University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM) is a growing institution of higher learning located at Nyamitanga Hill, Mbarara City South Division. USJM is committed to providing holistic, quality and community-responsive university education aimed at developing competent professionals, ethical leaders and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

In pursuit of her mission of academic excellence, innovation, research, community engagement and service, USJM invites applications from suitably qualified, competent and motivated individuals to fill various academic, administrative and support staff positions. Females are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate(s) will join a dynamic University community committed to promoting integrity, professionalism, excellence, innovation, teamwork and service to humanity. They will be expected to contribute to the University’s strategic objectives through effective teaching and learning, research, student support, efficient administration, institutional development and community engagement.

The available positions include:

ESTATES OFFICER

Department: Estates and Works Department
Number of Positions: 1 (One)
Reports To: Vice Chancellor
Duty Station: USJM, Mbarara City South Division, Uganda
Terms of Service: Contract, subject to satisfactory and successful completion of six months probationary period
Salary Scale: USJ-5

Job Purpose

The Estates Officer will support the planning, management, maintenance and development of the University’s physical infrastructure, buildings, land, facilities and related services.

The role will help ensure that University facilities are safe, functional, sustainable and conducive to teaching, learning, research, administration, student welfare and community engagement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in managing and coordinating University estates, buildings, infrastructure and physical facilities.
• Support implementation of estates development and maintenance plans.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify maintenance needs.
• Prepare maintenance schedules and coordinate timely repairs.
• Support supervision of construction, renovation and maintenance projects.
• Monitor contractors, consultants and service providers.
• Ensure works comply with approved specifications, standards, budgets and timelines.
• Maintain records of buildings, land, facilities and physical assets.
• Prepare estates reports, project updates, maintenance records and asset inventories.
• Assist in preventive and corrective maintenance programmes.
• Coordinate maintenance of classrooms, offices, laboratories, libraries, student facilities and other infrastructure.
• Monitor utilities including water, electricity and sanitation.
• Assist with compliance with building regulations, health and safety standards and environmental requirements.
• Support workplace health, safety and environmental management.
• Participate in preparing technical specifications, bills of quantities and project documentation where applicable.
• Evaluate infrastructure needs and recommend improvements.
• Support space planning and efficient facility utilisation.
• Assist in handling estates-related complaints and requests.
• Coordinate with departments and service providers to resolve facilities challenges.
• Support sustainability initiatives including energy efficiency and waste management.
• Participate in estates-related procurement processes.
• Monitor the quality of materials, workmanship and contractor services.
• Support institutional asset management and documentation.
• Participate in preparation of estates budgets and expenditure monitoring.
• Maintain professional relationships with contractors, regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
• Participate in University committees relating to infrastructure and institutional planning.
• Keep updated on facilities management, construction, engineering and sustainable infrastructure.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Estates Manager, University Management or competent authority.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building Economics, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Land Management, Estate Management or a related discipline.
• At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in estates management, facilities management, construction supervision or related fields.
• Evidence of experience managing buildings, maintenance works, construction projects or institutional facilities.
• Knowledge of building standards, construction processes, occupational health and safety requirements and facilities management principles.
• Registration with a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of estates and facilities management.
• Ability to supervise construction, renovation and maintenance works.
• Understanding of building systems, infrastructure and utilities management.
• Strong project planning and monitoring skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and documentation.
• Knowledge of procurement procedures and contract supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with contractors, staff and University stakeholders.
• High integrity, accountability and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure development.

Key Performance Areas

• Buildings and Facilities Management
• Preventive and Corrective Maintenance
• Infrastructure Project Supervision
• Contractor and Service Provider Management
• Asset Management and Documentation
• Utilities and Services Management
• Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance
• Space Planning and Facility Utilisation
• Budget Support and Resource Management
• Quality Assurance of Estates Services
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development
• Timely Response to Facilities Needs

Application Requirements

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit a signed formal application letter clearly indicating the position applied for, an updated Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts, evidence of relevant professional experience, contact details of three referees, a copy of the National Identity Card, and copies of relevant appointment letters and awards for positions of responsibility held.

Applications should be addressed to:

The DVC/Human Resource Manager

University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM)

P.O. Box 218, Mbarara, Uganda

Deadline for submission: 4 September 2026.

For more information and inquiries, applicants may contact the University on +256 706 680 / +256 393 224 635. Incomplete applications or applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.