Sr. Maintenance Officer

About the Company

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organization working to build a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Our development efforts are focused on three core pillars:

• Education – Providing access to high-quality, affordable education that equips students for success in a rapidly changing world.
• Water – Ensuring that communities across Africa have access to clean, safe, and affordable water.
• Productivity – Removing barriers to employment and increasing economic opportunity for individuals and families.

Our for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures, operates sustainable businesses across Ethiopia and Somaliland to drive job creation and economic growth. With over 700 employees across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, Pharo Foundation is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a liaison office in London, UK.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Maintenance Officer to ensure the optimal functioning, safety, and appearance of our facilities through advanced maintenance, timely repairs, and proactive oversight of building systems and equipment. The role also involves guiding junior staff, contributing to strategic maintenance planning, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Routine Maintenance & Repairs

• Conduct thorough inspections of building facilities, utilities, and equipment to identify issues.
• Perform complex repairs and troubleshooting across electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems.
• Lead response efforts for maintenance requests and equipment breakdowns to minimize downtime.

2. Preventive Maintenance

• Develop and oversee the preventive maintenance schedule for critical systems, including Generators, HVAC, and lighting.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all maintenance activities.
• Analyze recurring issues, propose long-term solutions, and implement improvements.

3. Facility Support & Coordination

• Ensure high standards for lighting, water supply, cleanliness, and overall facility appearance.
• Supervise and assist in office setups, including furniture assembly, movements, and installations.
• Oversee common areas, storage rooms, and workspaces to maintain safety, organization, and operational efficiency.

4. Safety & Compliance

• Identify potential safety hazards and implement corrective measures.
• Lead regular fire safety drills and inspections of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, alarms, etc.).
• Enforce compliance with all company safety policies and procedures across the team.

5. Inventory & Tools Management

• Manage maintenance tools, materials, and spare parts inventory.
• Monitor stock levels proactively and coordinate timely replenishment.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are maintained, safe, and stored correctly.

6. Vendor & Contractor Management

• Coordinate with external vendors and technicians for major repairs and projects.
• Supervise contractors on-site to ensure adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Evaluate vendor performance and provide feedback to management.

7. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to maintenance staff.
• Delegate tasks effectively and monitor team performance.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluations of maintenance personnel.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma or certificate in Electrical, Mechanical, Building Maintenance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in facility, building, or equipment maintenance, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior role.
• Strong practical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills; able to work independently.
• Strong communication, reporting, and team coordination skills.

Key Competencies

• Hands-on and practical with leadership capability
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail and process compliance
• Effective time management and prioritization
• Safety-focused mindset
• Reliability, teamwork, and mentoring ability