Introduction:

About Expertise France:

Expertise France is a public agency part of the AFD Group, merging six agencies under the supervision of the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy and Finance with a strong inter-ministerial vocation. EF offers programme engineering and technical assistance by developing and implementing international cooperation actions worldwide. EF operates in various development and institutional cooperation fields, including safety and security reform, post-crisis/stability, public health, human rights, strengthening of institutions and NGOs, and governance.

Expertise France designs and implements projects which aim to contribute to the balanced development of partner countries, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and the priorities of France’s external action.

1. About IWEE project:

The IWEE project, launched in January 2024, aims to enhance the economic empowerment of women in Iraq by facilitating the creation and development of women-led businesses. Funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) with a total budget of 10 million euros and managed by Expertise France, the project spans 36 months. A primary focus of the initiative is to structure and support the women entrepreneurial ecosystem, assist in the establishment of micro-businesses, and expand the growth of existing female-run businesses across Iraq.

The intention is to empower women economically by providing them the means to start and sustain businesses, thereby fostering a conducive business environment for female entrepreneurs. The strategic approach of the project encompasses three main components: structural support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, assistance in micro-business creation, and enhancement of existing women-led businesses. The expected outcomes include a strengthened entrepreneurial framework for women, increased training and opportunities for Iraqi women to initiate micro-businesses, and reinforced business development for existing enterprises led by women.

This comprehensive support for women in Iraq not only addresses immediate economic empowerment but also aims at long-term sustainability and independence of women in the business sector. The project seeks to make a lasting impact on the economic landscape for women in Iraq, aligning with broader goals of gender equality and economic inclusivity.

Since the project operation covers most regions of Iraq apart from KRG, IWEE is looking for a service provider as a “driver along with his vehicle” to enhances team productivity by ensuring reliable and timely transportation, allowing team members to focus on their core responsibilities instead of travel logistics. Additionally, it will improve safety through professional driving and proper vehicle maintenance, and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate sudden or after-hours travel requirements, supporting efficient project operations.

2. Objectives and desired results:

IWEE is looking to hire a service provider as “driver along with his vehicle” to assist with the project operation across region of Federal Iraq, the service provider should be achieving these required results:

1. Timeliness and Reliability: Ensuring all transportation is timely, allowing team members to attend meetings, events, and complete tasks according to schedule without delays.
2. Safety and Maintenance: Maintaining high safety standards by practicing defensive driving, adhering to all traffic laws, and ensuring the vehicle is well-maintained and in excellent operating condition.
3. Flexibility and Availability: Demonstrating flexibility in scheduling to accommodate last-minute changes and being available for after-hours or emergency travel needs, ensuring the team can reliably meet project demands at any time.
4. Professionalism and Discretion: Displaying professionalism in all interactions, maintaining confidentiality where necessary, and representing the organization positively during the transportation of team members and guests.
5. Route and Traffic Management: Efficiently planning routes and managing travel times by staying informed about traffic patterns and road conditions to avoid delays and ensure the fastest, safest routes.
6. Vehicle Cleanliness and Presentation: Keeping the vehicle clean and well-presented at all times, creating a positive and professional impression for passengers and aligning with the organization’s standards.
7. Emergency Preparedness: Being prepared to handle vehicle-related emergencies or unexpected situations, including having a well-stocked first-aid kit, knowing basic vehicle troubleshooting, and understanding the procedures for emergency services coordination.
8. Record Keeping: Accurately logging travel details such as mileage, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules, contributing to efficient fleet management and cost control.
9. Communication Skills: Maintaining clear and effective communication with team members and management about schedules, routes, and any potential delays or issues, ensuring all parties are well-informed.
10. Adherence to Policies: Strictly following organizational policies regarding vehicle use, driver conduct, and passenger safety to uphold standards and minimize liability.
11. Adaptability: Adapting to various types of vehicles if required, managing different driving conditions and passenger needs effectively.

Support strategy:

In case of sickness, emergency situation, detention of the car or an accident, the service provider is expected to provide a temporary qualified alternative service provider to fill his assignment not exceeding 30 calendar days subjected to EF acceptance.

3. Description of the assignment:

The service provider is expected to perform these required tasks:

Movement and logistics:

1. Ensure the transportation of EF staff and other personnel related to the project to the designated destination in all of Federal Iraq.
2. Strictly adhere to EF policies regarding vehicle use, driver conduct, and passenger safety, particularly in emergency situations, by having a clear emergency response protocol in place
3. Handle the carry of goods and mail as assigned by the project.
4. Coordinate the movements and requests according to the project
5. Arrive at destinations on schedule and use navigation applications to determine the best route.
6. Follow all rules and regulations in relation to the Road Safety Transport Authority.
7. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Check and Maintenance:

1. Ensure the daily check of the state of the car (levels of oil, fuel, water, etc.).
2. EF will handle the cost of fuel only for missions outside of Baghdad.
3. Guarantee daily cleaning of the interior and exterior of the car.
4. Check the stocks of materials of the first aid kit in the car prior to each field trip.
5. In case of accident during the working hours and assignment, EF will not bear the cost since the vehicle and the driver should be fully insured.

Reporting:

1. Daily fill in the control sheets (km, fuel, etc).
2. Other reporting documents might be required during assignment.

4. Place, duration and terms of performance:

The service provider will be located in Baghdad, in EF office with movements to all regions of Federal Iraq depending on the requirement of the project. The working hours will align with EF-Baghdad’s schedule. The service provider is expected to be assigned from 01.07.2024 to 31.12.2024.

5. Required expertise and profile

• Qualifications and skills:

1. At least a High School Graduate.
2. Having a car model 2023-2024 and car should be with clean title.
3. Having a valid driving license with 5 years of driving experience.
4. Knowledgeable in vehicle maintenance and minor repairs
5. Valid full coverage insurance for the car and the driver and passengers (staff).
6. Able to work under minimal supervision and be proactive and initiative.
7. Complete mechanical, security, and first aid training courses.
8. Effective time management skills.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills.
10. Good communication skills.
11. Basic English skills.
12. Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure.
13. Maintenance of confidentiality at all times.

• General professional experience:
• Previous working experience at Foreign public agency is desirable.
• Previous working experience at UN and international organization is preferable.
• Support strategy to be outlined through the email.
• Non-criminal record up to date.
• Include certificates of completion for safety, and first-aid training. Additional training like advanced navigation will be considered a plus.