Driver and Maintenance Officer, AO

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission in Apia is part of a worldwide network of over 230 United Kingdom overseas missions, representing British security, prosperity, and consular interests overseas.

We are recruiting a Driver and Maintenance Officer to join our highly professional Team. The successful candidate will provide safe, reliable, and courteous driving services, and support the effective operation of the British High Commission in line with internal policies and procedures.

As a strong team player with excellent customer service skills, you will transport colleagues and official visitors safely and punctually. You will be responsible for maintaining vehicles to a high standard and will have a good working knowledge of roads, government buildings, and key locations across Samoa.

In addition to core driving and maintenance duties, you will support the smooth running of the British High Commission through accurate administration, coordination, and effective communication.

As the driver and maintenance officer you will work closely with the Corporate Services Manager, the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner.  You will occasionally be required to provide cover duties for colleagues in the BHC office.

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

Transport  

• Flag Car Driver for the High Commissioner
• Drive pool cars for all members of staff for daily journeys, as well as for visits by UK based VIPs.
• Deliver reliable, safe, and well planned transport services, with a strong focus on customer service.
• Review daily transport bookings with the Corporate Services Officer.
• Provide driving and logistical support for official visitors to the British High Commission, including route planning, liaison with key stakeholders, and working effectively in fast paced and ambiguous environments during visits.
• Ensure regular cleaning of all British High Commission vehicles, with additional cleaning undertaken ahead of major visits.
• Arrange timely vehicle servicing and LTA inspections, escalating issues to the Transport Manager as required. Monitor deadlines for road tax and insurance, including obtaining and providing quotations.
• Process fuel card payments and receipts on a weekly basis, in consultation with the Corporate Services Officer.
• Support the Corporate Services Officer on driving related policy updates and input into decisions on vehicle purchases.
• Provide ad hoc support to the Corporate Services Team as required.
• Work collaboratively as part of the BHC team.
• Undertake driving courses or refresher training as required.

Maintenance Officer

• Work closely with the CSM/EA to HC 
• Ensure all BHC properties - British High Commission (BHC), Residence, DHC and Temporary Deployment properties - are maintained to a high standard.
• Commission, oversee and carry out regular, and ad-hoc, maintenance repairs where necessary.
• Ensure all properties are fully compliant with FCDO corporate guidelines on estate management and local and UK Health and Safety (H&S) regulations and policies.
• Ensure all corporate H&S returns are completed timeously.
• Oversight of office and residence cleaner 

Security 

• Work with the DHC and the Overseas Regional Security Manager to ensure all BHC buildings meet FCDO security standards.
• This involves managing the BHC Security contract, liaising with the appropriate security provider and undertaking additional security duties as determined by the DHC.

Supporting the work of other team members according to the High Commission’s priorities. 

You will carry out your duties according to policies and best practice as set out by the British High Commission and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London.

Language requirements: 

Language: English and Samoan

Level of language required: Proficient

• A valid full Samoan Driving Licence with no points deducted and no serious traffic offenses on their record
• Excellent knowledge of the road network and traffic system in Samoa
• A good understanding of the Highway Code
• Previous experience as a limousine or private hire driver is an advantage
• A basic understanding of Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and Excel (e.g. to check diaries, calculate Overtime payment)
• Willingness to perform duties outside normal working hours when called upon. This may include weekdays, weekends and Public Holidays

• Previous experience in the Diplomatic Corp, Embassy/High Commission or Government environment is desirable but not essential.