Mozambique: Driver/Administrative Assistant (16-29)

Location: Maputo, Gaza, and Inhambane, Mozambique

The Center: CIP (www.cipotato.org) is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions.

The Project: In response to the current drought affecting the majority of Mozambique, with severe effects in the South, the project aims to increase food security and improve the diets of 25,000 poor households in a total of 13 districts of Gaza (Guija, Chigubo, Chicualacuale, Mapai, Mabalane, and Massangena), Inhambane (Funhalouro, Govuro, and Mabote), and Maputo (Moamba, Magude, Boane, and Matutuine) provinces through the production and consumption of nutritious, orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). Other specific objectives of the project include: 1) improve access to climate resilient, drought tolerant and nutritious OFSP varieties for households in the target regions; 2) increase capacity in the management of multiplication material, as well as improved production and storage among drought-affected communities; and, 3) to enhance nutrition knowledge and capacity for OFSP utilization in vulnerable households with children under 5 years of age. This is an USAID/OFDA funded project.

The Position: The Driver and Administrative Assistant will report to the Administrator and Project Manager, and in accordance with CIP HR Policies and Procedures, the Driver/Admin. Assist will assume the following duties and responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

The Driver/Office Assistant is responsible for the car maintenance and assist in administrative responsibilities

Vehicle maintenance:

• Ensure that the vehicles are kept clean and road worthy;

• Check vehicle condition/requirement and fill-in the Log Book properly;

• Ensure vehicle use is in compliance with CIP motor vehicle policy;

• Operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner and always follow road safety standards;

• Ensure proper maintenance and servicing of vehicles;

• Provide day-to-day vehicle reports and report to the supervisor any noted defects on time;

• Report accidents or incidents to the supervisor in a timely manner

• Meet official personnel at the airport and organize transfers to hotel;

• Drive office vehicle for transportation of authorized personnel and delivery/collection of cargo and other items;

• Make field trips in/or out-side the country;

• Prepare monthly summary of oil consumption and report to supervisor;

• Ensure that the steps required by the CIP driving policy are taken in case of involvement in an accident;

• Perform all other related duties.

Office Assistant responsibility:

• Assist in travel arrangements

• Assist in procurement with sourcing for quotes and collection of items;

• Support and assist the Admin. Assistant in duties, such as photocopying, providing messenger services and filing and archiving correspondence;

• Make distribution of the Program correspondence, material, documents to appropriate persons;

• Support the Admin. Assistant in maintaining a partners’ contacts database

• Provide logistical support to Admin. Assistant in the organization and preparation of workshops, meetings and events;

• Perform all other clerical related duties, upon request.

Selection Criteria

• Medium Level

• Clean and valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Advanced Driver's Certificate from relevant issuing authority

• Basic knowledge of car mechanics and ability to attend to minor repairs and maintenance of the vehicle in case of breakdown will be an advantage.

• Computer literate and conversant with the MS Office.

• Smart, presentable persona, courteous and pleasant personality; good communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills and a good commence of English

• Ability to adapt to different work situations and work in a team

• At least 3 years of demonstrable working experience in a similar position

• Experience working a development assistance organization will be an advantage

• Experience driving 4x4 vehicles over long distances and on rough terrain

• Willingness to spend considerable time working under field conditions in rural areas

• Fluent in spoken and written English

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a three-month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. The salary will be very competitive, paid in Meticais, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ ), including a letter of motivation, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 30 September, 2016 and will continue until the post is filled. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals are particularly encouraged to apply