Driver

Job Highlight

Ensures the safe and reliable transportation of authorized personnel, maintains vehicles, and provides administrative and facility support.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) unites the New York Portfolios, including the Peace and Security team (PSC); the Geneva Office; and the Vienna-based Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) teams, to maximize global impact, foster efficiencies and streamline global programmes. Leveraging our collective expertise and networks, GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the SDGs across over 130 countries. We deliver project management, fund management, advisory services, project implementation, and HR services, working closely with major global partners. Our thematic focus includes sustainable development, climate action, health, peace & security, and humanitarian action.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

Job Specific Context

General Background

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information - Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has served as a key implementation platform supporting the work of its largest partner, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

Through a strategic partnership, PSC delivers interlinked portfolio, programme and project management services, reinforced by robust oversight and risk management controls tailored to operations in complex and high-risk environments.

Operating under the leadership of the Cluster Director - who holds overall authority and accountability for PSC’s performance on behalf of its clients - the Cluster provides day-to-day management of UNMAS field programmes.

This includes comprehensive support across human resources, procurement, contract management, planning, implementation, and financial oversight, ensuring full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations and donor requirements.

PSC’s service delivery is complemented by cross-cutting initiatives, including knowledge and information management, gender equality, diversity and inclusion and quality assurance.

The Cluster enables agile deployment and operational flexibility, allowing field programmes to respond swiftly to shifting needs in dynamic operational contexts. It also plays an essential role in donor reporting and visibility, ensuring that funding is used transparently and effectively.

Background Information - UNMAS

Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat of landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). UNMAS leads operational responses, coordinates mine action across the UN system, and contributes to global standards and policy development.

UNMAS supports the UN's vision of "a world free of the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development, and where mine survivors are fully integrated into their societies."

Operating under mandates from both the UN General Assembly and Security Council, UNMAS functions as a specialized service within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).

UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, or at the request of the UN Secretary-General or his designated official. When instructed by the Security Council or called upon by Member States, UNMAS deploys under humanitarian, peace and security mandates.

UNMAS main headquarters is in the UN Secretariat, New York with a sub-office in Geneva. UNMAS provides direct support and assistance in the areas of explosive hazard threat mitigation to 18 countries/territories/missions, has a standby rapid response capacity and global technical advisors in the field of IEDs and Weapons and Ammunition Management. As an office within DPO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.

UNMAS chairs the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) and leads the Mine Action Area of Responsibility under the Global Protection Cluster. It also chairs the IMAS Review Board and leads the UN Coordinating Task Force on IEDs, supporting the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda.

Background – UNMAS Sudan

The UNMAS Sudan Programme, based in Port Sudan, works in close coordination with the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), the UN Country Team and humanitarian partners. The project aims to protect civilians from the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) and strengthen the resilience of conflict-affected communities through a comprehensive, gender-mainstreamed and conflict-sensitive mine action response. It also supports broader humanitarian, early recovery and stabilization efforts by enabling safe access to areas contaminated by EO.

UNMAS Sudan’s key activities include land release operations, with the operational focus expected to shift toward the clearance of AT mines, including minimum-metal variants; delivery of both direct and indirect Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), tailored to different gender and age groups; and provision of technical advice to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) actors to help them safely operate in EO-affected environments. The project also leads the coordination of the Mine Action Area of Responsibility (MA AoR) in Sudan, co-chairing the sector under the Global Protection Cluster framework. Through this role, UNMAS ensures that mine action is effectively integrated into humanitarian coordination mechanisms and that EO threats are adequately understood and addressed at all levels.

While the Programme’s current operational footprint is primarily focused on areas under the control of the Sudan Government - especially urban areas in Khartoum and Al Jazirah - UNMAS Sudan aspires to expand its outreach to all EO-affected regions, addressing both legacy contamination and new threats emerging from the ongoing conflict.

Role Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Support Service Senior Associate, the Driver ensures the safe and reliable transportation of authorized personnel. The incumbent demonstrates professionalism, courtesy and discretion in performing their responsibility, including the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Driving Services

• Provide safe, reliable and timely transportation of authorized personnel and, where applicable, cargo or hazardous goods.
• Collect and deliver mail, documents and other items as required.
• Meet and assist assigned personnel at the airport, including facilitating immigration and customs formalities.
• Maintain accurate daily vehicle logs and provide input for maintenance plans and usage reports

1. Vehicle Maintenance and Documentation

• Perform routine checks (e.g. oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc) and ensure vehicles are kept in good working condition.
• Carry out minor repairs and coordinate major repairs as needed.
• Keep assigned vehicles clean and roadworthy at all times.
• Ensure availability and safekeeping of all required documents and supplies, including insurance, registration, logs, maps, office directory, first aid kit, and spare parts

1. Accident Response

• Take immediate action in line with organizational rules and regulations in the event of an accident.

1. Administrative and Facility Support

• Assist Administrative or Support Services with procurement processes, including obtaining quotations for office supplies.
• Inspect, distribute and maintain inventory records of office supplies and equipment.
• Support facility management by arranging minor repairs, liaising with artisans and maintaining a roster of service providers.
• Monitor and support the maintenance of office equipment to ensure optimum performance, including timely follow-up on utility services.
• Respond promptly to repair and maintenance requests raised by authorized personnel.

Skills

Professional Driving

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

• Secondary Diploma (High School diploma or equivalent) is required with 2 years of relevant experience
• A valid driver’s licence type "General" is required

Desired:

• A Technical Diploma in Automotive

Experience Requirements

Required:

• Relevant experience is work in safe driving, defensive driving and minor vehicle repair
• A minimum of two (2) years of working as a driver of civilian vehicles is required.
• Experience and knowledge of local driving rules and regulations is required.

Desired:

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired
• Experience in minor vehicle repair and maintenance is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishIntermediateRequiredArabicFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.