Transport Assistant Job - Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

Job Title: Transport Assistant

Organisation: Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

Duty Station: Moroto, Uganda

Reports to: Project Administrator

About US:

Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an independently governed institute within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and has the mission “To strengthen health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development.” IDI has operations across Uganda as well as in a number of other African countries and has a staffing of over 1,000 managing multiple projects in research, clinical services, public health and training.

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Project Administrator of the Infectious Diseases Ltd.(IDIL), the driver or Transport Assistant assists in providing safe and reliable transportation for IDIL trainees/trainers, staff, visitors and materials, keeps the Institute vehicle/s in good mechanical and functional condition, ensures compliance with all vehicle-related legal and institutional /management requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

To provide safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for Institute trainees/trainers, staff and partners/visitors including but not confined to airport pickups, travel within and outside Kampala, and all other locations as may be required by authorized staff on Institute business. The driver will ensure that safety belts are worn at all times, there is no smoking in the vehicle and that no alcohol is consumed before driving etc.
To transport Institute materials and supplies to various destinations as required by authorized staff for Institute business.
To deliver mail and materials as well as any other written or verbal communication to and from locations designated by authorized staff.
To keep the Institute vehicle in good mechanical and functional condition including but not confined to regular fuelling, servicing and cleaning of the interior and exterior.
To perform regular preventive maintenance and minor repairs where possible.
To notify the Project Administrator of any major bus repairs necessary and to assist in arranging and overseeing/supervising such repairs.
To ensure that all required documentation for administrative use such as mileage, fuel usage and trip authorization tracking information is kept up to date at all times in the prescribed manner.
To ensure that all legal, institutional and municipal requirements and dues are met in good time and/or regularly renewed eg Third party and Comprehensive Insurance, Parking Fees, Registration and Licenses etc.
To ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to protect the Institute vehicle from theft or damage e.g. by ensuring that it has adequate security and accident features such as alarms and “bull horns”.
To run general Institute errands and assume other duties as assigned by the Project Administrator to ensure the sound functioning of the office and achievement of project goals.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education with a credit in English
A minimum of five years of proven accident-free bus/heavy vehicle driving in
Uganda, preferably in a reputable institution
Familiarity with the lay out and location of key facilities in Kampala and
other major Ugandan towns
Knowledge of current traffic rules and regulations
A minimum of 3 valid Ugandan D/Permit classes including B and DL(D1)
(DM class Added Advantage)
Knowledge of basic vehicle mechanics, Defensive driving and 4X4 operation is added advantage
Knowledge of current traffic rules and regulations
Basic knowledge of vehicle operation and the associated mechanics
Familiarity with the lay out and location of key facilities in Kampala and other major Ugandan towns.
Physical ability and willingness to drive for long hours and occasionally on weekends and/or holidays.
Ability to communicate competently and understand instructions in English and in common local language/s.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks
Ability to understand and adhere to company vehicle policies and competently complete vehicle-related documentation.