Estates Furnishings Assistant and Deputy Driver at British High Commission Nairobi

Main purpose of job:

Estates Furnishings Assistant and Assistant driver will be responsible in assisting the Lead Drivers (Accommodation & TWG) with the management of the Estates fleet vehicles and deputising the Estates lead drivers.  The individual will provide safe and efficient transport service for Estates operations including the movement of personnel, materials and furniture. The individual will conduct spot-checks and supervision of contractors on site, conducting the monthly utility meter reading and generator fuelling, delivery and collection of inventories, property spot-checks and completion of supporting paperwork.  They will work with the Furnishings Assistants in float preparation, property cleaning and set-up, heavy lifting and manual handling.

Driving Responsibility (40%)

• Drive the fleet vehicles for official duties in a safe, courteous, and efficient manner, strictly adhering to traffic regulations and organizational transport policies.
• Assist in delivery of furniture and white goods by means of canter/minibus in preparation of residential accommodation for occupancy alongside collection of faulty goods from the various BHC properties, ensuring no damage is caused while in transit.
• Working with the Estates Officer in scheduling and accompanying utility companies for meter reading and supervision of generator fueling across the Estate on a monthly basis, or as and when required.
• Conduct property and field errands on behalf of the team by available means of transport.
• Responsible for ensuring the fleet vehicles assigned to them are clean and serviced on time and support the lead drivers in spot checking other Estates fleet vehicles.
• Responsible for ensuring the fleet vehicles assigned to them are offloaded after the day’s assignments and parked at the allocated slot.
• Responsible for ensuring the fleet vehicles assigned to them are left fueled over the weekend and before any day’s assignment.
• Preparation, delivery and collection of domestic floats for both office and residences
• Responsible for loading of inventory into the canter in preparation for delivery, ensuring the gate passes are duly signed by relevant authorities before delivery.
• Carry out daily maintenance checks on fleet vehicles assigned to them, thus ensuring they are roadworthy before starting any journey including tyres, petrol, oil and lubricants.

Furnishings Assistant (40%)

• Deep cleaning and furnishing properties as per guidance given by the line management chain taking care of all Health & Safety standards.
• Routine maintenance of the furnishings stores and surrounding areas supporting the storekeeper keeping them orderly, clean and free from hazards.
• Working as part of a team in property preparations for occupancy.
• Working as part of the team in meeting room and event set-ups.
• Reporting to Helpdesk any issues identified or items damaged or missing from properties.
• Attend to internal booking requests assigned within the set SLA.
• Assisting all teams in the High Commission with manual handling on an as need basis.
• Proper filling of all gate passes, utility meter reading templates, generator fuel delivery notes, inventory delivery and collection notes.

Contractor Supervision & Spot-checking (20%)

• Supervise contracted suppliers during works such as waste collection, water deliveries, generator fueling, utility meter readings, and tree/garden works on behalf of the estates team.
• Supervise property cleaning in preparation for occupancy.
• Conduct spot-checks of the grounds maintenance, tree pruning and hedge trimming at the BHC properties, waste collection and guard house routine cleaning.
• Conduct spot-checks of other contractors as required across Estates Accommodation and Technical Works
• Deputise the Estates team lead drivers during periods of absence

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Valid driving licence for B-C-E class with clean driving record
• 3 years’ experience as a Class E Driver, driving of a Canter Truck or equivalent
• Basic mechanical knowledge for vehicle checks and minor troubleshooting.
• Good customer services skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Basic computer skills (MS Office suite, Outlook for email)
• Proficient written and spoken English
• Awareness of health and safety practices
• Heavy lifting capability (up to 45Kg)
• Good knowledge of Nairobi road routes and ability to plan journeys efficiently.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Certification from authorized training facility for safe operation of a HIAB or crane
• Health & Safety training and certification to local or UK standards
• Professional property cleaning experience
• Experience with inventory management systems

Required behaviours  

• Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together