View Vacancy - Technical Works Coordinator (05/18 LUS)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Estates

Main purpose of job:

As the Technical Works Coordinator, you will lead the High Commission’s efforts to ensure the highest standards in office and residential accommodation. You will be responsible for the delivery of all maintenance, repairs and small-scale projects on the British High Commission estate in Lusaka; comprising offices, residential accommodation, amenities and grounds.

The Technical Works Coordinator leads a small internal team and manages the day-to-day relationship with our contractors, ensuring that all facilities are operated and maintained in accordance with relevant technical and health & safety standards. You will be required to take a hands-on approach, undertaking some aspects of maintenance works yourself (appropriate to your skill set), lead by example and be prepared to invest in the development of your team.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Take a lead role in ensuring that Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) owned and rented properties are compliant to FCO standards. Working with the Estates Manager and Regional Technical Works Officer, conduct annual risk assessments of all British High Commission (BHC) properties ensuring compliance with UK health and Safety standards, taking control of technical reports and managing progress.
  • Ensure delivery of the long term Planned Preventative Maintenance programme by planning, scheduling and ensuring works are completed within agreed timeframes and to a high standard.
  • Allocate maintenance works to appropriate contractors ;liaise between the local contractors with respect to maintenance and minor building works; monitor progress and ensure deadlines are met within Service Level Agreements.
  • Sourcing quotations for maintenance projects, and conducting due diligence to obtain value for money. Assist in defining requirements. Prepare risk assessments and methodology.
  • Provide technical quality control of all maintenance work undertaken in residential properties and in the Mission, approving or rejecting with reasons.
  • Control maintenance stock, maintaining stocks of essential spares, materials and equipment. Ensuring proper stock control procedures are in place and stock properly accounted for.
  • Liaise with and manage the maintenance contractors to schedule jobs and communicate effectively with relevant households on times of works being carried out.
  • Analyse utility consumption and maintenance data for each property; documenting findings for the purpose of property valuation and Carbon footprint return.
  • Proactively monitor and analyse maintenance database, putting forward budgeted recommendations to senior management and Regional Technical Works Officer.
  • Prepare simple floor plans and drawings.
  • Maintain close liaison (verbally and in writing) with Regional Technical Officers on matters relating to maintenance of the estate.
  • Working with the Estates Manager and Regional Technical Works Officer, conduct annual risk assessments of all BHC properties ensuring compliance with UK health and Safety standards, taking control of technical reports and managing progress.
  • Provide assistance to the Estates and Office Manager in Estates asset disposal.
  • Provide support to Estates Manager in the financial management of the Estate’s budget lines, including monitoring and forecasting of estates spend.
  • Liaise with government and other organisations to solve any problems arising on the Estate concerning water, electricity and drainage.
  • Provide cover for the Estates Manager.

Resources managed:

Two direct reports and 3 maintenance contractors

  • Hold a recognised trade qualification ideally in Electrical Installation plus a further qualification at diploma level in an engineering subject
  • 5 years works experience in an commercial or residential environment
  • Good communication and people skills
  • IT literate and able to use the Microsoft Office Suite of Software (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • A positive ‘can do’ approach to work and the ability to work as part of a team
  • Experience in the supervision and management of people employed on maintenance activities

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent. Ability to read, speak and write.

  • Experience in drafting technical specifications
  • Implementing Health & Safety systems
  • Hold a local Driving Licence
  • Basic computer drafting skills e.g. using Microsoft Visio
27 September 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
Africa
Zambia
Lusaka
British High Commission
ZMW 19,166
1 December 2018

Learning and development opportunities:

  • Health and Safety training
  • Budget management training

This position is likely to suit a qualified electrical supervisor who is seeking to widen their experience across a wide range of engineering and health and safety related activities. A background in facilities management and electrical site installations is preferable.


  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Lusaka are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Zambia.
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. 
  • The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
  • Obtain the relevant permit
  • Pay fees for the permit
  • Make arrangements to relocate
  • Meet the costs to relocation

The British High Commission do not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.  

  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.