SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental international development organization which has been working to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children since 1949.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Program Administrator, the driver is responsible for meeting transportation needs when required for the Children’s Village. In doing so, he/she carries an important responsibility of being entrusted with the lives of personnel and sometimes visitors. In all her/his work, she/he should present a good role model.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Fulfils the Transport Needs of the location

•  Carries out the driving requirements of the project as directed by the Program Administrator, who is responsible for coordinating vehicle use. This includes conveying the project staff to the various places they may need to visit in the course of their work, efficiently and safely.
• S/he also drives the organisation’s vehicles to all assigned places, delivering and picking up mail & other items as directed.
•  Conduct trips using the shortest possible route. Avoids unnecessary deviations and multiple trips to minimize mileage and time wastage.
•  Records all trips in the vehicle mileage logbook
• Note: Use of SOS Children’s Villages in Kenya vehicles for personal trips is strictly prohibited.

Ensures the Safety of the Staff

•  Drives safely at all times, to protect the safety of staff, visitors & sometimes children.
•  Complies to all traffic regulations and stops only where it is safe to do so.
•  Follows the correct procedure in the event of an accident. Notifies the Project Manager and appropriate authorities immediately, and renders assistance where necessary.

Maintains the Safety and Security of vehicles

•  Performs complete visual safety checks of the vehicles before driving on a daily basis, completing daily pre and post-trip checklists. Regularly checks lights, indicators, brakes, tyre pressure, oil, battery, and radiator.
•  Reports any defects to the Program Administrator and ensures that all necessary servicing is performed by reputable agencies.
•  Ensures vehicles are kept in good working order. Possesses manual dexterity for using tools for general maintenance.
•  Does simple general maintenance as required on the vehicle
•  Report any needed repairs, and delivers the vehicle to the repair site
•  Maintains the cleanliness of vehicles by regularly washing the interior and exterior.
•  Reconciles fuel bills before sending to Accounts Department for payment processing
•  Keeps records of maintenance work done on the vehicle.

General

•  Provides a good role model for the SOS Children’s Villages.
•  Carries out all duties in an exemplary manner.
•  Ensures vehicles have sufficient fuel at all times and records mileage for each trip made.

Formal qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.
• At least 5 years working experience working with projects in Non – Governmental Organizations
• Thorough knowledge of traffic laws and traffic patterns is desired.
• A valid driving license free from any current endorsement (s) for classes of the vehicles the driver is required to drive.
• A Defensive Driving Certificate from the Automobile Association of Kenya (AA) or its equivalent qualification.
• A Valid certificate of Good Conduct
• A First Aid Certificate Course lasting not less than one week from St Johns Ambulance or any other recognized institution.
• Occupational Trade Test III Certificate