EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world. 

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.     

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description

The USAID Let’s Read Zambia project is a 6-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ending on January 6th 2025 and implemented by the Education Development Center (EDC).  USAID Let’s Read Zambia works to improve reading outcomes for children attending pre-primary (kindergarten) through to Grades 3 and provide professional development for teachers to support reading interventions in Zambian public and community schools. 

The Relief Drivers/General Administrative Assistants (DGAA) will be responsible for transporting and providing basic administrative support to the staff of the EDC/Zambia offices in support of project activities and programs. DGAA will ensure that project vehicles are maintained, that they are in good operational condition at all times and also in smooth running of administrative work at office or other EDC events. The DGAA will work under the supervision of the Office Manager. 

The relief Drivers/General Administrative Assistants will be required to perform the following duties: 

Driving related work: 

• Provide transportation for project staff in a safe and timely manner
• Coordinate with direct supervisor to ensure the most urgent tasks are prioritized on a daily basis.
• Coordinate with travel teams on best routes for trips based on road and traffic conditions.
• Complete Vehicle Daily Checklist and Vehicle Log each day for the vehicle for which the Driver is responsible
• Ensure passengers wear seat belts all the time.
• Ensure that routine minor maintenance of car is carried out including, but not limited to;
• Changing oil, keeping fluids filled to appropriate levels and windshield wipers are in working
• Order in coordination with the Logistics Officer in the Lusaka Office, and the Administration and Finance Officers in the Provincial Offices.
• Provide information required to complete the daily/weekly Fuel Consumption Report for the vehicle in coordination with the Logistics Officer and Office Manager.
• Ensure that each vehicle is cleaned both inside and outside on a daily basis.
• Ensure that assigned vehicle is completely equipped with a First Aid Kit, spare tire, working flashlight and batteries, vehicle jack, wheel brace and a tool kit (spanner, wrench, tire, patch kit, etc.)
• Ensure that vehicle safety and security equipment are working properly and that vehicles procedures outlined in the project policies and procedures are followed.
• Conduct these and other tasks as required in support of project goals

Administrative related work (As needed)

• Assisting undertaking photocopying work at the office
• Assist in organizing and setting up venues & taking photos at events (workshops, trainings etc.
• Where applicable with guidance from AFO or Accountant, assist to make payments of allowances at workshops or collect the necessary information to facilitate payment of such allowances by the office.
• Under the guidance of the AFOs / Accountant, assist in getting quotations, delivering payments to vendors and collecting receipts.
• Assist in making lodge/ hotel reservations for visitors to the province.
• Work with supervisor to ensure the vehicle has all the necessary operational papers (insurance and road worthiness certificate, as applicable).
• Report all scheduled vehicle servicing to the supervisor in time

Reporting and Organizational Relationships:

The Relief Drivers/General Administrative Assistant reports to the Administration and Finance Officer (in the provincial office) and the Office Manager. 

• High school education desirable
• Post-secondary school qualification: CILT, Mechanics etc.

Skills and Experience:  

• Minimum of 5 years driving and minimum two years administrative work experience           
• Hold a valid driver's license
• Good knowledge of vehicle mechanics and able to conduct minor repairs as required
• Experience with USAID or other donor-funded projects
• Basic computer skills, a plus
• Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure
• Culturally astute, respectful and tolerant with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team in difficult work environment
• Willingness to frequently travel to Zambian provinces covered by the project

Language:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of (and proficiency in) Chinyanja, Chitonga, Silozi, Lunda, Luvale, Kiikaonde and Icibemba languages highly preferred.

*Please note* that this is a temporary position expected to last approximately two months, with a possibility of a slight extension, depending on the need.

To Apply:  Use smart recruiters link and submit your application no later than August 27, 2023. Please include the position title in the subject line. 

Note that local applicants are encouraged.