Driver at UNESCO

Job details

• Position: Driver
• Organization: UNESCO
• Contract type: Service Contract
• Level: SC2
• Hiring unit: Sector for Administration and Management (ADM)
• Duty station: Dar es Salaam
• Work location: On-site
• Contract duration: Three months
• Anticipated contract period: 1 October to 31 December 2026
• Eligibility: External candidates
• Application deadline: 18 September 2026 at midnight (UTC+3)

UNESCO core values

• Commitment to the Organization
• Integrity
• Respect for Diversity
• Professionalism

Organizational context

Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative of the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, and under the immediate supervision of the Finance and Administrative Office (AO), the incumbent will determine trip itineraries and the expected duration of journeys.

The role requires the exercise of judgement and the ability to choose from different accepted alternatives, including route selection and compliance with security instructions and procedures. The incumbent must exercise care and take appropriate safety precautions while driving, sometimes under difficult conditions.

The position requires:

• Knowledge of local driving rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the local environment.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• The ability to exercise care and observe safety precautions while driving.
• Flexibility to drive for long or irregular hours.
• Availability to work on weekends when meeting official personnel at the airport or transporting officials to official functions.
• The ability to manage dense traffic, difficult driving conditions and other traffic hazards.
• The ability to occasionally lift heavy equipment, luggage and other items.

Main tasks and services

Driving and transportation services

• Drive UNESCO staff, officials, visitors and other authorized personnel using official or project vehicles.
• Ensure the provision of reliable and safe driving services.
• Meet official personnel and visitors at the airport.
• Facilitate basic visa and customs formalities when required.
• Translate into the local language for the Head or Director of the Office and/or official personnel using the vehicle, when necessary.
• Drive the vehicle during field trips as required.

Vehicle operation and maintenance

• Ensure cost savings through the proper day-to-day use of the assigned vehicle.
• Maintain accurate daily vehicle logs.
• Arrange timely minor repairs and make arrangements for major repairs.
• Ensure timely oil changes.
• Check tyres, brakes and water levels regularly.
• Ensure the vehicle is washed and remains clean and in good running condition at all times.
• Provide input for the preparation of vehicle maintenance plans and reports.
• Arrange for the vehicle to be inspected and repaired at an officially designated workshop.
• Check the vehicle before and after each workshop visit.

Vehicle documentation, supplies and safety

• Ensure that the assigned vehicle has all required documents and supplies, including:
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle logs
  • Office directory
  • Map of the city and country
  • First-aid kit
  • Necessary spare parts
• Keep track of vehicle insurance and other tax formalities.
• Ensure the timely, accurate and correct reporting of accidents.
• Assist with the installation and use of HF and VHF radios and satellite phones in the vehicle.

Office and administrative support

• Deliver and collect mail, documents and other items as required.
• When not driving, perform other duties such as:
  • Photocopying
  • Binding
  • Assisting with filing
  • Paying certain office bills
• Undertake the duties of other drivers while they are on leave.
• Carry out additional activities that may be required to support the success of the work team.

Expected results

The incumbent’s work indirectly affects the work of colleagues outside the immediate unit and contributes to the safety and security of the Organization’s staff and officials. Accidents may have fatal consequences.

The correct and timely delivery of mail and other documents may also indirectly affect the work of colleagues outside the immediate unit.

The position requires the ability to:

• Complete forms accurately.
• Communicate effectively in spoken language.
• Occasionally provide informal translation into or from the local language for Office staff and/or officials using the vehicle.
• Exchange and obtain straightforward, fact-based information.
• Receive and exchange instructions concerning daily transport requirements.
• Deliver and collect mail and messages correctly and on time.

Contract duration

The Service Contract assignment is for three months, tentatively running from 1 October to 31 December 2026.

At the discretion of the Head and UNESCO Representative of the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, the contract may be extended based on:

• Operational needs
• Satisfactory performance
• Availability of sufficient funds

Extensions may be granted for periods of up to and including 12 months at a time.

Core competencies

• Communication
• Accountability
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Planning and organizing
• Results focus
• Teamwork

For detailed information, consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Required qualifications

Education and academic qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A minimum of a high school certificate.
• A valid national driver’s licence.

Passenger Service Vehicle driving courses completed through reputable institutions will be an advantage.

Work experience

• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and Kiswahili, both oral and written.

Skills and competencies

Applicants must possess:

• Proven ability to drive vehicles safely and in accordance with local regulations.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience driving a variety of vehicle types and models.
• Skills in carrying out minor vehicle repairs.
• Knowledge of radio, email, telephone and other applications.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the operation of United Nations vehicles will be an added advantage.

Selection and recruitment process

All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information before the stated deadline.

Applications must be submitted through the UNESCO Careers website. 

Applicants should note that:

• Applications cannot be modified after submission.
• The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments.
• Candidates may participate in interviews with a panel.
• Reference checks may be conducted.
• Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to the position’s qualifications.
• All candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their applications in due course.
• Shortlisted candidates may be added to UNESCO Talent Pools, subject to their consent under the Data Privacy Statement.

Additional information

• UNESCO recalls that the paramount consideration in appointing personnel is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• Individuals from minority and Indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• UNESCO’s statutory retirement age is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Application deadline

Applications must be submitted by 18 September 2026 at midnight (UTC+3).

How to Apply:
Job type Full-time Job, To submit your application, please follow the link provided below. 
CLICK HERE TO APPLY