General Information

Position Title

Maintenance Assistant

Job Category

Information and Communications Technology

Duty Station(s)

Addis Ababa

Seniority Level

Entry Level

ICS Level

ICS 04

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Support – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 4

Posting Start Date

30-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

05-Jan-2026

Duration

Six months

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the success of a national hub for agricultural development by ensuring its facilities are well-maintained and conducive to hosting high-level events. The position offers a chance to work in a dynamic environment and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Job Specific Context

The Ministry of Agriculture Conference Center is a modern, self-financing national hub designed to host high-level agricultural conferences, training programs, and multi-stakeholder events. To achieve financial sustainability and world-class service delivery, the Center requires strong administrative systems, rigorous financial discipline, and impeccable standards of cleanliness and facility upkeep.

Role Purpose

The Maintenance Assistant will be responsible for performing a variety of maintenance and repair tasks to ensure the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Center facilities are in optimal condition. This includes routine maintenance, minor repairs, and assisting with larger maintenance projects, all while adhering to established safety procedures and standards.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Routine Maintenance and Repairs

• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including but not limited to: changing light bulbs, unclogging drains, and repairing minor plumbing leaks.
• Conduct regular inspections of the facilities to identify maintenance needs and report any issues to the supervisor.
• Assist with the setup and breakdown of conference rooms and event spaces, including moving furniture and equipment.
• Ensure that all maintenance activities are carried out in compliance with safety regulations and standards.

2. Facility Upkeep and Cleanliness

• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the facilities, including common areas, restrooms, and conference rooms.
• Perform minor repairs to furniture, fixtures, and equipment as needed.
• Monitor and maintain adequate supplies of cleaning and maintenance materials.
• Report any major cleaning or repair needs to the supervisor for further action.

3. Support for Maintenance Projects

• Assist skilled tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters) with larger maintenance and repair projects.
• Provide support for the installation, maintenance, and repair of building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
• Assist with the coordination of external contractors for specialized maintenance services.
• Ensure that all tools and equipment are properly maintained and stored.

4. Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including repairs, inspections, and supply usage.
• Prepare regular reports on maintenance activities and facility conditions for the supervisor.
• Assist with the tracking of maintenance requests and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Report any safety hazards or potential risks to the supervisor immediately.

Skills

Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Cleaning Validation, Electrical Troubleshooting, Plumbing

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• High School Diploma or Secondary School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience.

Desired

• Technical/Professional Diploma in a related field (e.g., building maintenance, electrical, plumbing).

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in building maintenance, facility upkeep, or a related field.

Desired

• Experience working in a conference center or hospitality environment.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishBasicRequiredAmharicFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.