Epicentre is an organisation created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. We conduct field epidemiology, training, and research activities for MSF interventions. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and through the programs of MSF and others. They mainly concern infectious diseases and undernutrition.

The Ugandan Research Center conducts research activities on public health issues relevant to Africa, according to GCPs (Good Clinical Practices) quality standards, in close collaboration with MSF, Mbarara University of Science & Technologies, and other stakeholders in health sector. Current projects, include clinical and vaccinal trials, focus on TB, HIV, central nervous system infections, and yellow fever.

General responsibilities (not exhaustive)
The Driver will follow the procedures and instructions as set by the Mission Logistics Team Leader and Transportation Officer in an effective and professional manner. The Driver will behave in word and actions in line with the internal regulations as well as the spirit of MSF/ Epicentre and support its mission in Uganda.
The job includes, but not limited to the following duties:
1)    Driving vehicles in a secure and safe way
•    Driving Epicentre cars in a safe and defensive manner to ensure the safety and security of people as well as the vehicle and cargo.
•    The driver has to respect the traffic law and high way code in Uganda as well as the MSF/ Epicentre’s rules of conduct.
•    The driver ensures he is rested, capable and fit for driving a vehicle at all times.
•    Following and having his passengers follow security instructions regarding check points.
•    Informing the supervisor of his movements; from departure through to arrival as instructed by his supervisor.
•    Being responsible for security decisions concerning the vehicle.
•    Immediately informing his supervisor and the local authorities in the event of an accident
2)    Vehicle maintenance and fitness
•    The only person allowed to drive an MSF/ Epicentre vehicle is the appointed driver and must log every trip in the daily logbook.
•    The driver ensures that his assigned vehicle is safe, has all necessary tools and recovery gear and is in good working order.
•    The driver must be able to justify his fuel consumption at all times. The driver will report immediately any consumption above 16Litres/100Km.
•    Informing the supervisor when his car reaches 500Km and 200Km before the next service.
•    Preparing the vehicle for service by cleaning it (interior, exterior and engine). The driver is responsible for assisting the mechanic during services and repairs of his assigned car.
•    The driver ensures that he has enough airtime (provided by MSF/ Epicentre) for communication.
•    Carrying out a handover (at the beginning and at the end of the period) of his vehicle to another driver

3)    Transport of people
•    The driver ensures that only authorized people (staff, patients & other Epicentre assigned workers) are entering the vehicle and are transported. All other persons can only be transported after specific approval by Mission Logistics Team Leader & Transportation Officer.
•    Ensuring the number of people who can officially be carried in the vehicle is respected.
•    The driver will follow the transport planning on the planning board. The driver receives additional instructions on movements from the Technical Logistic Supervisor only.
•    The driver is expected to help patients being transported to climb into and out of the vehicle if they are incapable of doing it themselves.
•    The drivers will follow the instructions of medical staff during patient transport regarding any medical situation, infection control or patient safety.

4)    Transport of cargo
•    The driver is responsible for the safe and correct loading, stowing and securing of cargo for transport.
•    The driver does loading and off-loading of his vehicle himself and checks that the load is stowed correctly.
•    During trips, handing over waybills to the recipients, checking the state of the goods delivered to the storekeeper and bringing the duly completed and signed reception form back to the logistics office.
•    If the driver transports cold chain items, he will ensure the cargo is stored away from heat or direct sunlight. The driver will avoid unnecessary delays and delivers the cold chain boxes to the destination with priority.
5)    Logistic Support
•    Support medical team with logistic activities in the field.
•    Follow-up of the security context in the field while the medical/ Logs staff are involved in the field work and report immediately to his supervisor at the event of any tension or foreseen tension to make safer decision to reach back to MSF Epicentre base or any other destination approved by the Mission Logistics Team Leader.
•    Advise to the field staff while they are on field duty on the official return/ departure time from the field.
•    Support with logistic activities under responsibility of the logistic supervisor.
•    Sometimes driver will be required to work night shift, as per Roster or as instructed by his supervisor.

Education:    Essential literacy and class DL driving license. Good knowledge of country roads
Experience:    Essential 2 years minimum of previous driving experience
Desirable experience with specific vehicles to use (4x4, boats, motorbikes, etc.)
Desirable in MSF or other NGO
Language:    English Essential and Local language is a plus
Knowledge:    Desirable knowledge of basic mechanics
        Good knowledge of mission area roads
Competencies:    Results and Quality Orientation, Teamwork and Cooperation, Behavioral Flexibility, Commitment to MSF Principles & Stress Management

What you will get

You will work with a multicultural team in the field of epidemiology and clinical research

You will evolve in the humanitarian environment

Your contributions and ideas will be valued and highly appreciated

You will participate in the life of the organization and your responsibilities will evolve over time

Fixed-term contract of 3 months.

Position to start in February 2025. 

Position based in Mbarara.

Remuneration according to experience and Epicentre salary grid.

To apply

Please send your application (CV + cover letter) no later than 11/02/2025.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

At Epicentre, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, beliefs, whether or not they have a disability, and all other diversity characteristics.

Epicentre pays very close attention to the protection of the personal data of its members, staff and people wanting to join the association. The data collected during your application will be processed in a fair and high-quality manner, only by the staff in charge of recruitment, wherever in the world they may be working for an MSF entity.

Female candidates who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply