View Vacancy – Deputy Corporate Services Manager B3 (07/20 YAO)

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission (BHC) in Cameroon has been growing in size and ambition over the past five years.  This new, challenging, role of Deputy Corporate Service Manager (DCSM) is integral to the successful functioning of the BHC and thus to the delivery of the British Government’s diplomatic activity in Cameroon and two neighbouring countries.  

You will work for the Corporate Services Team (CST) that manages day-to-day operation of the BHC itself and of staff at outposts in the region.  The DCSM will lead on estate management, including implementing policy, ensuring that projects and maintenance are delivered to a high standard and provide value for money. The candidate will also forecast and manage related budgets. Finally, the candidate will also lead on health and safety matters.

You will work closely with the Corporate Services Manager, who has overall responsibility for the functioning of CST.  You will manage three members of the CST.  You will also act as CSM during the latter’s absences.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve

The main roles and responsibilities of the position are as follows, although the jobholder may at times be required to take on additional tasks:

Estate Management

• Lead on Estates Management for Post, implementing and deliver Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) estates policy for Cameroon.
• Implement office and residential works related to refurbishment and expansion of the BHC.
• Provide strategic advice to CSM and DHC on Estate management.
• Manage quality control of work: implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and report to Senior Management as part of the Corporate Services Charter.
• Work closely with Procurement Hub on maintenance contracts and lead on local contracts as applicable.
• In liaison with Technical Works Officer, ensure Post’s Property Compliance Score (PCA) is at 70% or above
• Manage the stores and keep records of stock ensuring proper stock management process are in place
• Work with the Post Security Manager/CSM/Deputy Head of Mission to maintain security at our properties
• Deputise for the CSM as required, including management and oversight of the CST.

Health and safety

• Establish and chair a health and safety committee
• Implement mandated health and safety provisions
• Support Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) and CSM with Annual Consolidated Certificate of Assurance (ACCA) processes

Management

• Line manage three local members of staff.

Finance

• Ensure compliance with One HMG finance policies and procedures are followed
• Collaborate with the finance hub and the global processing centre on outstanding issues
• Approve electronic invoices

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

Management: three local members of staff.

You have significant responsibility for planning the budget for maintenance in each financial year, for forecasting spend in-year, and for meeting these targets.  (The CSM retains ultimate responsibility for this.)

• Building maintenance qualification or experience  
• At least 2 years of experience working in Procurement/Estate Management
• Contract management experience
• Experience in a building service, hospitality or facilities management environment
• Experience in managing projects
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information (financial and personal data);
• Strong communication skills in English and French
• Ability to work effectively and flexibly
• Ability to plan and prioritise effectively
• Ability to work with a wide range of internal and external contacts
• A need to demonstrate determination, self-motivation and pro-active approach
• Be a team player and have excellent organisational skills
• Strong IT skills (MS Office) and advanced level of Excel knowledge is required