Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, icipe was established in 1970, to address this very paradox of insects and accompanying challenges. The Centre’s mission is to use insect science for sustainable development, to ensure food security and improve the overall health of communities in Africa by addressing the interlinked problems of poverty, poor health, low agricultural productivity and environmental degradation.

Specific Duties

•  Service, repair, and perform periodic maintenance of icipe vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, boat, lawn mowers, farm machinery, and other equipment.
•  Handle breakdown and recovery services for icipe vehicles.
•  Inspection of vehicles.
•  Perform scheduled service, repair, and maintenance of the other mechanical components of generators and water pumps.
•  Maintain detailed records of the work they perform, including parts used, and repairs completed.
•  Stay updated with current developments in automotive technology and repair techniques through ongoing training and education.
•  Adhere to safety standards and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others.
•  Supervise mechanics students on attachment.
•  Collaborate with other mechanics and technicians to diagnose and repair complex issues.
• Other duties and responsibilities

Transport and Travel Logistics

•  Drive icipe staff or visitors or cargo to designated destinations.
•  Perform pre-trip and post trip vehicle inspections ensuring that scheduled vehicle maintenance is completed and reported.
•  Provide logistical support to Themes/projects at icipe by drawing transport schedules for different working teams and during field activities.
•  Report any malfunction or damage to the vehicle immediately.
•  Notify the traveler on departures and arrival at destinations of any unforeseen problems.
•  Ensure icipe vehicles have relevant legal documents before and during movement.
•  Ensure that across the border journeys have required security clearance from the relevant authorities before commencement of trip.

Personnel safety

•  Provide safety briefing to staff and visitors using the vehicle.
•  Ensure the safety of the driver and passengers throughout the duration of journey by driving in a safe and alert manner.
•  Ensure that the First Aid kit is clean and stocked.
•  Safeguard all the contents in the vehicle.
•  Prepare trip vehicle reports as well as accident or incident reports where necessary.

Requirements

Qualifications

•  Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), or its equivalent level of education.
•  At least five years’ post-qualification working in a busy and reputable workshop.
•  Five plus years driving experience.
•  Experience with similar research and development organization is a plus.
•  Certificate of Apprenticeship, Government Trade Test grade 1.
•  Certificate in Automotive mechanics and Mechatronics or its equivalent.
•  A valid and accident-free Driver’s License class B1, C1, D.

Other Desirable Attributes

•  Inspecting vehicle engines and mechanical/electrical components to diagnose issues accurately.
•  Inspecting vehicle computer and electrical systems to repair, maintain and upgrade.
•  Conducting routine maintenance work with the aim of ensuring vehicle functionality and longevity.
•  Repair of brakes and steering system.
•  Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems.
•  Replace and repair vehicle transmission and fuel components as needed.
•  Repairing of engine cooling system.
•  Ability to read and interpret road signs.
•  Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Kiswahili.
•  Experience in driving and familiarity with the geography (road network) countrywide in icipe research areas will be an added advantage.
•  Training such as First Aid and defensive driving will be an asset.
•  Handle personal per diem.
•  Make decisions for own job function and requires approval from supervisor.

Reporting
This position reports to the Fleet Transport Coordinator.