UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link

For every child, dedication

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families.  UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.

For every child, a champion

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The Senior Driver, at the G-3 level, provides high level, secure and professional driving services to the Head of Office (HoE). This role goes beyond basic transportation duties and requires strong coordination with internal and external stakeholders, knowledge of diplomatic and UN protocol, use of digital tracking systems, and a client-service mindset.

In addition to driving functions, this position can also  perform basic administrative and logistical support and contributes to the professional development of other drivers

The Senior Driver demonstrates a client-oriented approach, high sense of responsibility, courtesy, tact and the ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Key functions/accountabilities:

1. Reliable and Safe Driving Services

• Drives the Head of the Office to official appointments, meetings, field missions, to and from  residence with absolute punctuality and discretion. 
• Safely transport senior guests, external dignitaries, or partners - when requested
• Meets staff, senior official personnel and visitors at the airport and may assist with basic visa, access facilitation , customs formalities and arrangements including VIP lounge when required
• Adjust routes or schedules quickly in response to emerging security needs, road closures, or VIP protocol changes

2. Effective Coordination and Protocol Engagement

• Liaise and coordinate closely with Administration Unit, UNDSS, security escorts, field teams, airport protocol units, and host country protocol staff
• Maintain full confidentiality of official sensitive conversations or observations during missions

3. Vehicle Maintenance, Readiness and Incident Response

• Conduct daily vehicle checks for fuel, oil, tires, lights, vehicle related documents including insurance, and emergency tools.
• Ensure vehicle is regularly cleaned and maintains  a professional  appearance, both interior and exterior.
• Ensure unexpired first aid kits, fire extinguishers, radios, and communications devices are present and functioning.
• Ensure proper recording of trips in log books,  and report all mechanical issues, damage, or accidents immediately and assist in accident reporting procedures.

4. Use of Digital Systems and Devices

• Operate Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) to log, monitor, and report trips in compliance with office protocols (when VTS has been installed otherwise manual log books recording should be used)
• Use the UN Mobility Booking Tool to confirm trip details, passenger logs, and changes
• Communicate using VHF/HF radio devices and mobile phones to maintain contact with security and administrative teams
• Use tablets or mobile devices (when issued) to confirm routes, receive trip updates, or record trip data digitally.

5. Administrative and Logistical Support

• Support the HOE or Administrative Unit with deliveries, document runs, or light logistical tasks including in emergency response operations.
• Assist with coordinating vehicle availability and maintenance schedules in support of wider office transport operations
• Assist in preparing briefing kits, arranging mission support materials, or running field checks prior to VIP visits

6. Guidance to Junior Drivers

• Share knowledge and/or train junior or temporary drivers on safety protocols, basic maintenance and repairs, digital systems, and professional standards
• Serve as a role model for ethical driving behavior, safe navigation, fuel efficiency, and customer service
• Support team briefings and participate in field transport debriefs or simulations

7. Learning and development during Downtimes

• Enroll in relevant AGORA courses, particularly on ethics, road safety, digital tools, and emergency preparedness
• Review updated UNICEF transport and safety guidelines
• Participate in periodic safety briefings, evacuation drills, and fleet management planning
• Contribute feedback on transport procedures and help improve protocols

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:     

A secondary education is required, along with a valid driver’s license and knowledge of local driving rules and regulations.

Experience:   

Minimum three years of work experience as a driver in an international organization, embassy or UN system with a safe driving record is required.

Language Requirements:   

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others. (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people) for supervisory role

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is a role with direct contact with children, works directly with children, is a safeguarding response role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.