Driver

May 17, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

GS2

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-19

Driver

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Driver in the UNHCR Office is normally supervised directly by the Administrative Officer/Associate/Assistant or another staff member when the scale of the Operation so require it. Besides driving, the incumbent is responsible for up keep and maintenance of the assigned UNHCR vehicle(s) as per technical guidance and specifications established by the Organisation. S/he is required to follow strict instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor. While the basic function of a driver is to drive the official vehicles of UNHCR, s/he may be called upon to perform minor maintenance and repair of UNHCR vehicles.

The Driver has regular contacts with staff within the UNHCR Office and with others (including Partners, government authorities, etc.) outside UNHCR involving a limited exchange of information.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Drive UNHCR vehicles for the transport of authorized passengers, deliver, and collect documents and other items.
- Meet official personnel at airports or other locations and facilitate immigration and customs formalities as required.
- Perform day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicles; check oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc. and ensure that the assigned UNHCR vehicles are road or waterway worthy and maintained up to the established security standards.
- Perform minor repairs, arrange for other repairs, and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean.
- Ensure that the steps required by rules and regulations, or other local procedures, are taken in case of involvement in an accident.
- Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing, etc.
- Ensure that instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor and security focal point are strictly followed.
- Ensures valid documentation for passengers, items or cargo in vehicle.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G2D - 2 years relevant experience with Completion of Primary Education or High School Diploma or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
*Driving Licences;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Driving licence, knowledge of driving rules and regulations.
Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
* DV-Driving Rules and Regulations
DV - Basic Vehicle Mechanical Skills;
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Valid national driving license for the appropriate vehicle category
At least two years of relevant driving experience, preferably in humanitarian, UN, NGO, UNHCR, or field-based operations

Proven knowledge of local roads, routes, and driving conditions in the Gambella Region, an added advantage.
Demonstrated knowledge of vehicle maintenance, safety, and basic mechanical checks
Strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and respect for confidentiality
Ability to strictly follow security instructions and UNHCR safety standards
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Prior experience working effectively in a multicultural team and under pressure
Availability for field missions, emergencies, and flexible working hours
The position cannot be performed remotely and requires full physical presence

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational health and safety considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Ethiopia hosts one of the largest refugee and internally displaced populations in the world and remains a key operational context for UNHCR. The organization supports large-scale refugee and mixed displacement responses across several regions, including Gambella, which hosts a significant refugee population living in camps and settlements, in addition to internally displaced persons affected by recurrent shocks such as flooding and inter-ethnic tensions.

The Driver position is a critical operational support role within the UNHCR Gambella Sub-Office. The incumbent is normally supervised by the Administrative Associate/Assistant or another designated staff member, depending on the operational scale. The Driver supports the effective delivery of UNHCR programmes by ensuring the safe, timely, and reliable transportation of staff, partners, visitors, documents, and supplies within Gambella town, refugee camps, field locations, airports, and other duty-related destinations.

The Driver operates in a challenging field and security environment and is required to strictly follow UNHCR rules, regulations, vehicle management guidance, and security instructions at all times. The role requires a high level of responsibility, attention to safety, and respect for confidentiality. In addition to driving duties, the incumbent is responsible for the care and day-to-day maintenance of assigned UNHCR vehicles, ensuring roadworthiness and compliance with established safety and security standards.

The Driver may be required to meet official personnel at airports and other locations.

The position requires flexibility, reliability, and the ability to work under pressure, including during emergencies, field missions, and periods of heightened operational tempo.

The Driver has regular internal contacts with UNHCR staff and limited external contacts with partners, government officials, and service providers, mainly for purposes related to transport, deliveries, and operational coordination. Information exchanged externally is usually routine in nature.

Living and Working Conditions:

Gambella is a non-family duty station. UNHCR provides guesthouse accommodation for staff, depending on availability. Banking and medical facilities are limited. There are daily commercial flights between Addis Ababa and Gambella.

The climate in Gambella is tropical. Temperatures may rise up to 45°C during the hottest period (March–April), followed by a long rainy season. Heavy rainfall often affects road access and driving conditions during the rainy season. The average annual temperature is approximately 27.6°C, with average annual rainfall of around 1,148 mm. Gambella is a malaria-prone area, and other tropical diseases are common.

Internet and communication services are available within the UNHCR compound. The duty station is characterized by remoteness, isolation, and limited recreational and social amenities, which candidates should consider prior to applying.

Gambella is classified as Security Level 3. While the security situation is currently calm, it remains unpredictable. Key security concerns include criminality, civil unrest, and localized tensions. Movement restrictions may be imposed depending on security developments. A curfew is enforced from 19:00 to 06:00 hours in Gambella and Pinyudo areas.
 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DV - Basic Vehicle Mechanical Skills, DV-Driving Rules and Regulations

Certifications

Driving License - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Position is opened to ONLY Ethiopian nationals.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
The position is advertised on a replacement capacity.
Candidates may be subjected to assessment.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance