PRINCIPAL ESTATES OFFICER

JOB TITLE: PRINCIPAL ESTATES OFFICER
SALARY SCALE: PU5
DEPARTMENT: ESTATES AND WORKS
RESPONSIBLE TO: UNIVERSITY SECRETARY
RESPONSIBLE FOR: SENIOR ESTATES OFFICERS

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To manage University estates, transport and logistics and related procurements and contract works.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

i. Oversees the development of policies, standards, strategies, plans and budgets for the operation of the University estates and works function.
ii. Develops technical specifications and performance standards to facilitate procurement of furniture, parts, machinery and equipment as well as construction, rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of buildings and motor vehicles.
iii. Oversees the management of the University vehicle fleet.
iv. Prepares or reviews bills of quantities, design or other specifications or costing for goods and services that are supplied internally or outsourced.
v. Manages the implementation of technical projects including construction, rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of physical infrastructure and facilities in order to ensure conformity to policies, procedures, standards and contractual obligations.
vi. Manages the implementation of planned preventive maintenance programs and schedules.
vii. Supports the development and implementation of key operational and building management procedures and standards to ensure that they are effective, represent best practice and are properly adhered to across the University.
viii. Oversees the deployment of staff and maintenance of the University grounds, gardens, roadways and paths.
ix. Develops and regularly reviews cost effective construction and maintenance measures using internal resources or external contractors where appropriate.
x. Provides technical guidance on the selection of external engineering contractors and contract terms during the process of procurement.
xi. Advises on safety, emergency and security measures for all works and fleet management including provision of equipment or accessories like fire and intruder alarms, emergency lighting, road sign posts and fire extinguishers.
xii. Assists in commissioning of completed projects
xiii. Oversees maintenance of works.

KEY OUTPUTS

i. Estates and Works policies, standards, strategies, plans and budgets developed.
ii. Technical works and equipment specifications and performance standards to facilitate procurement developed.
iii. University vehicle fleet managed.
iv. Bills of quantities, design or other specifications or costing for procurement of goods and services prepared.
v. Implementation of technical projects managed.
vi. Implementation of planned preventive maintenance programs and schedules managed.
vii. Development and implementation key operational and building management procedures and standards managed.
viii. Deployment of staff and maintenance of the University grounds, gardens, roadways and paths managed.
ix. Cost effective construction and maintenance measures developed or regularly reviewed.
x. Technical guidance for selection of external engineering contractors and development of appropriate contract terms provided.
xi. Safety, emergency and security measures for all works and fleet management advised.
xii. Completed projects commissioned.
xiii. Maintenance of works overseen.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCE

i. Strong leadership
ii. Good Interpersonal skills
iii. Good communication skills
iv. Ability to manage simultaneous projects
v. Co-ordinates a safe and efficient operating environment
vi. Knowledge of project management, strategic planning and budgeting.
vii. Computer literate, capable of using word processing, spreadsheet and database – computer software packages

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

The applicant must possess the following:

i. Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture Engineering or related field from a recognized higher education institution.
ii. An Honors Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture or related field from a recognized higher education institution.
iii. Must be Registered with Engineers Registration Board (ERB)
iv. Must be a member of Engineering Professional Bodies

WORK EXPERIENCE

Should have at least six (06) years’ experience and three (03) of which should be at the level of Senior Estates Officer or its equivalent in construction and maintenance of physical infrastructure.

AGE LIMIT

The applicant must be forty-five (45) years old or below at the time of application.

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT

The appointment shall be on permanent terms upon successful completion of a probationary period of six (06) months (where applicable)

Mode of Application

Suitably qualified and interested persons should submit six (6) hard copies of the application consisting of the following:

1. Letter expressing interest in the job;
2. Recent passport-size photographs attached to each copy of the application;
3. A detailed and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae signed and dated by the applicant;
4. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
5. Copies of relevant appointment letter(s) (where applicable).
6. Copies of National Identity Card and any other relevant identification document;
7. Reference letters from three (3) referees who should be advised to send their reference letters under confidential cover, in hard copy.
8. Sealed applications with the position applied for indicated on the top right corner of the envelope and reference letters should reach the address below not later than 5:00 pm on 13th October, 2026.

The University Secretary
Gulu University
P.O Box 166, Gulu

Please Note

I. Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

II. Applicants who do not have National Identity Cards, or whose names and dates of birth on the National Identity Cards are inconsistent with the names and dates of birth on the other required documents, will not be shortlisted.

III. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.