Senior Electrician – British High Commission Colombo

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

To act as the senior technical lead for electrical systems, providing independent technical assessment and recommendations on electrical system performance, safety, compliance, and operational risk. The role is responsible for overseeing electrical risk, advising Facilities Management and senior management, assuring the quality and compliance of electrical works delivered in-house and by contractors, and providing day-to-day technical supervision of Technical Work Group staff at S1 and S2 grades. The post also provides technical cover in the absence of the Technical Work Group Lead to ensure continuity of operations.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

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

Senior Technical Role, Team Oversight & Professional Judgement

• Acts as the senior technical lead and primary point of contact for all electrical matters across the estate, including offices, technical plant, and residential properties.
• Provides independent technical assessment and recommendations to ensure statutory compliance, operational continuity and electrical safety across the estate.
• Provides cover in the absence of the Line Manager (Technical Work Group Lead), ensuring continuity of technical oversight and operational decision making.
• During periods of cover, liaises directly with the Facilities Manager to provide technical updates, escalate risks, seek advice where required, and support informed decisions.
• Provides day to day technical supervision and task coordination for Technical Work Group staff at S1 and S2 grades, including plumbers, HVAC technicians, storekeeper, multi duty technicians, painters, and helpers.
• Supports the development of technical staff by setting standards, providing guidance, and encouraging progression within the TWG structure.

Fault Diagnosis & Emergency Response

• Independently assesses electrical faults, defects, and system failures and determines appropriate corrective actions, escalation, or system isolation where required.
• Uses sound technical judgement and experience when prioritising urgent, high‑risk, or life‑safety electrical issues
• Participates in a 24/7 emergency on call rota for life threatening or safety critical incidents (rotational duty with allowance).
• Carries out complex or safety critical electrical tasks where specialist expertise or immediate response is required.

Electrical Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensures electrical systems and works comply with FCDO standards, UK best practice, and local statutory requirements.
• Leads electrical health and safety risk management, including hazard identification, mitigation measures, and investigation of incidents or near misses.
• Reviews risk assessments, method statements (documents describing how electrical work will be carried out safely and in compliance with agreed standards) and permits to work for electrical activities.
• Supports internal and external audits and inspections as the technical specialist for electrical systems.
• Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections and planned preventive maintenance.
• Perform lighting checks, including light fitting and fixture replacements.
• Carry out lightning protection system inspections.
• Ability to lift equipment and work safely at heights or in confined spaces.
• Complies with all health, safety, and security procedures.

Contractor Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Provides technical oversight of electrical works carried out by contractors and service providers.
• Inspects completed works, identifies non compliance or defects, and instructs corrective actions.
• Monitors and quality checks service provider performance to ensure compliance with technical, safety, and quality standards.
• Ensures all electrical works are properly documented and certified.

Other Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Systems’ Management

• Oversees the operation and performance of the electrical infrastructure, including:

              Building Management System (BMS)

              Electrical plant supporting air conditioning systems

              Motors and pumps for water and HVAC systems

• Reviews system performance data to identify risks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Provides technical input into maintenance planning, upgrades, and system improvements.

Routine Energy Monitoring & Analysis

• Take daily meter readings and analyse power consumption trends.
• Perform Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
• Inspect and carry out basic repairs to geysers and other electrical appliances.
• Accurately document all maintenance activities and inspections.

Driving & Site Visits

• Hold a valid driving licence to travel to residential properties and off site locations for inspections, maintenance, and emergency work.
• Tools, safety equipment, and transport are provided by the organisation.

Additional Technical Knowledge

• Familiarity with Civil and other Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) systems is an advantage.
• A generalist technical approach is preferred to maximise flexibility and effective use of skills.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

Provides day-to-day technical supervision, task coordination, and guidance to Technical Work Group staff at S1 and S2 grades, including plumbers, HVAC technicians, storekeeper, multi‑duty technicians, painters, and helpers. Oversees contractor performance for electrical works and acts as the technical lead for inspection, acceptance, and sign‑off of completed electrical activities.

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

Supports the capability and development of staff through on-the-job guidance, mentoring, and identification of relevant online and classroom-based technical, health and safety, and compliance training aligned with operational needs.

Additional information – Specific local Post requirements, if any

• Valid national identity card or passport.
• Ability to confirm residency status and provide a police clearance certificate.

Essential on arrival:

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in a similar technical role within a diplomatic mission, large organisation, or corporate environment.
• Recognised electrical qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Proven experience in electrical installation, maintenance, and fault diagnosis.
• Sound knowledge of UK and local electrical safety regulations and statutory requirements.
• Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement, and contribute effectively as part of a wider technical team.
• Good problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills.
• Valid driving licence.

Language requirements:

• Language: English, Sinhala and/or Tamil
• Level of Language Required: Fluent and for English  (IELTS 5/Intermediate or equivalent)