The British Embassy in Tunis has a vacancy for an Accommodation Officer, job grade Aministrative Officer (AO).

Main Purpose of the Job:

The role sits within the Estates Team in Corporate Services and supports the day‑to‑day management of residential accommodation for UK Based Staff (UKBS). Working closely with the Estates Manager, the postholder helps with finding and preparing properties, coordinating moves, managing occupations and departures, and making sure accommodation is safe, compliant, and ready for use.

The role involves regular contact with UKBS, landlords, estate agents, contractors, utility companies, and suppliers. It also includes supporting rent and utility payments, procurement activities, and keeping accurate records. Through this work, the role helps make sure accommodation meets FCDO standards, supports staff wellbeing, and contributes to the smooth running of the Embassy’s estates operations as part of the wider Corporate Services team.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Accommodation Management (60%)

• Support the Estates Manager (EM) in the day‑to‑day management of hired residential accommodation and the Embassy estate.
• Assist in sourcing new residential properties for UK Based Staff (UKBS) through local estate agents.
• Source office and residential furniture and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date furniture inventories.
• Lead and coordinate flat and house moves for UKBS.
• Liaise with contractors carrying out works in properties prior to first occupation and between occupants.
• Ensure cleaning standards are met before first occupancy of residential accommodation.
• Carry out march‑out procedures with UKBS upon final departure from residential properties.
• Ensure Health & Safety guidance is followed and quality standards are always maintained.
• Update and maintain records on the Estates database (Planon).
• Conduct basic visual checks of residential accommodation during preparation and occupation to identify defects, hazards, or safety concerns.
• Proactively flag issues and support follow‑up actions to ensure properties are safe, compliant, and ready for occupation.
• Support the Estates Manager in maintaining compliance with FCDO property, fire safety, and Health & Safety standards across the residential estate.

Finance and Payments (20%)

• Monitor and process rent payments for the residential estate.
• Maintain updated spreadsheets tracking rent due dates and payments.
• Process utility payments (water and electricity) promptly to avoid service interruptions.
• Engage with external stakeholders such as STEG, SONEDE, and relevant suppliers when required.

Procurement (15%)

• Set up new suppliers and distribution sets in the in‑house Oracle‑based finance and procurement system.
• Handle procurement and invoicing related to Estates operations.
• Ensure value for money (VFM) through cost comparisons and appropriate purchasing decisions.
• Act as requisitioner and receiver in the finance and procurement management system.

Corporate Services Support (5%)

• Provide cover for Estates Team colleagues during periods of leave or absence.
• Undertake ad‑hoc duties within the Corporate Services section as required.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis. 

Key behaviours required:  

• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others. 

Eligibility: 

Applicants must already have the right to work and reside in Tunisia.

• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English, French, and Arabic. Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Experience working in residential property management, with knowledge of tenancy agreements, and lease procedures, with good understanding of the local property market, suppliers, and pricing.
• Proven ability to work with customers, landlords, and third‑party suppliers, including negotiation skills and managing expectations effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels and work collaboratively across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and maintain effective external stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and resilient approach, with the ability to work under pressure and deliver results within tight timescales.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, with accurate typing skills.