full tank prior to departure for field trips;
4. Ensure that vehicle undertakes regular service intervals/ regular checking of the vehicle parts;
5. Find the most direct routing over the best available roads to the destination;
6. Make sure that the daily log sheet is prepared (including records of all trips, daily mileage, fuel consumption, oil changes, greasing) and a monthly report is prepared summarizing statistics for mileage, fuel consumption, and usage etc.
7. Take proper precaution to reduce potential security threats to staff and property within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle and along transport routes;
8. Safe-keep all the required documents/supplies such as insurance, registration papers, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, and other spare parts, as well as keeping track of insurance, service history and other tax formalities.
9. As required, provide informal interpretation services from/to the local language for the research staff using the car.
10. Ensure compliance with local rules and regulations (pertaining to driving) in the case of involvement in accident;
11. Perform other related duties as may be assigned
Essential criteria:
1. At least 2 years driving experience for NGO / government project vehicles in the community with an extensive knowledge of the road systems in Ethiopia.
2. Valid driving license with exemplary history and knowledge of the regulations and bylaws for driving in Ethiopia.
3. Ability to drive on all-terrains to ensure the proper care of the vehicle and passengers inside, along with experience of how to safely recover a vehicle if becomes stuck.
4. Ability to perform vehicle maintenance checks and perform minor repairs such as replacing oil and tyres.
5. High school certificate, good spoken and written English, basic numeracy skills and fluency in at least one of the main local languages.
6. Willing to work flexibly and undertake long-distance drives with overnight stays for up to a week at a time.
Personal characteristics:
1. Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms;
2. Client Orientation – works effectively with client and stakeholders as from time to time you will be required to drive official project visitors and students who will be hosted by the project;
3. Communication – listens and communicates clearly and happy to speak with a range of different people with a good approach to communicating appropriately with officials and to manage difficult situations in a calm and considered approach.
4. Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
5.Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
The position will be full-time, based in Bishoftu, and is available for one year in the first instance with the possibility of extension by a few months depending on the progress of the project.