Support Assistant II (Mechanic/Driver) at icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health

Specific Duties

•  Service, repair, and perform periodic maintenance of icipe vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, boat, lawn mowers, farm machinery, and other equipment.
•  Handle breakdown and recovery services for icipe vehicles.
•  Inspection of vehicles.
•  Perform scheduled service, repair, and maintenance of the other mechanical components of generators and water pumps.
•  Maintain detailed records of the work they perform, including parts used, and repairs completed.
•  Stay updated with current developments in automotive technology and repair techniques through ongoing training and education.
•  Adhere to safety standards and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others.
•  Supervise mechanics students on attachment.
•  Collaborate with other mechanics and technicians to diagnose and repair complex issues.
• Other duties and responsibilities

Transport and Travel Logistics

•  Drive icipe staff or visitors or cargo to designated destinations.
•  Perform pre-trip and post trip vehicle inspections ensuring that scheduled vehicle maintenance is completed and reported.
•  Provide logistical support to Themes/projects at icipe by drawing transport schedules for different working teams and during field activities.
•  Report any malfunction or damage to the vehicle immediately.
•  Notify the traveler on departures and arrival at destinations of any unforeseen problems.
•  Ensure icipe vehicles have relevant legal documents before and during movement.
•  Ensure that across the border journeys have required security clearance from the relevant authorities before commencement of trip.

Personnel safety

•  Provide safety briefing to staff and visitors using the vehicle.
•  Ensure the safety of the driver and passengers throughout the duration of journey by driving in a safe and alert manner.
•  Ensure that the First Aid kit is clean and stocked.
•  Safeguard all the contents in the vehicle.
•  Prepare trip vehicle reports as well as accident or incident reports where necessary.

Requirements/Qualifications

•  Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), or its equivalent level of education.
•  At least five years’ post-qualification working in a busy and reputable workshop.
•  Five plus years driving experience.
•  Experience with similar research and development organization is a plus.
•  Certificate of Apprenticeship, Government Trade Test grade 1.
•  Certificate in Automotive mechanics and Mechatronics or its equivalent.
•  A valid and accident-free Driver’s License class B1, C1, D.

Other Desirable Attributes

•  Inspecting vehicle engines and mechanical/electrical components to diagnose issues accurately.
•  Inspecting vehicle computer and electrical systems to repair, maintain and upgrade.
•  Conducting routine maintenance work with the aim of ensuring vehicle functionality and longevity.
•  Repair of brakes and steering system.
•  Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems.
•  Replace and repair vehicle transmission and fuel components as needed.
•  Repairing of engine cooling system.
•  Ability to read and interpret road signs.
•  Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Kiswahili.
•  Experience in driving and familiarity with the geography (road network) countrywide in icipe research areas will be an added advantage.
•  Training such as First Aid and defensive driving will be an asset.
•  Handle personal per diem.
•  Make decisions for own job function and requires approval from supervisor.

Reporting
This position reports to the Fleet Transport Coordinator.