Activity: USAID/Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Platform Activity

Implementer: SoCha LLC

COMPANY BACKGROUND:

SoCha (a portmanteau of Social and Change) is an independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) firm that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. Since our inception in 2010, we have grown into a fully-fledged MEL services firm that specializes in advancing innovative methodologies and changing the way donors find solutions to social problems.

ACTIVITY BACKGROUND:

The Zambia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Platform (Z-MELP) provides support to USAID/Zambia across a range of MEL-related tasks. In doing so, it supports the Mission to improve its program performance management and efficiency, enables the Mission to meet Agency requirements, and provides USAID/Zambia with the expertise and support required to make improved informed strategic and management decisions around program implementation, and to advance Agency learning.

Z-MELP provides the Mission access to technical and advisory services to design and carry out specialized MEL tasks, including practices, processes, and requirements that support Program Cycle implementation.  Z-MELP’s technical assistance is focused on five service areas: 1) performance monitoring support; 2) evaluation support; 3) data management support; 4) capacity building and strengthening; and 5) Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) support services.

POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Driver/Office Assistant will ensure smooth operations by providing reliable transportation services and supporting administrative functions. He/she will serve as a chauffeur for project staff, consultants, and other visitors as assigned by the supervisor and perform administrative tasks as assigned.

The specific responsibilities of the Driver/Office Assistant are to:

Driver

• Vehicle maintenance, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and fueling.
• Maintaining an accurate vehicle log.
• Managing vehicle and trip scheduling as needed.
• Maintaining accurate records and paperwork on all vehicle-related purchases and maintenance.
• Provide safe transportation to and from locations for project staff.
• Ensure compliance with all SoCha and local driving laws and regulations.
• Maintain a record of trips, including kilometers traveled, fuel consumed and cost, and dates of oil changes, all according to established procedures.
• Produce weekly records of mileage traveled.
• Take care of the day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle; check oil, water, battery, brakes, tires, etc;
• Arrange repairs and regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance as per manufacturer’s suggested schedule.
• Ensure that all regulations are followed in case of an accident and that required paperwork is submitted.
• Pick up and deliver shipments and documents as assigned.
• Identify any apparent problems, such as insecurity during driving operations, and report them to the Human Resources and Logistics Specialist Develop and maintain good working relationships with all project/office personnel.
• Provide a trip report on the vehicle performance after every activity outside Lusaka.
• Perform other related tasks as required.

Administration

• Support the finance, operations, and technical teams as required.
• Work closely with the receptionist/administrative assistant to provide operational support for all project activities.
• Support operations and technical teams by scanning documents and providing copies promptly.
• Meeting and Schedule Management – assist the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant in managing these office functions.
• Support procurement actions of office supplies and materials (e.g., for workshops) and ensure an adequate supply of office materials (paper, toner, stationery, cleaning substances, toiletries, etc.) for the day-to-day running of the office.
• As needed, assist the operations team in coordinating conferences, workshops, and training with the operations team.
• In liaison with the Human Resource and Logistics Specialist, conduct quarterly inventory review of all ZMELP assets in the Lusaka office and ensure that the correct inventory data is submitted to the Human Resource and Logistics Specialist.
• Custodian of all office equipment and ensures prior authorization before usage.

The tasks outlined above are indicative but not exhaustive for the role, and other tasks may be assigned by the supervisor, the COP, or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certificate or Diploma in Administration, Business Studies, Commerce or similar, and 2 -3 years relevant work experience as a project driver (preferably with USAID or other international donor) and officer providing administrative and office support.
• Full Grade 12 School Certificate.
• Fluent in the English language, both spoken and written.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to efficiently create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Excellent driving record.
• Knowledge of Vehicle tracker.
• Valid Clean driver’s license class B.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Lusaka, Zambia, with occasional travel within Zambia.

REPORTING: Reports to the Human Resource and Logistics Specialist.

DURATION:   between May and September 2024.

The successful candidate must provide a police clearance.