Housing Assistant needed at United States US Embassy / Mission

Job Title:         Housing Assistant

Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Salary Grade: FSN-6 (Ugshs 41,892,912 p.a. inclusive of allowances)

Vacancy Announcement Number: 107-16

Reports to: General Services Officer (GSO)

About US Embassy:

The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years.  Ambassador Deborah R. Malac currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda.  The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.

Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:

  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  • Peace Corps

Job Summary: The Housing Assistant acts as the point of contact and coordinator for all landlord-funded residential housing repairs, make-readies, and terminations and serves as liaison between the General Services Office and Facilities Maintenance Section (FM) in scheduling such work in conjunction with on-going work orders.  The jobholder coordinates with FM, Property, POSHO, RSO, and IRM to ensure that required repairs, furnishings, safety upgrades, security measures, and telephones are in place in time for new arrivals.  Conducts arrival and departure inspections at residences as part of GSO Check-In and Check-Out.  Verifies accuracy of utility bills and landlord-funded repair invoices.  The incumbent also works with landlord to explain US Mission standards and requirements for residential housing.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  

  • Acts as point of contact and coordinator for all landlord-funded residential housing repairs, make-readies, and terminations and serves as liaison between the General Services Office/Housing Section (GSO/H) and Facilities Maintenance Section (FM) in scheduling such work in conjunction with on-going work orders.
  • Coordinates with FM, Property, POSHO, RSO, and IRM to ensure that required repairs, furnishings, safety upgrades, security measures, and telephones are in place in time for new arrivals.
  • Negotiates needed repairs/upgrades with landlords and resolves problems between landlords and American Employee occupants, requiring delicate coordination of often conflicting priorities.
  • Coordinates and Conducts arrival and departure inspections with the Make ready team and incoming and outgoing US Direct Hire employees as part of the GSO Check-In and Check-Out process, assessing any damages or repairs required and identifying the responsible party.  Upon arrival, conducts a “walk-through” of residences with explanation of the operation of appliances, locks, doors, air conditioning, hot water units or security devices.
  • Ensures that all household furnishings and fixtures are in good working order and notes if repair or replacement is needed.
  • Surveys potential properties for use as residences.
  • Works closely with landlords to explain US Mission standards and requirements for residential housing.
  • Keenly verifies accuracy of monthly utility (water and electricity) bills and accuracy of landlord-funded repairs.
  • Maintains keys for all residences (stored under lock and key in GSO), digital photo files, housing spreadsheet, and retail market information to assist GSO with the annual retail market survey (per FAM requirement).

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

NOTE:  All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

  • The applicants for the United States US Embassy Housing Assistant job opportunity should have completed secondary school.
  • A minimum of three years’ experience in building/housing safety/health/environmental maintenance management is required.
  • Working knowledge of US Department of State housing and leasing standards, basic local journeyman work practices, and residential safety and security standards.
  • Cross cultural communication skills capable of mediating conflicting interests of American Embassy residents, facilities maintenance staff, and landlords.
  • Must be tactful, yet effective, in dealing with American personnel relative to the status of their arrival and departure inspections, demonstrating exemplary customer service.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and should be able to operate a manual car.
  • Language Proficiency: Level IV English ability (reading and writing) is required.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join the United States Embassy in Kampala are encouraged to Apply Online by following the instructions below;

  • Applicants shall be required to register under the careers page for US Embassy Kampala using the link, Click Here
  • You will receive confirmation of registration and proceed to apply.
  • On completion of this process you will receive an auto response via your email.

NB: Applicants claiming a U.S. Veteran’s preference must submit written documentation confirming eligibility (e.g., Member Copy 4 of Form DD-214, Letter from the Veteran’s Administration, or certification documenting eligibility under the VOW Act with an expected discharge no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted) by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If the written documentation confirming eligibility is not received in the HR office by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the U.S. Veteran’s preference will not be considered in the application process. Specific criteria for receiving a U.S. Veteran’s preference may be found in HR/OE’s Family Member Employment Policy (FMEP).

Deadline: 23rd December 2016

The US Mission in Kampala provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.  The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

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