SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS OF ZOONOSES IN

TANZANIA
POISITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:

Driver/Field Research Assistant

This position is for a driver/field research assistant to support the activities of an

international multi-partner research project based at the Nelson Mandela Africa Institution
of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha. The project is funded through the UK
Department for International Development (DFID) and Research Councils UK (RCUK)
through the Zoonoses in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme, and will involve
a range of interdisciplinary research activities to investigate how changing livestock
systems affect livestock and human health and livelihoods in rural and peri-urban
communities of northern Tanzania. The research activities include field studies in northern
Tanzania, laboratory-based research at NM-AIST and Killimanjaro Christian Medical
Centre (KCMC), and policy interactions with local, national and international
policy-makers.
This position holder will be a member of a research team under the direct supervision of
project coordinator, and will work closely with investigators and technical staff from
NM-AIST, and other partner institutions in Tanzania (KCMC, Sokoine University of
Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare) as well as international partners from the UK (University of Glasgow and
University of Sussex), New Zealand (Otago University) and USA (Washington State
University). The position holder will have responsibility for overseeing the operation of
project vehicles and assuring safe transportation of individuals to and from various
destinations; care and maintenance of project vehicles; assisting field team in conducting
fieldwork. The work will involve frequent travel to and from other implementation sites
including Kilimanjaro, Monduli, Longido, Manyara districts, often with considerable periods
of time in the field as required (e.g. during field surveys).
The initial duty station will be Moshi for a period of up to 12 months, with shift of duty
station to Arusha for up to an additional 3 years.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
Excellent driving skills (valid Tanzanian driving license and driver certificate).
Punctual and reliable.
Good knowledge of automotive maintenance procedures and mechanical skills
(engine diagnostics and servicing, basic DC auto-electric, proficiency in use of
routine vehicle maintenance equipment such as hi-lift jack, spanner, socket set and
pipe wrench, puncture repairs, body and suspension maintenance, navigation
including map reading and GPS skills).
Ability to deal effectively and patiently with others.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Fieldwork experience (long hours in sometimes difficult conditions).
Experience in working in international teams (English knowledge).
Ideally, previous experience with animal/health research projects and disease
surveillance and control programs, including sample collection and storage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To drive assigned routes to transport individuals to and from various locations.
To ensure high level of care and maintenance of project vehicles; wash vehicles
and clean interiors; take vehicle to garage for maintenance and repair.
To liaise with the field coordinator and principal investigators regarding proper
authorized usage of the project vehicles by other project members.
Responsible for providing driver training to other project members (with valid
Tanzanian driving license) as required and assessing their progress.
To provide transport to support project logistics (e.g. provision of
equipment/supplies, equipment repairs, in-country travel of project
members/principal investigators/visitors, transportation of specimens, etc.).
During field research activities required to spend considerable periods of time
under field conditions during which responsibility for project vehicles and for
providing day-to-day support for general activities relating to sampling and sample
storage, and house-to-house surveys depending upon requirements.
To provide general assistance when requested.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but
provide guidance on main aspects of the job. The post-holder will be required to be flexible
in their duties.
Salary Scale
Equivalent to PGSS 8.5. The exact figure will depend on qualifications and
experience
Mode of application
All applications are required to submit their applications including the following:
Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts
Curriculum Vitae
Names and contact details of at least two professional referees
Individuals currently employed in the Public Service should route their applications
through their employers.
Contact details: telephone, e-mail and postal addresses
Closing date for receipt of applications:
December 5th 2014
All applications should be addressed to:
Professor Joram Buza
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
P.O. Box 447 Arusha,
TANZANIA
Telephone: +255 767-012-616
Email: joram.buza@nm-aist.ac.tz