Common Services Officer (Property)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The mission is seeking to fill a Common Services Officer (Property) position for the common services program as well as various officer positions that may arise following this selection process. These positions provide real property and property maintenance. Reporting to the Deputy Management and Consular Manager (Property), the Common Services Officer (Property) is responsible for the effective delivery of property and related common services in support of the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi. The position supports operations across the Chancery, Official Residence (OR), and diplomatic Staff Quarters (SQs) and contributes to a safe, functional, and professional working and living environment for mission staff. Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations, maintenance, and upkeep of the Chancery, the Official Residence, and staff residential properties, including monitoring property conditions and coordinating preventative and corrective maintenance.

• Prepare, manage, and contribute to annual property and maintenance budgets and forecasts; monitor expenditures, track commitments, and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.

• Manage procurement processes related to property and facilities services, including negotiating, administering, and monitoring contracts, lease agreements with landlords, and service agreements with contractors.

• Provide professional, timely, and responsive property‑related support to Canadian‑based staff and internal clients, and maintain effective working relationships with landlords, service providers, and other stakeholders.

• Supervise a team of locally engaged staff, including administrative staff and maintenance technicians, within a structured reporting framework that includes both direct reports and staff reporting to subordinate supervisors; assign priorities, coordinate workloads, and contribute to performance management and staff development.

• Coordinate housing arrangements, property set‑up, and logistical support for staff arrivals and departures in accordance with diplomatic posting cycles and mission requirements. 

 

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in Kenya, including Embassy employees, Canada-based staff spouses and their dependent children of at least 16 years of age, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments. 

Education

This position requires:

• A Bachelor's Degree from a legally recognized University.

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education

Language

The Following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels. 

Experience

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required.

• Minimum of three (3) years of recent and consecutive experience (within the last five years) in the following areas: 
  • Property, facilities, or infrastructure management. 
  • Project management related to maintenance, refurbishment, or construction activities. 
  • Budget preparation, financial tracking, and cost control for operational or capital activities. 
  • Contract and service agreement management.  
  • Supervising or coordinating teams.

 

Competencies

All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment. 

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

 

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Registered / Professional Engineer (PE) under the Engineers Board of Kenya.
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission or international organization.
• Experience in sustainable initiatives in property management (e.g. energy efficiency, environmental or green building practices).
• Proficiency in written and spoken French.

 

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Operational requirements will be assessed on a 'meet/does not meet' basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position.

• Hours of Work: Normal hours of work of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
• Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice.
• Travel: This position may require limited occasional travel domestically and/or internationally.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period.

• Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada. 
• Valid Drivers Licence

 

HOW TO APPLY

Follow the below instructions to ensure your application can be considered. 

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the above job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the qualifications of the vacancy. You must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the qualification in each question box. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may (or may not) be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to CSDPEA.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCEA@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

*If you are in a partially or fully qualified pool for a similar position with our mission, please include the process number and all relevant details in your application.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

• Please note that the High Commission of Canada to Kenya does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates.
• Please note that the High Commission of Canada to Kenya does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated (during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at CSDPEA.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCEA@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation (a modification made to the standard assessment conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities on an assessment by removing barriers related to their specific needs). All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the High Commission of Canada to Kenya,  which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.
• The Government of Canada has established a multiple step salary scale as well as Terms and Conditions tailored to each country’s local labor environment. The Government of Canada does not negotiate salaries. Competitive benefits in line with local practices for each country are also provided in the gross compensation package.