STRIDES Ethiopia Drivers (3 Positions)

Request for Driver Services Proposal (RFP)

Background:

The Strengthening Infectious disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity, funded by the U.S. Department of State, supports countries to strengthen infectious disease surveillance systems critical to global health security and polio eradication. The consultant based in Addis Ababa, will provide administrative and logistical support to the STRIDES Activity in Ethiopia. This role ensures smooth operations by handling documentation, logistics, and communication tasks on a consultancy basis. 

Purpose of Consultancy:

FHI360 seeks to engage Drivers to provide reliable transportation and logistical support to the STRIDES Ethiopia Project. The consultants will support project implementation by ensuring the safe and timely movement of staff, partners, and project materials, assisting with travel logistics, vehicle management, and other operational support activities. The role will contribute to the efficient execution of project activities and field operations across Ethiopia.

Scope of Work:

Transportation Support

The Consultant shall:

• Provide safe, reliable, and timely transportation services for STRIDES Ethiopia project staff, consultants, visitors, and authorized participants.
• Transport project materials, supplies, and equipment as required.
• Ensure compliance with FHI 360 vehicle use, safety, and security policies.
• Plan travel routes and schedules to support efficient project implementation.

Vehicle Management and Maintenance

The Consultant shall:

• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and ensure the vehicle is in good working condition.
• Maintain vehicle logbooks, fuel records, and mileage reports.
• Monitor vehicle servicing schedules and coordinate routine maintenance and repairs.
• Immediately report vehicle incidents, accidents, or mechanical issues to the supervisor.

Logistics and Field Activity Support

The Consultant shall:

• Support transportation and logistical arrangements for project meetings, workshops, trainings, and field activities.
• Assist in loading, unloading, and transporting project materials and equipment.
• Coordinate with project staff to ensure timely movement of personnel and materials.

Travel and Operational Support

The Consultant shall:

• Facilitate airport transfers and transportation for project staff, consultants, and visitors.
• Support travel-related logistics for field missions and project activities.
• Assist with administrative and operational tasks related to transportation and logistics when required.

Coordination and Surge Support

The Consultant shall:

• Coordinate with project and country office teams to ensure transportation needs are met effectively.
• Provide surge support during periods of increased operational demand, workshops, trainings, or special events.
• Support emergency transportation needs as required.

Other Duties

The Consultant shall:

• Perform other transportation, logistics, and operational support duties assigned by the Project Director in support of project implementation.

Deliverables and Timeline:

The Consultant shall deliver:

• Monthly vehicle logbooks documenting trips, mileage, fuel consumption, and vehicle utilization.
• Monthly reports summarizing transportation support provided, key assignments completed, challenges encountered, and recommendations.
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance records, including servicing and repair documentation.
• Monthly invoices documenting days and hours worked.
• Timely and safe transportation services supporting STRIDES Ethiopia project activities throughout the period of performance.

Period of Performance: Estimated 19^th October 2026 – 31^st December 2026

Number of Consultants Required: Three (3) Driver Consultants

Location and Travel Requirements: Addis Ababa with travel to STRIDES implementation areas

Qualifications:

• Minimum secondary school education (Grade 10 or above) or equivalent
• Valid Ethiopian Grade 3 driving license with a clean driving record
• Minimum 5 years of professional driving experience, preferably with an international NGO, donor-funded project, or private sector organization
• Demonstrated experience driving four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles in urban, rural, and challenging terrain conditions
• Good knowledge of Ethiopian road networks, traffic regulations, and road safety practices
• Basic vehicle maintenance skills, including the ability to identify and report mechanical issues
• Working knowledge of written and spoken English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage
• Ability to maintain accurate vehicle logbooks, mileage records, and fuel consumption reports
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with staff, partners, consultants, and government counterparts

Competencies:

• Strong commitment to safety, security, and defensive driving practices
• Reliability, integrity, and professionalism in carrying out assigned duties
• Good organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively to changing priorities
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible hours when required

Travel and Logistics:

• Regular travel within Addis Ababa and to project-supported regions throughout Ethiopia may be required
• The consultant will support transportation of project staff, visitors, consultants, and project materials
• Overnight travel may be required based on project needs
• Travel and accommodation arrangements for authorized field assignments will be supported in accordance with FHI 360 policies

Payment Terms:

• Payment will be based on Level of Effort (LOE) and linked to the satisfactory completion of assigned transportation and logistics support services
• Monthly invoices must be submitted together with vehicle logbooks and monthly progress reports
• Consultant taxes will be deducted in accordance with applicable Ethiopian laws and regulations
• Reimbursement of approved travel and related expenses will follow FHI 360 policies and procedures

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

• Relevant driving experience, particularly with international organizations, NGOs, or donor-funded projects
• Valid Grade 3 driving license and demonstrated safe driving record
• Experience operating 4WD vehicles in urban, rural, and difficult terrain conditions
• Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and preventive safety practices
• Communication skills, professionalism, and reliability
• Proposed daily rate and overall best value to FHI 360
• Award will be based on best value (a combination of qualifications, experience, and proposed daily rate)

Applicants are also welcome to submit their CV to FHI 360’s global consultant database for future consideration outside of this RFP: Consult@FHI360.org

Required Documentation

• Completed USAID 1420 Biodata Form
• CV with country experience listed and updated to no less than 3 months prior to submission of proposal
• • Cover letter (Letter shall summarize the consultant’s qualifications and explain why they should be added to the pool as well as rate of pay)
  • Copy of valid Ethiopian Grade 3 driving license
  • Written response demonstrating ability to meet the requirements outlined in the Scope of Work (SOW)
  • Estimated budget, in Excel format, to complete the work as indicated in this RFP
  • At least three professional references from previous employers or organizations for which driving services were provided

FHI 360 Disclaimers

• FHI 360 may perform a background check on any selected Consultant candidates
• FHI 360 may cancel the solicitation and not award
• FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received
• Issuance of the solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by FHI 360
• FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on failure of the offeror to follow solicitation instructions
• FHI 360 will not compensate any offeror for responding to the solicitation
• FHI 360 reserves the right to issue an award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion
• FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities
• FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition
• FHI 360’s consultant terms and conditions can be found here