Driver and Protocol Clerk, G3

Background

UN Women works to end discrimination against women and girls, advance women’s empowerment, and promote equality between women and men across development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security. Through its Liaison Office to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the office engages with AU institutions, member states, civil society, and diplomatic partners to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment commitments at continental and regional levels. It also provides technical support for policy development and monitoring, while coordinating closely with regional and country offices to ensure aligned advocacy and policy engagement.

The Liaison Office supports the African Union Commission and its specialized departments by offering targeted expertise on gender mainstreaming across AU frameworks and programmes. It also works with UN agencies, development partners, INGOs, and the private sector to strengthen evidence-based practices, knowledge sharing, and strategic advocacy that turn regional commitments into practical results for women and girls across the continent.

Role overview

Reporting to the Special Representative to the African Union and UNECA, the Driver and Protocol Clerk is responsible for safe, dependable transportation for the Special Representative, UN officials, visitors, and other authorized personnel. The role requires discretion, strong integrity, awareness of security and protocol matters, and a courteous, client-focused approach when dealing with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition to driving, the position includes routine protocol, administrative, and logistical duties that must be completed with accuracy and professionalism.

The role may also involve driving office staff, consultants, experts, and UN personnel on mission as needed.

Key duties

Safe and reliable driving

• Transport the Special Representative, other officials, visitors, programme and operations staff, and support VIP missions using office vehicles.
• Deliver and collect mail, documents, and other items from government offices, embassies, commercial entities, and UN offices.
• Receive official staff and visitors at the airport and assist, when needed, with visa and customs-related procedures.
• Confirm that all passengers use seatbelts at all times.
• Follow the applicable rules if an accident occurs and ensure the required immediate steps are taken.
• Comply with UN Women vehicle policies and other job-specific procedures.
• Make sure vehicles meet security and safety standards set through the duty station’s security risk management process.

Vehicle use and record keeping

• Enter accurate trip details in the logbook for every journey, including starting and ending odometer readings, date, destination, purpose, and passenger names, then submit the log for weekly review and approval.
• Record each fuel purchase right after refueling, noting the date, odometer reading, quantity in litres, cost, and receipt number, and attach the original receipts for weekly verification.
• Report any mismatch between odometer readings, fuel usage, and receipts as soon as it is identified.
• Keep maintenance records updated with service dates, work completed, service provider, mileage, and cost, and obtain prior approval before any non-emergency repair or servicing.
• Prepare monthly reports covering mileage, fuel use, maintenance work, and related costs for supervisor review and filing.
• Drive in a cost-conscious manner and avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.

Vehicle care

• Carry out daily checks on oil, tires, brakes, water, lights, indicators, wipers, horn, clutch, and cleaning, and ensure warning lights or dashboard errors are addressed promptly.
• Perform minor repairs and route major repairs through the proper approval channel.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections using the standard checklist and immediately report defects or safety concerns.
• Keep the assigned vehicle clean inside and outside so it remains suitable for senior officials and guests.

Required documents and supplies

• Ensure the vehicle carries the required documents and supplies, including insurance papers, logbook, office directory, city or country map, first aid kit, and necessary spare parts.
• Verify that registration, insurance, and inspection certificates are current and kept in the vehicle, and alert the supervisor at least 30 days before any renewal is due.
• Take the necessary actions required by regulations if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Administrative, logistical, and protocol support

• Support protocol-related logistics, including document delivery and follow-up tasks as requested.
• Maintain tracking records for protocol documentation under supervision.
• Help coordinate official visits with the relevant authorities.
• Draft routine protocol correspondence when needed.
• Follow up with the relevant host-country offices on diplomatic identity cards, driving licences, vehicle registration for official and private vehicles, transfer or disposal of vehicles, and the issue or return of number plates.

The role may include other related duties needed for the efficient operation of the office.

Competencies and skills

Core values expected in this role include integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Core behavioural competencies include awareness of gender issues, accountability, creative problem solving, effective communication, inclusive collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and leading by example.

Functional strengths needed for the job include advanced driving ability, sound knowledge of traffic rules, chauffeur etiquette, local road conditions, defensive driving, minor vehicle repair, accurate record keeping, time management, and basic computer use with MS Word, Excel, and email.

Qualifications and experience

A secondary school education is required, along with a valid driver’s licence. Defensive driving certification is considered an advantage.

The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of relevant driving experience in an international organization, embassy, or the UN system with a safe driving record. Experience in administration and logistical or protocol support is required, as is experience maintaining accurate vehicle and fuel logs for audit and accountability purposes. Experience working with government partners is an advantage. Practical experience using computers and office software such as MS Word and Excel is also required.

Languages

Working knowledge of English is required, and fluency in Amharic is required. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable.

Additional statements

UN Women was created by the United Nations General Assembly in July 2010 as part of UN reform, bringing together key mandates and resources for stronger impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

UN Women is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Selection is based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or other protected status.

Reasonable accommodation may be requested to support participation in the recruitment and selection process.

UN Women maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and other conduct that conflicts with the organization’s values. Selected candidates will undergo strict reference and background checks, including verification of education and employment history, and may be asked for additional information.

Applicants must complete every section of the application form, including education and employment history, or the application may be rejected.