Driver to the Head of Office

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been present in Sao Tome and Principle since 26 March 1976. The UNDP Country Office (CO) has been closely working with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principle towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The current UNDP Country Programme Document (2023-2027) focuses on the following priorities: (1) Inclusive social systems, (2) Climate action, natural resource management, and energy, (3) Green and blue growth, and (4) transparent and accountable institutions. The CO therefore ensures that robust staffing and capacity exist to support implementation of the programme priorities and delivery of the results.

The Human Resources (HR) unit provides support to CO management in ensuring that the office is appropriately staffed with high quality and engaged personnel who receive the guidance, feedback, and development they need to fully contribute to the CO’s agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. The HR team applies strategic human resource management policies, procedures, programs, and solutions – that leverage both technology and analytics – to promote a strong people management culture and high performing, diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative/Operations and direct supervisor of Head of Procurement and Administrative Associate, the Driver provides reliable and safe driving services to the UNDP RR and other UN officials and high-ranking visitors ensuring highest standards of discretion and integrity, sense of responsibility, excellent knowledge of protocol and security issues. The Driver also demonstrates a client-oriented approach, courtesy, tact and ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Upon request of the supervisor, the Driver may also be required to provide driving services to the operations and programme staff in the CO, consultants and experts and UN staff on mission.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Provide reliable and safe driving services using office vehicle predominantly to the Resident Representative and other UN officials and visitors.

• Transport Resident Representative or other UN visitors or officials applying appropriate protocols.
• Deliver and collect mail and documents and perform other messenger responsibilities.
• Meet official personnel and visitors at the airport and assist with visa and customs formality arrangement when required.

Ensure cost-saving through proper use and day-to-day maintenance of the assigned office vehicle.

• Maintain accurate daily vehicle logs.
• Provide inputs to preparation of the vehicle maintenance plans and reports.
• Make timely minor repairs and/or arrange for major repairs.
• Ensure timely changes of oil, check of tires, brakes, car washing, etc.

Ensure availability in the assigned vehicle of all the required documents, supplies and necessary spare parts.

• Keep current in vehicle documents such as vehicle insurance, vehicle logs, office directory, and map of the city/country.
• Ensure vehicle first aid kit is adequately stocked with standard medical supplies.

Take all immediate actions required by rules, regulations, and laws in case of involvement in accidents.

• Ability to report accident correctly.

Perform other duties within incumbent’s functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and Organization.

• Additional duties may include assisting with pouch, procurement, workshops, and other administrative tasks.

Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education with a valid driver’s license is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years (with high school diploma) of relevant work experience as a driver with a safe driving record is required.
• Knowledge of driving regulations, rules and laws as well as skills in minor vehicle repair and maintenance.
• Experience in the basic use of computers and relevant office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and ability to use web-based management and electronic log, file and/or scheduling systems.
• Knowledge of protocols and security requirements is an advantage.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Portuguese and French is required.
• Knowledge of English is a plus.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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