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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.Job Category
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)Job Subcategory
EstatesJob Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main purpose of job:
The multi-skilled carpenter will conduct carpentry, and masonry works on new projects or refurbishments in residential buildings, office space, workshops, stores or outdoors across the British High Commission Nairobi Estate. They will conduct their work safely and ensure safe performance of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance, fault finding, design, construction and inspection of buildings and timber structures across the British High Commission estate. They will ensure a high level of workmanship and technical standards.
Roles and responsibilities:
Carpentry Duties (65%):
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance activities, projects, refurbishments and react to building maintenance and repairs in a timely, professional & customer focused manner as guided by their team leader.
- Execute repairs and works safely and in accordance with the quality standards of the FCDO, industry best practice, British standards and Kenyan building regulations (National Construction Authority(NCA))
- Read and understand work orders or receive instructions from the team leader.
- Safely erect and inspect scaffolding for works within the range of 3 meters to enable work safely.
- Maintain all equipment in a clean, safe and serviceable condition, reporting any faults by close of working day.
- Responsible for the use of materials and tools issued for the task including the safe storage and security, protection from the elements and being accountable for any unused materials, to be returned and signed back to stores
- Understands and carries out all requirements under Health and Safety for the task including reading, understanding and complying with the risk assessments and site safety orders.
- Continuously self-improve on all work processes to maximize cost-effectiveness, safety adherence, and construction excellence
- Conduct carpentry construction work, remodeling work with good workmanship, and producing specific method statements and risk assessments.
- Use both power and manual tools.
- Basic set up and low-level maintenance and operate woodworking machines, such as lathes, drill presses, sanders, shapers, and planning machines, to perform woodworking operations.
- Proficient at the following tasks: stain-grade trim work, hanging doors, drill and set door hardware, set windows.
- Read and understand blueprints, technical drawings & utilize appropriate mathematics skills.
- Typically, duties may include Routine buildings maintenance, design for small projects, road /path construction, inspection, undertaking building constructions / modification, repairs and replacement in residential and office buildings and special locations (swimming pools etc.). Working at height is essential.
Masonry Duties (25%):
- Carry out planned maintenance activities, projects, refurbishments and react to Minor Masonry Works like broken ridges and sealing valley gaps with cement.
- Restoring old and worn-out masonry
- Execute repairs and works safely and in accordance with the quality standards of the FCO, industry best practice, British standards and Kenyan regulations.
- Actively contribute to safe working practices and ensure all work is undertaken safely by self and others
- Collaborating with other trades: Working alongside carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other technicians to ensure seamless integration of masonry into the overall construction.
- Certificate in Masonry from a recognized government institution (Preferably Government trade test III, II & I).
Typically, duties may include Routine maintenance, construction, test & inspection, fault finding, repairs to installations, repairs and replacement of Masonry minor Works components in residential buildings etc.
Health and Safety Compliance and Driving (10%):
- Resources managed: Manage tools and materials issued to them to accomplish the assignments as directed.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- Can demonstrate at least 4 years of hands-on carpentry, joinery and cabinetry work experience
- Can demonstrate at least 2 years of hands-on masonry work experience
- IT / Computer literate; familiar with Microsoft software including Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel
- Holder of valid drivers’ license with at least 3 years clean driving record. A driver’s test will be conducted before offer of employment.
- Qualification Grade 1 as minimum in carpentry and joinery
- Good communication skills, attention to detail and initiative, as well as good customer service skills
- A flexible approach and good team working skill
- Qualification Grade 3 as minimum in masonry
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Artisan or Craft certificate in Carpentry & joinery or equivalent building course modules.
- Civil works experience
- Able to multi-skill. The applicant should list any other technical skills and experience they have in plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.
- Artisan certificate in masonry or equivalent course modules.
- Certificate in fire safety and first aid training
Required behaviours
Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working TogetherApplication deadline
5 December 2025Grade
S1Type of Position
Fixed TermWorking hours per week
44 hoursDuration of Post
12 monthsRegion
AfricaCountry/Territory
KenyaLocation (City)
NairobiType of Post
British High CommissionNumber of vacancies
1Salary
KES 121 205,76 (Base salary is subject to tax and other statutory deductions)Type of Salary
monthlyStart Date
2 March 2025Other benefits and conditions of employment
Learning and development opportunities:
- The British High Commission Nairobi supports a learning and development culture with online and in person training offered throughout the year, including, but not limited to: Working at height, health & safety, team work etc.
- As a member of the Technical Works Group the officer will have an opportunity to continue professional skills training and certification upon application and approval.
Working patterns:
The role requires to be physically presents at the work station. Flexible working is not possible for this position.
Hours of work are 44 hours per week
Monday – Thursday 0730-1730
Friday 0730-1630Additional information
- 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.
- Base salary is subject to tax and other statutory deductions
- Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Kenya.
- It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need to apply for a work permit.
- Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
- Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles. Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates and appointment is subject to that clearance.
- Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
- Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate
