Senior Driver

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

RTI’s Center for International Development implements large-scale, multidisciplinary projects across health, energy, agriculture, water, and education by leveraging RTI’s deep cross-Institutional knowledge, proven solutions, and contextual expertise to increase global impact by improving lives, driving economic growth, and enhancing stability in fragile and developing geographies.  

What You'll Do

RTI is seeking two Sr. Drivers for Food for Progress SunGold project in Ethiopia | RTI International candidates for a 5-year Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress (FFPr) program in Ethiopia. This Food for Progress program will use a market driven, U.S.-led value chain approach to transform Ethiopia’s sunflower sector and benefit U.S. businesses by addressing key productivity, market linkage, financing, and policy constraints identified by public and private actors. The program will focus on four broad activities that increase Ethiopian sunflower productivity, competitiveness and value addition while reducing trade barriers for U.S. agribusiness. This includes building the capacity of extension services; facilitating financial services, improving market access through contract farming; and promoting improved policies and regulatory frameworks.

The Senior Driver based in Jimma and works under the general supervision of the Finance and Administration Officer and will drive, maintain, and manage the project vehicle for the SunGold Project

Key responsibilities and tasks 

• Driving RTI vehicle as may be assigned by the line manager/ supervisor.
• Drive assigned means of transport for the transport of authorized clients, visitors, goods, messages, mail, etc.
• Collect and deliver goods, mail, documents, and other items.
• Meet official personnel at the airport and facilitate immigration and customs formalities as required.
• Take care of the day-to-day maintenance of the assigned means of transport, e.g. check oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc.
• Perform minor repairs and arrange for other repairs and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean.
• Log official trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing, etc.
• Read and understand specific vehicle/vessel operating manual to ensure the safe and appropriate operations of the vehicle.
• Obey traffic rules and road signs.
• Negotiate, liaise, and coordinate with local authorities to facilitate smooth running of vehicle/vessel movements.
• Ensure that the steps required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in an accident.
• Produce weekly records of mileage traveled.
• Identify any apparent problems during field deliveries and report them to the appropriate personnel.
• Support routine field and grantee visit documentation by taking photographs and assisting with basic data collection (M&E), as assigned.
• Assist with workshop and meeting logistics, participant registration, attendance tracking, and preparation of materials.

What You'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of relevant experience, including professional driving experience. 

• Valid driving license with a clean and safe driving record. 

• Demonstrated experience supporting transport, logistics, store, inventory, procurement or office supplies management activities. 

• Basic recordkeeping skills, including the ability to maintain vehicle logs, inventory records, bin cards, and equipment release documentation. 

• Knowledge of vehicle inspection, routine maintenance follow-up, and safe driving practices. 

• Ability to support field travel, event logistics, procurement follow-up, and administrative arrangements. 

• Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills, with a professional and courteous approach. 

• Ability to work effectively with staff, partners, visitors, vendors, and short-term consultants. 

• Attention to detail, reliability, integrity, and ability to follow organizational policies and procedures. 
• Supported routine field visit documentation by taking photographs and assisting with basic data collection, as assigned

• Basic computer literacy and ability to use enterprise technology tools for communication and documentation is desirable. 
• Knowledge of Local Language

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of driving rules and regulations and skills in minor vehicle repairs. Knowledge of radio, email, telephone, and other applications.
• Trustworthy, high sense of responsibility, alertness; physical fitness on duty, emotional stability, neat and courteous.
• Good knowledge of the Project Name activity areas and the current conditions of roads and highways.
• Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to fluently communicate in both verbally and written language(s) applicable to project requirements.
• Subscribe to the values of RTI.
• Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills
• Facilities Management ·
• Fleet Management
• Repair Management
• Equipment Maintenance
• Document and Records Management
• Driving
• Predictive Maintenance