Peace Corps Zambia Job: The Provincial General Services Assistant


The Provincial General Services Assistant (PGSA) is a full time position under the direct supervision of the Provincial Program Coordinator (PPC). The PGSA is responsible for Driving Peace Corps vehicles as well as teaching and assist Peace Corps Volunteer with bike maintenance, maintenance of the provincial office and transit house to which they are assigned in close coordination with the PPC and PC Medical Officer including the PC Volunteer Leader as far as house duties are concerned.

The Provincial General Services Assistant (PGSA) will work 44 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday with exception as assigned.

This particular opening is for Choma Southern Province.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Vehicle/driving responsibilities:

  • Comply with drive Cam rules that were installed in all vehicles which will record unusual activity such as quick stops, change in terrain, or accidents meant to assist in the safe use of all PC vehicles.
  • The PGSA must assure regular maintenance and management of a PC vehicle including the maintenance of accurate vehicle mileage logs for all official travel, and providing an up-to-date fuel ledger and quarterly reports regarding mileage and fuel consumption to the PPC. Such maintenance will include establishing rapport with local mechanics and support personnel.
  • It is expected that the PGSA will inform the PPC immediately if the vehicle develops problems that cannot be dealt with in the province.
  • The PGSA will drive the vehicle at safe speeds and ensure that official passengers’ safety is their main concern at all times. To this end, they must not allow more than one front seat passenger if driving outside the provincial capital.
  • Under no circumstances may the Provincial GSA (PGSA) use vehicles for any personal reason. All travel must be authorized by the CD, DMO, PCMO, PPC, DPT, or PCMO. Vehicles are to be used strictly for Volunteer support and/or Peace Corps-related support.
  • Alcohol must not be transported in the PC vehicle. Alcohol must not be consumed in the vehicle.
  • The PGSA should be familiar with the use of the satellite phone.
  • The vehicle must be returned to the Provincial office by before dark when not traveling.

Travel responsibilities:

  • The PGSA may carry only official PC personnel in the vehicle. Casual passengers are under no circumstance allowed to be transported in the Peace Corps motor vehicle.
  • The PGSA must never drive the vehicle after dark other than around the provincial capital. This expectation also includes those times when they are driving Lusaka staff or Volunteers. The PGSA has, as the official Driver, the right to refuse to drive after hours if a night drive of more than one hour is anticipated.
  • The PGSA should coordinate with the PPC about who, what, when and where the vehicle needs to go. In this endeavor, the PGSA is expected to create a calendar of events so that vehicle bookings are adequately planned. This calendar will be planned in co-ordination with all staff on a quarterly basis.
  • If the PGSA is to accompany Lusaka staff on site visits, they will be provided with an advance for M&IE and lodging costs and will need to submit a travel reimbursement after the trip accordingly.
  • The driver, in collaboration with the Safety and Security team members, will need to ensure that maps and access to all sites in the province are accurate and updated.
  • All trips to other provinces must be approved in advance by the PPC and Lusaka.
  • Any accident, no matter how small, must be immediately reported to the PPC; all accidents will also be recorded by the camera system on all official vehicles.
  • PGSA must adhere to all PC/Z driving guidelines and GRZ motor-vehicle laws without exception. They must carry a valid Zambian driver’s license at all times when driving, and be versed in the GRZ motor-vehicle guidelines.
  • Assure that all appropriate vehicle documentation is copied and carried with the vehicle at all times.
  • The PGSA should not be on driver duty for more than 6 days w/o a 2 day break unless part of a travel schedule. In that case, the PGSA will be compensated with 2 days of non-driving duties following return to base.

Imprest fund:

  • The PPC as Sub Cashier is responsible (personally liable for the imprest fund) for payment of all official bills, including house utilities and vehicle maintenance. However, the PPC can request the PGSA to pay bills on his/her behalf. House utility bills must be authorized by the PPC. All receipts must be kept and logged according to Peace Corps Zambia procedures.

Bike maintenance:

  • PGSA should be able to teach and assist PCV’s with bike maintenance, and when traveling on site visits, should be prepared to help when needed.
  • PGSA will also be responsible for keeping a bike and parts inventory and stock, channeling requests for parts through the PPCs.

House maintenance:

  • PGSA will assist in maintenance around the provincial office, either work that they see needs doing or work that the resident PCV asks be done.
  • Such work should be carried out only with authorization from the PPC and all bills and receipts accounted for accordingly.
  • PGSA should also keep and maintain an inventory of all PC fixtures and fittings in collaboration with the PPC and PCVL.

Safety and Security:

  • Must be knowledgeable and supportive of PC/ Zambia safety and security policies and procedures, to include the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles likely to endanger a Volunteer’s life or Peace Corps programs.

Required Qualifications:

In order to be selected for this position, the applicant must be a Zambian Citizen, must not have been employed in intelligence-related activities, and must submit an application that clearly documents how they meet each of the following requirements:

  • Successfully completed secondary school education with a certificate in motor vehicle maintenance is required
  • Minimum two years’ working experience as a driver including basic motor vehicle and bicycle maintenance and repairs is required.
  • Must have a good working knowledge of the English language (spoken and written) including proficiency in at least one of the local languages used in the respective province is required
  • A Valid driving license is required

To apply, submit an application letter that clearly addresses the Required Qualifications, CV and list three references. Applications must arrive at the Peace Corps Office on or before the closing date of November 9, 2015. Only short-listed candidates will be notified and no telephone inquiries will be entertained.

Address applications to: The Human Resources Specialist, Peace Corps/Zambia Plot 71A Kabulonga Rd. P.O. Box 50707, Lusaka, Zambia

Email: zm01-[email protected] clearly stating the Position applied for and your Name in subject line