Driver – WASH on Wheels at Nala Foundation, Ethiopia

Category:  Automotive
Location:  SNNPR, Amhara
Career Level: Senior Level (5+ years experience)
Salary:  Negotiable

Job Description

About NALA

NALA works to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ethiopia, specifically hygiene-related diseases that are common in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. NALA’s disease prevention model complements drug distribution campaigns with targeted health education, community mobilization, and improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. NALA intervention models empower communities to take the lead in promoting behavioral change and in improving WASH; increasing sustainability beyond the end of the different project. In addition, NALA’s locally-based solutions have resulted in a measurable reduction in the prevalence of disease in our project areas. As a result of NALA’s successful work, the Ministry of Health invited NALA to provide technical assistance to the National NTD Control Program, as well as coordination support to regional-level governments. The Ministry also requested special attention and implementation support for disease “hot spots,” areas where disease burden is especially high. NALA’s work has span for many years and focuses on schools, communities and capacity building and policy work both at the federal and regional levels.

 About the project

“WASH on Wheels”— Improving WASH Access in Schools

In Ethiopia, only 23% of schools have access to water, and only 40% have sanitation services. This absence of sufficient WASH services puts children at risk for several NTDs, as well as other WASH-related illnesses. In October 2019, NALA organized an intensive WASH assessment of schools in one of our project areas in southern Ethiopia. This zone is considered a “hot spot” for NTDs such as schistosomiasis, trachoma, STH, LF, and others. The scoping team reported that a basic level of WASH infrastructure actually existed in several schools, though it was mostly non-operational. The infrastructure had been built in the past by different international or local partners, but unfortunately the facilities had not been maintained. Their evaluation highlighted two important causes of WASH failure in the schools: 1) poor maintenance due to lack of knowledge, lack of materials, or de-prioritization and 2) an absence of behaviour change to reinforce the use and sustainability of the facilities. In their post-trip report, the scoping team also expressed that most of the infrastructure could be easily fixed with the right tools, knowledge, and motivation.

For this reason, NALA is to launch “WASH mobile clinics” (or WASH on wheels) staffed by both skilled handymen and trained community workers. The WASH clinics (vehicle) will travel to different schools and fulfil two different but interrelated objectives: 1) improving WASH access in the schools, and 2) inspiring hygiene-related behaviour change amongst the school community.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will generally be in charge of proper handling and safe keeping of the assigned vehicle handling materials and facilities in his custody in his due care driving the vehicle as per the traffic rule. Equip the vehicle with the necessary materials like first aid kit, and fire extinguisher, provide the transportation service for staff while they are assigned for mission.

 Some of the key responsibilities are:

  • Receiving the vehicle with its accessories by hand-over documents and signs hand-over formats for receipt of vehicle with its accessories
  • Handles clients with due care and respect. Respects the faith and culture of different communities
  • Maintains records of log sheet for all journeys undertaken, fuel consumed, repair costs, etc. by filling in all required information properly and accurately. And ensures the log sheet is available for inspection at any time
  • Providing driving services to the project manager, technicians, other NALA staff members, visitors and partners.
  • Before starting the vehicle’s engine each day, checks the level of engine oil, radiator, and windscreen washer water are adequate, etc.
  • On weekly basis, checks the level of brake and clutch oil, battery water and the pressure of tires is at the proper levels, and also ensures that all lights and indicators are working properly.
  • Ensures that the assigned vehicle is not driven by another person unless authorized.
  • When assigned, assists in local purchasing/expediting activities.
  • Maintaining all safety and security measures to the vehicle under his/her care.
  • Ensuring that the vehicle assigned to him/her is clean, fuelled, lubricated and regularly serviced as per schedule. Cleaning of vehicles is the responsibility of drivers.
  • Cleans seat belts each day and wears the same all times and makes sureall passengers to do the same.
  • Provide some minor mechanical services to the vehicle as required.
  • Keeps all tools and reserve tyre with due care. Handles the vehicle and other related accessories and materials with due care.
  • Have the NALA Foundation logo visibly displayed on vehicles, except where this would jeopardize staff safety or be inappropriate to specific local circumstances.
  • Park in safe and secure areas all NALA vehicles during working and non-working hours. Parks the vehicle in safe place during night.
  • Respects the traffic rules and regulations strictly.

Reports to:  Project Manager

Duty Station:  Regional (Amhara or SNNPR with frequent travel within and between the two regions)

Number of Positions: Two

Employment Duration: Immediate start –one-year contract with a 1-month trial period

Job Requirements

COMPETENCIES

  • Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
  • Communicates clearly and works effectively with a wide range of people to reach common understanding.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • At least 5 years’ experience in driving with high school graduate or TVET/Diploma
  • NGO experience is a plus
  • General Knowledge of Auto mechanics is desirable
  • Good Off road and intra city driving skill
  • Good Communication skill
  • Willing to travel across the project implementation areas.

How to Apply

Application Procedures:

  • Application letter
  • Up-to-date CV with daytime telephone number and /or an e-mail address
  • Names and addresses of three references
  • Please send application to: hr@nalafoundation.org, clearly stating in the subject line: Driver ‘WASH on Wheels’
  • Closing date for application is October 30th, 2021
  • Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY