Service Contract - Driver

Organizational Context

The UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago seeks a Driver to provide reliable and safe transportation services. This role operates under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Officer and supports the office's activities by ensuring the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professionalism. The position requires excellent knowledge of protocol and security issues relevant to driving operations within the region.

Job Purpose

The Driver's primary purpose is to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of UNESCO staff, officials, visitors, and authorized personnel using official vehicles. This includes providing reliable driving services, meeting and assisting personnel at the airport, and facilitating basic customs and visa formalities when necessary. The role also involves acting as a translator in the local language for office leadership and personnel during transit. Field trips are also a component of the driving duties. The Driver is responsible for maintaining the vehicle in excellent running condition, managing daily logs, performing minor repairs, and coordinating major maintenance to ensure cost-effectiveness and operational readiness.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include driving UNESCO staff, officials, and visitors in official vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable transportation. The Driver will meet and assist personnel and visitors at the airport, and assist with basic visa and customs procedures. Translation in the local language may be required for office leadership during transit. The role involves driving on field trips as needed. Cost-saving measures through proper vehicle use and maintenance are essential, including daily logs, minor repairs, arranging major repairs, and regular checks of tires, brakes, and fluid levels. The Driver will ensure the vehicle is kept clean and in good running condition. Input for vehicle maintenance plans and reports will be provided, and vehicles will be taken for scheduled inspections and repairs. Maintaining all necessary vehicle documents, insurance, registration, and supplies like first aid kits and spare parts is crucial. Accurate accident reporting is required. The Driver will also assist with HF, VHF radio, and satellite phone installations and usage. Additional duties include delivering and collecting mail and documents. When not driving, the Driver may perform administrative tasks such as photocopying, binding, filing, and paying office bills, and engage in self-directed learning.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of professional experience as a driver is required, preferably within an international organization, embassy, or the UN system. A proven safe driving record is mandatory.

Skills

Proficiency in safe driving practices and vehicle maintenance is essential. Experience in emergency response, adherence to protocol, and familiarity with digital tools are required. Fluency in Spanish is necessary, with basic knowledge of English being beneficial.

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