Security Driver, Baghdad

General

Description of assignment title: Security Driver

Assignment country: Iraq

Duty stations: Baghdad

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 11/01/2026

Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Host entity: UNODC

Modality: Onsite

Type: National

Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Part-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives

The UNODC is globally recognized for its efforts in combating illicit drugs and international crime. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it operates under the Regional Programme on Drug Control, Crime Prevention, and Criminal Justice Reform in the Arab States.

The incumbent will closely collaborate with experts conducting training for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior / Counter Narcotics Department and other members of the UNODC Programme Office (PO). Primarily, their role involves specialized translation expertise, facilitating communication between English and Arabic within the PO team and relevant technical units. The role also requires proactive engagement in seeking guidance, analysing evidence, and adhering to UNODC guidelines.

Internally, the incumbent interacts with UNODC staff to share knowledge and ensure work harmonization, particularly with the Services Unit for language and terminology input. Externally, they engage with technical partners, stakeholders, Ministry of Interior officials, and local authorities, as well as UN agencies within the UN Country Team (UNCT).

Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) operates within a complex landscape characterized by diverse challenges, including drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. Within this context, UNODC implements targeted projects aimed at addressing these issues, with a particular focus on enhancing regional cooperation, strengthening law enforcement capacities, and promoting the rule of law. In Iraq specifically, UNODC plays a crucial role in supporting the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes. Projects in Iraq often involve capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement agencies, legislative support to enhance legal frameworks, and community-based interventions to prevent drug abuse and promote rehabilitation. By working closely with national authorities and international partners, UNODC strives to foster a safer and more secure environment in the MENA region, including Iraq, contributing to
sustainable peace and development. The security driver plays a pivotal role within the security team, responsible for transporting personnel amidst heightened security risks in Iraq. Ensuring the safety of passengers is paramount, requiring a thorough understanding and adherence to UN security policies and procedures. This includes driving both non-armoured and armoured vehicles, meticulously planning routes in collaboration with UNAMI Security Units, and maintaining vehicles to optimal operational standards. Daily tasks encompass vehicle maintenance, record-keeping, and readiness for emergency situations, including minor mechanical repairs. Additionally, the driver assists in liaising with local security and government authorities, conducts reconnaissance of routes,
and contributes to protective security coverage. Vigilance and adherence to operational procedures are emphasized, along with ongoing training to enhance competencies. Flexibility in adapting to changing operational environments, compliance with traffic regulations, and assistance with additional duties as needed underscore the multifaceted role of the security driver within the team.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Programme Associate or their designated representative, the UNV Security Driver will:

• Provide safe and secure transportation for UNODC personnel during missions to various locations, in accordance with UN security policies and procedures.
• Plan and coordinate travel routes in consultation with relevant security units.
• Conduct regular vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness, safety, and operational readiness.
• Maintain accurate records of trips, mileage, fuel consumption, and vehicle usage.
• Liaise closely with UN security units, local authorities, and relevant government agencies to ensure the safety of passengers and the smooth implementation of missions.
• Remain flexible and available for rapid deployment in response to operational and security requirements.
• Strictly adhere to UN security protocols, procedures, and instructions throughout all official movements.
• Report directly to the Programme Associate and the Head of the UNODC Office on matters related to transportation, vehicle operations, and mission support.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 3 years

Nationality: Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 3 years

Languages:

• Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required
• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level: Secondary education

Competencies and values:

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Skills and experience:

At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Driving and Security,

• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively
  with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and
  authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work
  effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.)
  and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Area(s) of expertise: Administration, Transport, movement, travel

Driving license: Valid National Driver’s License Required

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Baghdad. National UN
Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of
renewal of the assignment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable).

You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity and inclusion in terms of gender, care-protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers receive a volunteer living allowance to sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. This allowance varies from one location to another depending on local living costs, but all national UN Volunteers in the same location receive the same allowance.

Below is a summary of the Conditions of Service. Allowances: The purpose of allowances for national UN Volunteers is to enable the national UN Volunteers to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. The purpose of this allowance is to cover the basic living costs of the national UN Volunteer, and Her/his family when applicable.

The allowance is to ensure that the volunteer can sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle.

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 952.58.
• Danger and hardship differential: USD 285.77
• Entry lump sum(one time): USD 350
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $60 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Annual and learning leaves
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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