Driver

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. Visit http://www.worldbank.org/.

Background

Regional Context

The Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region serves twenty two countries across different income groups, of which fourteen are active/potentially active IBRD/IDA borrowers (Afghanistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia, and Yemen), with a total of 251 projects and over $51 bn in total commitment. Eight are users of the Region's non-lending services, mostly on a reimbursable basis (Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).  The mission of the region is to foster sustainable growth with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. The region attaches importance to creating a supportive work environment based on the values of teamwork, transparency, trust, and client service, underlined by professional excellence. The region places high value on diversity. The region is organized into seven Country Departments (CMUs), the Office of the Regional Chief Economist, and the Development Effectiveness Unit (MNADE).

With an expanded regional strategy, the World Bank aims to help the region weather the current crises, move from stabilization to transformation, unlock its vast economic potential of youth and women, develop its human capital to adapt to global megatrends, and foster innovation (https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena).

Djibouti is one of the smallest countries in Africa, with an area of 23,200 square kilometers and a population estimated at about 990,000. The size of its economy limits its ability to diversify production and increases its reliance on foreign markets, making it more vulnerable to market downturns and hampering its access to external capital. With less than 1,000 square kilometers of arable land (0.04% of its total land area) and average annual rainfall of only 130 millimeters, Djibouti depends almost completely on imports to meet its food needs. As of June 2025, Djibouti’s active portfolio comprised 20 IDA projects worth about US$577 million. The portfolio is focused on energy, transports, digital transformation, education, health, social safety nets, energy, rural community development, slums upgrading and urban poverty reduction, governance, and private sector development, with an emphasis on women and youth. For more information on Djibouti, please visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/djibouti
 
The Djibouti Country Office is seeking to recruit a highly motivated driver who will report to the WBG Joint Country Representation, Resident Representative. This is a local TERM (3 year) position based in the World Bank's office in Djibouti. 

Job duties and Responsibilities

• Staff Transportation: Ensure the safe and timely transportation of country office staff and visiting missions to various locations, including meetings, events, and official functions. 
• Field mission transportation: ensure timely and safe travel to/from Djibouti Ville to other regions of the country.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Conduct regular checks and maintenance of the vehicle to ensure it is in good condition. This includes checking oil, water, brakes, and tires.
• Route Planning: Plan routes to avoid traffic and ensure timely arrival at destinations. Be familiar with local roads and traffic regulations.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of travel, including mileage, destinations, and any incidents that occur during travel.
• Communication: Maintain open communication with the country representative and other staff to coordinate travel plans and schedules.

Other Duties:

• Hospitality: to serve coffee and tea as needed;
• Help other team members in routine office functions, as required;
• Perform ad-hoc duties when assigned.

Expectations

• Professionalism: Exhibit professionalism and discretion at all times, especially when driving the RR and in context of   sensitive information being shared or high-profile individuals.
• Punctuality: Be punctual and reliable, ensuring that the country representative/staff/ visiting mission depart and arrive at destinations on time.
• Adaptability: Be adaptable to changing schedules and last-minute requests.
• Security Awareness: Be aware of security protocols and procedures, especially when driving in areas with heightened security risks.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum Education/Experience: High school diploma, or equivalent; and a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a professional driver; 
• Fluency in written and spoken French and basic knowledge of English.
• Demonstrated driving experience in Djibouti, with international organizations preferred;  
• Excellent driving skills and knowledge of Djibouti traffic rules;
• Be able to work under pressure;
• Be presentable, polite and respectful with office staff, passengers, and government officials;
• Ability to use standard office equipment (e.g. computers, photocopy, fax machines, etc.); 
• Basic knowledge of word processing, electronic mail, phone messaging;
• Ability to keep driving record;
• Good team player, with ability to interact tactfully and effectively with staff at all levels in a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to work accurately and complete tasks on time according to specific instructions;

Qualifications

• Driving License: Possess a valid driving license with a clean driving record
• Experience: Have prior experience as a professional driver, preferably with experience driving high-profile individuals.
• Knowledge of Local Area and Djibouti: Be knowledgeable about local areas, including traffic patterns and road conditions. Be familiar with countryside travel conditions in order to conduct safe driving in regions.
• Safety Training: Have completed road safety training and be familiar with WBG emergency procedures.

Additional Considerations

• Medical Clearance: Drivers may be required to undergo medical examinations to ensure they are fit for driving duties 
• Compliance with Local Laws: Adhere to local traffic laws and regulations and ensure compliance with any organizational directives related to road safety.

These elements provide a framework for the role of a driver for a country representative, ensuring that the individual is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities and challenges of the position.

Attention: Only applicants who are nationals, legal residents, or otherwise have legal presence in the duty station independent of any employer, and who are authorized to work in the duty station, will be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.