Driver

VACANCY – Driver Embassy of Ireland, Lusaka

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

The Driver will be a member of the Drivers Team, which supports the work of the Embassy. The Drivers are responsible for the safe transport of Embassy staff, visitors and entrusted assets, primarily in Lusaka. The hired Driver will also be required to undertake transport duties outside Lusaka, including in nearby countries. The Driver will also be required to work outside of regular office hours in line with the business needs of the Embassy.

The Driver will play a key role in Embassy operations, working as key contact point between the Embassy and its stakeholders, including Government bodies, with respect to the conveyance and processing of important documentation. The Driver will be required to maintain good working relationships with said stakeholders.

The Driver will be required to familiarise themselves intimately with the policies and guidelines of Embassy and the protocols around driving for a diplomatic mission. The Driver should understand the work of Embassies and the work of Government.

Roles and Responsibilities: A detailed list of the precise duties of this position is available at www.dfa.ie/zambia. The range of duties may vary over time according to the needs of the Embassy, but will include the following core responsibilities:

• Chauffeuring: Driving the Ambassador to and from official engagements, driving other Embassy staff, picking up official visitors, as required.
• Couriering – Secure conveyancing of documents and parcels as directed, and maintaining positive working relationships with Embassy stakeholders.
• Fleet maintenance and Repair – Ensure that vehicle is roadworthy, serviced, and clean, and that all relevant records are correctly maintained. Assisting in the renewal of Embassy’s car insurance, vehicle registration and any other administration related to the vehicle; Keeping track of mileage, fuel, and toll expenses.
• Response ready – in the event of breakdowns, accidents and incidents.
• Facilities Support – Support with operational functions, to include generators, traffic management at functions, moving equipment, and other associated duties, as directed by the Manager. Assisting with maintenance issues at the Chancery and Residence as required;
• Any other reasonable duties that may be assigned to you at the Chancery or Residence, as required.

Essential Requirements:

• Candidates must have a minimum of a Grade 12 education;
• Candidates must have a full clean driving record and Class B driving licence, with highly competent driving skills;
• Candidates must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience in a similar role, as an official driver at a Government Institution, an Embassy, or a multi-lateral institution;
• A very good geographical knowledge of the Lusaka area, and good experience driving outside Lusaka and Zambia;
• Candidates may not have medical conditions that would interfere with the conduct of their role, particularly as regards the safety of passengers and other road-users. Medical/Health checks will apply.
• Candidates must have strong oral and written English language skills;
• Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills, to deal with internal and external people, often VIPs, and the ability to exercise good judgement and decision making. This role will require high level of discretion, commitment and reliability;
• Candidates must be punctual and efficient, and show strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail;
• Candidates must have a flexible attitude, good judgement, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and able to adapt plans quickly to changing circumstances;
• Candidates must be able to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks, prioritising based on importance and urgency;
• Candidates must have a good working knowledge of communications; ICT; text; telephone, GPS.
• Availability to work out-of-hours and additional hours, as required;
• All applicants must have a permanent legal right to reside and work in Zambia.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Practical mechanical or engineering skills;
• Proficiency in radio and satellite communications tools;
• Security management skills, understanding of security operations and procedures;
• Administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office;
• Incident management or security experience.

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidates will be hired on an initial fixed term contractual basis with a three-month probation period and will be based at the Embassy of Ireland, Lusaka;
• Monday to Friday, 48 hours per week with evening and weekend tasks assigned;
• Annual Leave entitlement 24 days per annum;
• The Driver will report to the Embassy Fleet and Facilities Manager;
• A uniform is provided for this role, and clean, neat presentation is required at all times.
• The gross annual salary is €7,576.12 per annum paid in local currency (inclusive of housing allowance) paid locally on a monthly basis and non-negotiable. The Embassy contributes a further 15% of salary to pension; NAPSA is paid; a medical insurance package is in place. Note that the Embassy deducts income tax (PAYE) at source without exception. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account.
• This job can require driving outside of Lusaka and Zambia, out-of-hours and additional hours, as required. If you cannot work outside of standard office hours, please do not apply for this position.

How to apply The Job Description and Application Form for this position are available on our website www.dfa.ie/zambia

Completed application forms should be sent via e-mail only to RecruitmentLusaka@dfa.ie with the subject line Driver Vacancy.

Applications must be received before 16:30 hrs. (Local time) on 22nd March 2026. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.

Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted.

Selection Process:

• Only those applicants that meet the essential requirements above will be considered;
• Only applications filled out electronically on the application form will be accepted;
• AI-generated applications will not be accepted;
• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential Requirements above;
• It is planned that interviews will be held in person during the month of March/April.
• A driving skills test will be included in the recruitment process;
• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process; and
• A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates for current and future vacancies.

General Data Protection Regulation: All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland, Lusaka is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.