The British High Commission in Nairobi is inviting applications for a key leadership role within the Estates Team. This opportunity presents a chance for professionals with strong experience in construction, facilities management, and health and safety to join a dynamic team that manages and maintains the estate of the High Commission to the highest standards.
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds. The organisation values difference, promotes equality, and challenges discrimination, while enhancing organisational capability. Employment decisions are made without regard to disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also supports family-friendly and flexible working opportunities where operational and security requirements allow. Staff are part of an agile workforce, and as such, they may be required to undertake additional duties from time to time as reasonably needed.
This position falls under the category of Operations and Corporate Services, specifically within Estates, and requires a strong background in managing technical teams, projects, and health and safety compliance.
Position: Deputy Estates Manager (Technical Works)
Main Purpose of the Job
The Deputy Estates Manager (Technical Works) will play a pivotal role in leading a large and diverse technical team. The job holder will ensure that the British High Commission estate is safe, efficient, compliant with health and safety standards, and fit-for-purpose. The estate includes offices and residential properties that must be maintained to high standards at all times.
Working closely with the Deputy Estates Manager (Accommodation), the successful candidate will collaborate on project delivery and day-to-day operational management. They will also liaise with UK Technical Works Supervisors and the Senior Regional Technical Lead to guarantee compliance with UK standards.
The role further involves supplier management, financial oversight, team leadership, and proactive customer service delivery. It is a position that requires balancing technical knowledge, management expertise, and effective communication.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Deputy Estates Manager’s responsibilities are organised into key functional areas.
Project Management (25%)
- Apply experience in construction, facilities management, or health and safety to ensure that all technical projects are effectively sequenced, planned, and delivered on time across the estate.
- Promote resource efficiency by prioritising work requests, identifying where alternative solutions may provide sufficient outcomes, and ensuring value for money in project delivery.
- Implement technical guidance from UK Technical Works Supervisors and the Senior Regional Technical Lead, particularly in relation to centrally-funded projects, to ensure compliance with UK standards.
- Oversee and assure the quality of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedules, while making necessary adjustments to improve estate operations.
Procurement and Supplier Management (25%)
- Collaborate with procurement colleagues to manage tender processes, ensuring proper contract award and compliance with procurement policies.
- Maintain close engagement with suppliers to confirm that services and contracts are delivered in line with agreed terms and conditions, addressing poor performance when necessary.
- Develop scope of works for tender documentation and provide technical compliance reviews across the British High Commission, even when works are not directly related to estates.
Team Leadership (20%)
- Partner with the Deputy Estates Manager (Accommodation) to jointly deliver projects, compliance refurbishments, and estate-wide initiatives. Deputise when required to ensure continuity of operations.
- Recognise positive staff contributions through award schemes, one-on-one meetings, and team discussions. Provide guidance to line managers in addressing poor performance or disciplinary matters, working with HR where appropriate.
- Ensure the technical team is supported in their professional growth, health, and safety by coordinating with learning and development officers, mental health first aiders, and first responders.
Health and Safety (15%)
- Chair the Post Health and Safety Committee, working with the secretariat to develop quarterly agendas, follow up on actions, and provide annual updates to senior leadership.
- Respond promptly to health and safety issues, investigate significant incidents, and report findings to headquarters as required.
- Review, approve, and disseminate health and safety communications and schedules while ensuring minimal disruption to residential estate occupants.
Finance (15%)
- Maintain regular communication with the Estates Manager regarding financial matters, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices.
- Coordinate the submission of annual capital bids and escalate any works exceeding safety compliance thresholds to the HQ Global Maintenance teams.
- Monitor and reconcile supplier payments, including transactions processed via government procurement card.
Resources Managed
The Deputy Estates Manager (Technical Works) will be responsible for direct line management of the following roles:
- AO Estates Accommodation & Technical Works Officer
- AA Storekeeper
- AO General Foreman – Residential
- AO General Foreman – Non-Residential
- AO Health & Safety Officer
- AA TWG Office Assistant
In addition to direct reports, the Deputy Estates Manager will provide leadership and quality assurance across the wider Technical Works Group, which includes approximately 36 members of staff.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Demonstrable work experience in construction, facilities management, or health and safety.
- Proven track record in supplier management and procurement processes.
- Financial management and accounting experience.
- Direct line management experience with the ability to lead a large team.
- Clean driving record with a valid Kenyan driving licence (applicants must pass a British High Commission driving test during the interview stage).
- Proficiency in both English and Kiswahili.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Project management experience.
- Strong customer engagement skills.
- NEBOSH Certificate.
- Degree, diploma, or certificate in construction, facilities management, or health and safety.
- Health and safety training aligned with UK standards.
Required Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
Contract and Employment Details
- Application Deadline: 26 September 2025
- Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
- Type of Position: Fixed Term
- Working Hours per Week: 36.25 hours
- Duration of Post: 12 months
- Region: Africa
- Country/Territory: Kenya
- Location: Nairobi
- Type of Post: British High Commission
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Salary: KES 280,165.78 per month (subject to tax and statutory deductions)
- Expected Start Date: 2 January 2026
Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment
Learning and development within the role typically consists of 70% practical, 20% mentorship, and 10% in-class training. While funding for external professional development may be limited, staff are provided with regular in-house training opportunities.
The working pattern is as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 07:15 – 16:00
- Friday: 07:45 – 13:00
Applicants must already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need for a work permit. Local employment terms and conditions apply, including tax obligations.
The British High Commission does not request any payment or fees at any stage of the application process. Successful candidates will undergo reference checks and security clearance before appointment.
Application Guidance
Applicants are advised to ensure that their submissions are authentic, reflecting their own professional experiences. While tools may be used for formatting or keyword alignment, personal narratives and skill-based responses must genuinely represent the applicant’s professional journey. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Applications must be completed in full, as the information provided will be used during screening. No amendments can be made once an application has been submitted. Candidates should monitor their profiles on the application system for updates on their application status.
Appointable candidates who are not immediately selected may be placed on a reserve list for up to six months. If a similar role becomes available during this period, it may be offered to candidates on the reserve list.
Please note that vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government can only be applied to via the official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). While third-party websites may carry these adverts, the application must always be submitted through the official platform.
How to Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted online via the official portal before the stated deadline.
