The British High Commission in Nairobi is pleased to invite applications for the position of Electrician & Generator Technician. This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified and experienced professional to join a high-performing technical team within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining and supporting the estate’s electrical systems and generator equipment to ensure operational continuity and safety.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and a respectful workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and promote a working environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to perform to their best potential.
Position Title: Electrician & Generator Technician
Vacancy Reference: 18/25 NR
Location: British High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya
Working Hours: 44 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 12 Months
Start Date: 1 September 2025
Salary: KES 118,143.98 per month (subject to tax and statutory deductions)
Application Deadline: 2 July 2025
Grade: S1
Number of Positions: 1
Job Purpose
The primary responsibility of the Electrician & Generator Technician is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the High Commission’s electrical systems and generators. The role is vital to the smooth running of estate services and requires a high level of technical skill, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. The post holder is expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold the highest standards of electrical and mechanical safety.
Key components of the role include:
- Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
- Reactive maintenance
- Fault finding and diagnostics
- Design, construction, inspection, and testing of Low Voltage (LV) electrical and generator equipment/installations
Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Electrician & Generator Technician are split between general electrical duties (70%) and generator-specific duties (30%). However, flexibility is expected, especially during periods of leave cover or high workload.
Electrician Duties – 70%
The Electrician will be responsible for ensuring the effective performance of various electrical systems across the estate, including residential, commercial, and industrial installations. Duties include:
- Executing planned maintenance, refurbishments, and reactive breakdown repairs in a professional and timely manner.
- Ensuring that all works meet the quality standards of the FCDO, British Standards, industry best practices, and Kenyan electrical regulations, particularly regarding LV electrical installations.
- Conducting electrical testing and preparing necessary documentation such as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) and Electrical Installation Certificates.
- Promoting and practicing safe work methods, ensuring personal and collective safety.
- Preparing work packages for re-wiring, refurbishment, or upgrades to ensure compliance with BS7671, FCDO standards, and Kenyan electrical codes.
- Creating detailed bills of quantities, cost estimates, and material schedules for high-quality electrical installations and repairs.
- Contributing to ongoing improvements in energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and technical quality across all electrical works.
Generator (Electrical & Mechanical) Technician Duties – 30%
Generator maintenance duties are primarily required during peak periods or when the Lead Generator Technician is on leave. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting routine electrical maintenance of LV systems and supporting small electrical design and construction projects.
- Performing fault finding and diagnostics on gensets, including full building re-wires, component replacements, and circuit modifications.
- Supporting high-risk or non-routine tasks such as working at height or servicing critical infrastructure like sewerage treatment plants and swimming pools.
- Running load bank tests on diesel generators and conducting routine services, including changing filters and performing standard maintenance tasks.
- Adjusting and installing generator control systems, including Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and voltage regulators.
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical and mechanical issues related to generator performance.
- Producing clear technical reports, time estimates, and project plans with start and end dates, key milestones, and required resources.
- Sharing technical knowledge with colleagues on matters such as design, installation, testing, and inspection practices.
- Engaging effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing updates in accessible and understandable language.
Resources Managed
While the position does not have direct line management duties, the post holder may occasionally be required to supervise and coordinate contractor activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Applicants must possess the following qualifications, skills, and competencies:
- A Certificate in Electrical Installation from a recognized government institution.
- In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with low voltage electrical installation, inspection, and testing.
- At least 4 years of practical experience working with diesel generators and LV electrical systems, with demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults.
- Solid understanding of diesel engine and generator technology.
- Ability to estimate project durations and plan maintenance schedules.
- Proficiency in computer applications, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- A valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of accident-free driving history (a practical driving test will be conducted before a formal offer is extended).
- Strong attention to detail, initiative, and excellent customer service orientation.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Capability to use hand and power tools efficiently.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Candidates with the following additional skills and knowledge will have an advantage:
- Familiarity with Health & Safety standards relevant to electrical installations.
- Ability to interpret and work from technical blueprints and electrical schematics.
- Completion of an electrician and generator mechanic apprenticeship program.
- Experience with High Voltage (HV) systems.
- Competence in LV inspection and testing.
- Additional technical skills in mechanical systems, welding, or related fields.
Key Behaviours Required
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following core Civil Service behaviours:
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
Additional Information for Applicants
- All applications must be submitted through the official tal.net recruitment platform. Applications submitted via other sites or methods will not be accepted.
- Please ensure that all fields in the application form are completed in full. The information provided will be used for initial screening and shortlisting.
- Once submitted, no amendments can be made to your application. Please verify the accuracy of your details before submitting.
- Only candidates who already possess the legal right to live and work in Kenya without requiring a work permit will be considered.
- Employment is subject to reference checks and successful security clearance.
- The British High Commission will never request or require applicants to pay any fees or charges at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Shortlisted candidates may be kept on a reserve list for six months. Should a similar vacancy arise during this period, applicants on the reserve list may be contacted.
- For more information about the Civil Service Success Profiles and to understand the behavioural framework used for assessment, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified and experienced electrician with generator maintenance skills to work in a professional and inclusive environment. If you have a passion for electrical safety, a commitment to quality, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a high-performing team, we encourage you to apply for this role.
