Project Driver – The Hustle-Reality TV show at Search for Common Ground (Search), Sokoto , Nigeria.

Search is seeking an experienced Project Driver for an anticipated 24-month project funded by the European Union. The project will be implemented in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states. The overall goal of the project is to enhance young people’s entrepreneurial and peacebuilding agency within their communities and raise awareness of the positive contributions young people make to the social and economic fabric of their communities.

The Project Driver will assist in the execution of Search projects through safe and efficient transportation by vehicle of Search authorized passengers, transport goods and services in furtherance of the execution of the responsibilities of those passengers as they relate to Search projects. The driver will also maintain his assigned vehicle to meet all reasonable safety standards and act accordingly in line with Search policies. The driver reports to the Procurement, Admin, and Logistics (PAL) Coordinator.

Background of the Project

The North West region of Nigeria, particularly Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto (KZS) states, faces a complex and multi-dimensional crisis characterized by widespread criminality and violence, socio-economic challenges, and a deteriorating social fabric. Since 2021, the region has become notorious for insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings and is frequently portrayed in a negative light in the media. This constant focus on violence has not only shaped public perceptions but has also contributed to widening the social divide between northern and southern Nigeria. The North is often blamed for security problems that threaten the country, leading to a sense of alienation that further isolates Northerners from the rest of the nation. The situation is exacerbated by deep-rooted poverty, high unemployment, and a significant skills gap, particularly among youth. Many young people lack access to quality education, vocational training, investment, and economic opportunities, limiting their employment and professional prospects and making them vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups and criminal networks. The problem is compounded by the negative stereotypes and mistrust from their elders who, despite young people’s resilience and potential, sideline youth, disregard their abilities, and prevent them from playing a meaningful part in society. Despite their resilience and potential, young people often find themselves sidelined, confronted with negative stereotypes and mistrust from their elders who disregard their abilities and prevent them from playing a meaningful part in society. Such social exclusion and conditions exacerbate the cycle of poverty and violence, as young people struggle to break free from the limitations of their circumstances, leading to frustration and perceptions of exclusion which in turn threatens social stability. These problems are particularly acute among youth from marginalized groups such as women and ethnic or religious minorities.

The project goal is supported by the following specific objectives:

Objective 1 : Enhance diverse young people’s entrepreneurial and peacebuilding agency within their communities.

Objective 2 : Raise awareness of young people’s positive leadership and social and economic contributions to their community.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities:

Maintain professional and reliable driving skills;
Observe general traffic rules & safety regulations and request passengers to use their seat belt inside the vehicle at all times;
Drive project staff and other authorized personnel to various destinations safely, as assigned;
Ensures cost-savings through proper use of vehicle e.g. accurate maintenance of daily vehicle logs, timely fueling of vehicle and monitoring of usage;
Fulfill reporting requirements and maintain proper and accurate records on vehicle; Logs all trips, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing etc; Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle; check oil, water, battery, brakes, tyres etc., performs minor repairs and arranges for major repairs to ensure that the vehicle is kept in top performance and clean;
Keenly monitor the security of vehicle, authorized passengers and luggage in line with the vehicle policy;
Report all major and minor damages and accidents on assigned vehicle to the supervisor in line with SEARCH vehicle policies;
Ensures availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, vehicle tool kit and necessary spare parts;
Ensures that in the event of an accident, SEARCH rules/policies and traffic regulations are followed;
Other office duties such as photocopying, faxing, scanning, relieving at the reception, handling of in-coming/outgoing telephone calls, screening of visitors, etc;
Perform other logistics tasks such as dispatch and collection of mails, and other relevant items as assigned, and also assist with movement of items within the office premises.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

A minimum of primary-level schooling to ensure literacy;
A valid driver’s license is compulsory;
A good working knowledge of the Plateau terrain;
A certificate in Defensive driving from an established driving school/firm is an added advantage;
Experience in maintaining and repairing vehicles and to be able to anticipate problems and immediately alert supervisor;
Previous driving experience (3 years preferred)
The ability to travel, even on short notice;
The willingness to work evenings and weekends;
Punctuality, reliability and respect;
Streetwise and security conscious;
Ability to maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically stressful environments, and physical hardship conditions with limited resources;
The incumbent should be able to live by the Search International Code of Conduct;
Fluency in oral and written English is required for proper documentation of movement records;
Good knowledge of other local languages will be an asset