Driver/Field Assistant job at African Wildlife Foundation

About the job

Job Description

Title: Driver/Field Assistant

Division: Conservation Programs

Reports to: Senior Finance and Administration Officer

Matrix Management: N/A

Supervises: N/A

Location: Kidepo, Uganda

Position Summary

To undertake driving and field assignments, assist with logistics, and ensure proper maintenance of the vehicle assigned, together with the other office facilities and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Field Support

• Safely transport project staff, consultants, visitors, and partners to field locations and official meetings.
• Support transportation of project materials, supplies and equipment to activity sites.
• Ensure timely pick-up and drop-off of staff and visitors.
• Maintain accurate vehicle movement logs and travel records.
• Support field teams during community mobilization, trainings, monitoring visits, and stakeholder engagements.

Vehicle Maintenance & Management

• Ensure the cleanliness and good condition of assigned project vehicle(s).
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections before and after trips.
• Monitor fuel levels, oil, tires, brakes, battery, and other vehicle systems.
• Report mechanical faults and maintenance needs promptly.
• Coordinate routine service and repairs in line with organizational procedures.
• Ensure validity of insurance, licenses, and vehicle documentation.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all traffic laws, road safety regulations, and organizational transport policies.
• Always ensure safe driving practices, especially during field travel in rural areas.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while transporting staff and partners.
• Ensure security and proper handling of project assets and transported items.
• Support implementation of safeguarding and safety protocols during field activities.

Logistics & Administrative Support

• Support logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, trainings, and field activities.
• Assist with the delivery and collection of documents, supplies, and official correspondence.
• Support procurement and office errands as assigned.
• Maintain fuel consumption and maintenance records for accountability purposes.

Cross-Functional competencies

• Vehicle Management: Ability to operate, maintain, and care for assigned vehicles in line with organizational fleet policies and procedures; ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance at all times.
• Documents & Records Handling: Competence in managing trip logs, mileage records, fuel usage, and service schedules; ensuring accurate documentation, proper filing, and adherence to retention policies.
• Operational Support: Skill in planning and organizing routes, coordinating transport schedules, and supporting organizational logistics to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, and passengers; tailoring messages to different audiences and reporting issues promptly in both verbal and written form.

Key Qualifications:

• A Minimum of a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• Clean driving license with a Minimum of 5 years of professional driving experience with NGOs, development organizations, or private institutions.
• Experience driving in rural and field-based project environments is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting donor-funded projects is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of driving rules and regulations and skills in driving and repairing different 4WD light vehicles is highly desired.
• Training/certificate in defensive driving is an asset.
• Auto Mechanics certificate is an added advantage.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and local languages.
• Internet/Email communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.

• Safely transport project staff, consultants, visitors, and partners to field locations and official meetings.
• Support transportation of project materials, supplies and equipment to activity sites.
• Ensure timely pick-up and drop-off of staff and visitors.
• Maintain accurate vehicle movement logs and travel records.
• Support field teams during community mobilization, trainings, monitoring visits, and stakeholder engagements.
• Ensure the cleanliness and good condition of assigned project vehicle(s).
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections before and after trips.
• Monitor fuel levels, oil, tires, brakes, battery, and other vehicle systems.
• Report mechanical faults and maintenance needs promptly.
• Coordinate routine service and repairs in line with organizational procedures.
• Ensure validity of insurance, licenses, and vehicle documentation.
• Adhere to all traffic laws, road safety regulations, and organizational transport policies.
• Always ensure safe driving practices, especially during field travel in rural areas.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while transporting staff and partners.
• Ensure security and proper handling of project assets and transported items.
• Support implementation of safeguarding and safety protocols during field activities.
• Support logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, trainings, and field activities.
• Assist with the delivery and collection of documents, supplies, and official correspondence.
• Support procurement and office errands as assigned.
• Maintain fuel consumption and maintenance records for accountability purposes.

• Vehicle Management: Ability to operate, maintain, and care for assigned vehicles in line with organizational fleet policies and procedures; ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance at all times.
• Documents & Records Handling: Competence in managing trip logs, mileage records, fuel usage, and service schedules; ensuring accurate documentation, proper filing, and adherence to retention policies.
• Operational Support: Skill in planning and organizing routes, coordinating transport schedules, and supporting organizational logistics to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, and passengers; tailoring messages to different audiences and reporting issues promptly in both verbal and written form.
• Internet/Email communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.

• A Minimum of a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• Clean driving license with a Minimum of 5 years of professional driving experience with NGOs, development organizations, or private institutions.
• Experience driving in rural and field-based project environments is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting donor-funded projects is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of driving rules and regulations and skills in driving and repairing different 4WD light vehicles is highly desired.
• Training/certificate in defensive driving is an asset.
• Auto Mechanics certificate is an added advantage.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and local languages.