Driver

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) advances the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation toward more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. This effort promotes better production, improved nutrition, a healthier environment, and enhanced livelihoods, ensuring no one is left behind.

The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies and projects that drive the transformation of food, agriculture, and rural development. It also fosters and maintains relationships with subregional institutions.

The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).

GCP/SAP/011/EC - Sustainable transformation of domestic agrifood systems in Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands.
The combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing global disruptions in supply chains due to the war in Ukraine have significantly delayed many countries' progresses toward achieving their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countries like Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands have been severely impacted by what is now termed the \"5F crisis\"—Food, Feed, Fuel, Fertilizer, and Finance. These interconnected issues have resulted in widespread inflation, disproportionately affecting the more vulnerable populations in these countries. The sharp rise in food prices has led to increased reliance on cheaper, unhealthy food options, further weakening public health and threatening domestic agrifood systems.
In response to these challenges, the European Union Delegation (EUD) funded the STODAS project through the 10th European Development Fund. The project's primary objective is to bolster domestic food production, reduce import dependency, and enhance self-reliance to achieve sustainable food and nutrition security in the region.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the Sub-regional Coordinator for the Pacific, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative to Fiji. The assignment is based at FAO Fiji Country Office at all times and the incumbent will work closely with the project Administration & Logistics personnel to ensure the Technical Adviser and other project staff receive transport support in a coordinated manner. 

Technical Focus

The Driver will facilitate efficient and safe transportation of the Suva-based Technical Adviser (Agrifood Systems) and other technical project staff across Fiji, supporting project field missions, consultations, project evaluations, and procurement-related tasks. He or she will perform the following specific duties:

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Drive the project personnel and their official visitors (when necessary) on field missions.
•    Meet visiting FAO staff and other official visitors at the airport when required, facilitate immigration and customs formalities. 
•    Log official trips, daily mileage, fuel consumption, transportation/vehicle related expenditures, vehicle servicing and repairs.
•    Ensure day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle(s) check oil, water, battery, tyres etc. Perform minor repairs and arrange for any other repairs necessary in a timely manner to keep the vehicle safe and technically sound at all times. 
•    In case of an accident, ensure that all organizational and local/country rules, regulations and procedures are followed correctly.
•    Collect and deliver mail, documents, pouches, and other communications/items from and to the country office: go to the post office, airport, government agencies, other UN agencies, institutions, and project sites, to take and deliver items and communications; keep records as required.
•    Plan and facilitate all vehicle runs with due economy and according to transport regulations.
•    Abide by all road rules and requirements under the transport policy.
•    Ensure the vehicles are always clean, neat and tidy. 
•    Ensure that vehicles are always roadworthy, giving adequate notice to project staff of the vehicle being unavailable due to servicing. 
•    Ensure that vehicle annual registration is current and renewed in adequate time.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    Completed secondary level education
•    Three years of work experience as a driver. Flawless, safe driving record
•    Valid driver's license
•    English language proficiency (level C)
•    National of Fiji

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•    Must possess a valid group 2 license and must be able to drive a manual vehicle, with clean driving records. 
•    A valid group 6 and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license will be added advantage. 
•    Experience driving for senior government and /or UN officials, with knowledge of main government buildings and key locations in Suva and across Fiji. 
•    Must note that smoking, vaping and consumption of intoxicants of any kind are prohibited in FAO premises including the FAO vehicle and that he or she must report for duty in a fit and ready state for driving. 
•    Must be responsive to vehicle usage requests from the project staff and be punctual for pick ups and drop offs, with accurate estimation of transit times.
•    Neat and tidy appearance befitting an official from UN agency
•    Demonstrated safe driving record and experience driving high-level officials is preferred.
•    Knowledge of driving rules and regulations, and potentially basic vehicle mechanical skills. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION