Driver

August 11, 2026

U (unclassified)

No designation

GS2

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-08-18

Driver

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Driver in the UNHCR Office is normally supervised directly by the Administrative Officer/Associate/Assistant or another staff member when the scale of the Operation so require it. Besides driving, the incumbent is responsible for up keep and maintenance of the assigned UNHCR vehicle(s) as per technical guidance and specifications established by the Organisation. S/he is required to follow strict instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor. While the basic function of a driver is to drive the official vehicles of UNHCR, s/he may be called upon to perform minor maintenance and repair of UNHCR vehicles.

The Driver has regular contacts with staff within the UNHCR Office and with others (including Partners, government authorities, etc.) outside UNHCR involving a limited exchange of information.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Drive UNHCR vehicles for the transport of authorized passengers, deliver, and collect documents and other items.
- Meet official personnel at airports or other locations and facilitate immigration and customs formalities as required.
- Perform day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicles; check oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc. and ensure that the assigned UNHCR vehicles are road or waterway worthy and maintained up to the established security standards.
- Perform minor repairs, arrange for other repairs, and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean.
- Ensure that the steps required by rules and regulations, or other local procedures, are taken in case of involvement in an accident.
- Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing, etc.
- Ensure that instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor and security focal point are strictly followed.
- Ensures valid documentation for passengers, items or cargo in vehicle.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G2D - 2 years relevant experience with Completion of Primary Education or High School Diploma or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
*Driving Licences;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Driving licence, knowledge of driving rules and regulations.
Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
* DV-Driving Rules and Regulations
DV - Basic Vehicle Mechanical Skills;
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile
The following qualifications and attributes are sought:
• Professional driving experience, preferably with UN agencies, international NGOs, or similar institutions.
• Sound knowledge of the road network and geographical features of Adana and South Türkiye, with particular familiarity with Hatay considered an advantage.
• Excellent command of Turkish; working knowledge of English and/or Arabic is desirable.
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to work night shifts at border gates in support of VolRep monitoring, in addition to regular hours on a rotational basis.
• Readiness to undertake weekend and field missions as required.
• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively across functional units.
• High level of professionalism, reliability, and adherence to UNHCR security, safety, and operational procedures.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to successful reference checks, and integrity clearances

PLEASE DO NOT USE TURKISH CHARACTERS IN YOUR NAME & SURNAME INFORMATION.
Staff members should serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category. This requirement is waived in respect of staff members whose position is being changed or whose assignment/appointment through the joint staff/management review body is in a replacement capacity.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.
External candidates should be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment, and hire.
Non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents under the ‘Certifications’ section, by selecting the type ‘Personnel Administration – Other’, to be considered for this job opening. Applications by non-Turkish citizens will NOT be considered if a valid residence permit is not attached to the application.
For further information on how to apply, please visit the ‘UNHCR - Application and Selection’ page, at https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Travelers' Health | CDC

Nature of Position:

The Adana Field Unit (FU) covers three provinces in southern Türkiye: Adana, Mersin, and Hatay. Core activities include voluntary return monitoring of Syrians, field and partner monitoring, engagement with local authorities (notably Provincial Directorates of Migration Management and Family and Social Services, as well as municipalities), protection case referrals, community engagement, and stakeholder coordination.

The Driver is expected to support staff movements not only within the FU's three provinces but also across other provinces under the Southeast Türkiye operation – including Gaziantep, Kilis, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, Malatya, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, and Adıyaman – as operational needs dictate.

Since 8 December 2024, voluntary returns of Syrians have intensified significantly. In response, UNHCR Türkiye has expanded its capacity and presence at Syria–Türkiye border gates, Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) offices, and airports in Istanbul and Ankara. This coverage extends beyond regular working hours to include evenings, nights, and holidays, ensuring that all return processes are adequately managed.

The Driver will frequently be assigned to VolRep monitoring missions, primarily at PDMM premises/offices and, when required, at border locations. These missions currently constitute the bulk of the unit's workload.

Given the high volume of returns occurring outside standard business hours, the operation has introduced a night shift for return monitoring, running from 20:00 to 06:00. The incumbent may therefore be required to cover both regular daytime shifts and night shifts on a rotational basis, depending on operational needs and in consultation with the Head of Field Unit.

Night shift assignments are financially compensated whenever applicable in accordance with UNHCR's Standard Operating Procedures on Night Shift and UN Staff Rule 5.1 (d) and (e), through the Night Differential mechanism applicable to General Service staff.

The Driver reports administratively to the Administrative Associate and works operationally in close coordination with the Associate Field Officer / Assistant Protection Officer at the Adana Field Unit. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Based in Adana, the role requires extensive travel across the area of responsibility, including frequent missions to Hatay and Mersin along with Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, border locations, and other provinces in the region. The incumbent must be prepared for weekend missions and for changes to plans and schedules as operational priorities shift.

Living and Working Conditions:

UNHCR's structure in southeastern Türkiye comprises a Sub-Office in Gaziantep and three Field Units located in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Adana. The Driver will be based at the Adana Field Unit, which covers Adana and the neighboring provinces of Hatay and Mersin. As of 23 July 2026, this area hosts over 447,000 refugees and asylum-seekers.

Adana office is centrally located in the city and is accessible by all forms of public transport. The city offers a well-developed banking system, reputable universities, and an extensive healthcare network, ensuring good living conditions for staff and their families.

The proximity to the Syrian border has contributed to a sensitive security environment in southeastern Türkiye since the onset of the Syrian conflict. However, general criminality remains low. Current security levels in the region are set at Level 2, with certain areas within the area of responsibility – specifically within 10 km of the border, as well as Reyhanlı and Mardin – designated at Level 4. There are no known direct threats to UN personnel or assets, but vigilance and situational awareness are essential in the evolving environment. In light of recent developments at border crossings, including the increase in voluntary return caseloads, UN staff in Adana FU are advised to exercise heightened precautionary measures. Area security plans and security level designations are regularly reviewed and updated.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Certifications

Driving License - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance