Senior Driver-Internationals Only

Jerusalem Office – UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence

Since the opening of the Jerusalem Office in 2006, UNOPS has significantly strengthened its operations in Palestine. Our expert knowledge, skills and management systems contribute to the sustainable development of public infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, including Area C and East Jerusalem.

UN Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023) mandates the establishment of a mechanism “for accelerating the provision of humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza through states which are not party to the conflict, consulting all relevant parties, with the goal of expediting, streamlining, and accelerating the process of providing assistance.” The UN 2720 Mechanism for Gaza will be built to include all the commodities - humanitarian and commercial - that are necessary to ensure effective response to the needs of 2.2 million residents of Gaza (across the Strip), encompassing humanitarian, reconstruction, and early recovery needs

Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Project Manager, with input from the Administration Senior Assistant & Security Associate, the Senior Driver provides reliable and safe driving services for the transport of authorized personnel.

Summary of functions: 

• Driving: 

• Security and Protocol:

• Vehicle Maintenance

• Logistics Support: 

• Coordination: 

• Emergency Response: 

• Documentation: 

Keys responsibilities: 

• Driving: 

• Ensures provision of reliable and secure driving services for the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator and her delegation’s missions to designated locations, both locally and within the region;

• Drives for high ranking officials and personnel of the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator’s office and personnel engaged under the UN 2720 Mechanism for Gaza;

• Drives a variety of vehicles, including armored and soft skinned vehicles;

Security and Protocol: 

• The driver adheres to security protocols, traffic rules, and local regulations. They maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Based on specific assignments, the incumbent is required to perform the following responsibilities: 

• When driving a senior official (VIP), applies protocol issues related to flags, attendance at Government Ministries, Royal/Presidential Palaces, VIP/Senior Diplomatic protocols in use at border crossings and at Airports

• Ensures the safety of the vehicle, the passengers, freight and other road users; loads/unloads the assigned vehicle, as needed, and assists in moving and securing equipment/luggage as required

• Plans and navigate the best route; 

• Coordinates with relevant authorities and agencies to facilitate border crossings and navigate checkpoints;

• Ensures all necessary paperwork and documentation are in order before transporting passengers;

• Maintains an organized travel schedule;

• Demonstrates flexibility with travel schedules and willingness to accommodate changes as needed;

• Maintains a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with passengers and officials;

• Ensures cost-savings through proper use of vehicle through accurate maintenance of daily vehicle logs, provision of inputs to preparation of the vehicle maintenance plans and reports;

• Ensures proper day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle through timely minor repairs, arrangements for major repairs, timely changes of oil, check of tires, brakes, car washing, etc;

Vehicle maintenance and repairs: 

• Oversees the maintenance of his/her assigned vehicle including daily basic check of oil, battery, brakes, water, tires and reports problems to supervisor;

• Ensures the cleanliness and good general condition of the vehicle inside and outside;

• Performs repairs to the fleet as needed

Logistics support and coordination: 

• Collaborate with other team members to ensure efficient transportation logistics. This includes coordinating pick-up and drop-off schedules, optimizing routes, and adjusting plans based on changing circumstances.

• Supervise external contractors and perform basic procurement tasks to support immediate coordinator's needs while on mission

• Ensures protocol requirements are met at all times and coordinates and networks with local authorities to ensure a smooth processing

• Coordinates travel schedules, routes, and pick-up/drop-off points with senior officials’ offices.

• In high-risk areas or during critical missions, coordinate closely with security personnel and close protection officers. Ensures security protocols are followed, stay informed about potential risks, and adapt the routes accordingly.

Emergency response: 

• Remains prepared for emergency situations and follows established procedures.

• implement security measures during travel, especially in high-risk areas.

• Familiarized with emergency procedures and evacuation plans

• In case of an emergency, UN drivers promptly assess the situation and provide immediate assistance to passengers.

• This includes helping passengers exit the vehicle safely, administering basic first aid if needed, and ensuring their well-being.

• UN drivers coordinate with emergency services (such as UNDSS and Supervisor) to provide accurate information about the incident.

• Adheres to traffic laws and safety regulations to avoid accidents or incidents;

• Ensures that all immediate actions required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in accidents

• participate in training and courses to stay abreast of developments in the transport and security fields;

Documentation : 

• Keeps accurate records of trips, mileage, and fuel consumption.

• Ensures availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, necessary spare parts;

• Ensures proper application of rules and procedures of the Agency's diplomatic pouch operations including the appropriate custody and protection of confidentiality during transit across borders; ensures that passengers are in possession of valid travel documents (UNLP,visa) before commencing trips; assists passengers in boarding and disembarking;

• Submit timely reports on mileage, fuel consumption, and incidents.

• Assist with administrative duties related to transportation logistics.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

Successful completion of the tasks explained in the previous paragraph. 

4. Final Product

• Ensure vehicles are serviceable, functioning and available for tasking

• Ensure availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, necessary spare parts, as well as others as required in line with the UN Security Management Policy, in the UNOPS vehicles;

• Guarantee the observation of appropriate procedures in case of vehicle accidents according to the UNOPS regulations and to report them immediately to the direct Supervisor;

• Ensure that all duties assigned are completed with accuracy, professionalism, discretion and in a timely manner.

1. Education 

• Completion of secondary school is required;

1. Work Experience

• At least six years’ experience as a professional driver for passengers is required with a high school diploma, including VIP driving experience;

• Within the required years of experience, a minimum of two years of relevant international experience including at least one year working in a volatile environment are required;

• Possession of valid national and international driving license is required;

• Valid International driving license for vehicles type C, C1 or above Category is required.

• Must possess basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance, inspection and fault reporting

•  Experience in driving armored vehicles is required. 

• Computer literacy especially on Google suite is essential;

c. Desired skills: 

• Bus driving license is desirable.  

• Possession of general knowledge of all types of vehicles;

• Experience with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable; 

• Knowledge of the security environment in the region and experience in dealing with local authorities will be a strong asset.

• Specialized training/certificates in some or all of the following Is highly desired

•  1. Health and Safety;

• 2. Close Protection/Armored Vehicle operation, evasion, ambush awareness, convoy driving techniques and general security awareness; 

• 3. Specific type training for specialist vehicles; 

• 4. First Aid Training; 

• 5. VHF/HF communications;

• The driver should be able to understand instructions clearly and convey information accurately.

• Listening attentively to senior officials’ preferences, concerns, and instructions is essential.

• The driver should be adjusting to changes in schedules, routes, or unexpected delays 

• Working with senior officials from diverse backgrounds requires cultural awareness.

• Observing traffic patterns, road conditions, and potential risks is part of a high-level driver’s role.

• High-level drivers often have access to sensitive information. Maintaining confidentiality is paramount.

D. Languages: 

• Excellent command in writing and speaking English is required 

• Good command of Arabic and Hebrew is an asset

1. Contract type TA
2. Contract level TA P1
3. Contract duration :6 months

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• 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. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority 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. For more information on a retainer contract 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.