Job Title: Fire Safety Technician
Organisation: MRC Uganda
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
About Organisation:
The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.
Job Summary: The postholder will work as part of an electrical maintenance team, while undergoing professional and field training. The Technician will play a key role in operational fire safety management at the Unit, helping to ensure the safety of Unit staff, students and visitors.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Recruitment support;
- Provision of reliable fire safety systems in all MRC Uganda unit field stations and sites;
- Design, plan, install, commission, and test new fire alarm systems and other associated systems in existing buildings according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Preparing interview packages;
- Mobilization of fire wardens including provision of support and advice and coordination with local emergency fire response services such as the Uganda Police and UCCA;
- Actively contribute to the design and commissioning of fire safety systems in new buildings;
- Develop and implement predictive, preventive, and periodic testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and other related systems such as emergency lighting, active fire suppression systems (Fire trace, P50 fire extinguishers), and fire-fighting equipment (water bowser and pumps) as per MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda unit standards;
- Carry out periodic testing of fire panels and all fire detection points;
- Be the first respondent to a fire incident or fire alarm activation and undertake reactive calls for fault finding and repair of faulty fire alarms and related systems;
- Review building fire risk assessments in conjunction with the health and safety team and other responsible persons identified by the Unit;
- Prepare and issue timely reports for all installations, repairs, maintenance, and inspections conducted; distribute copies to the Maintenance Electrical Engineer and Head of HSE; and maintain accurate documentation of all reports;
- Respond to all emergency calls relating to fire alarm systems and investigate to ascertain the cause of the problem; activate the required emergency procedures when necessary;
- Liaise with the health and safety team on all fire safety matters;
- Conduct periodic fire drills in conjunction with the health and safety team and establishing assembly points for all facilities;
- Be aware of and comply with the ISO Quality Manual, British Standards (BS) or European Norm (EN) for building fire safety systems and applicable laws and regulations;
- Where required, train staff and the security team on the basic principles of the installed fire systems;
- Management of contract and service providers fire safety protocols, quality and adherence to fire safety standards;
- Undertake ‘On-Call’ duties as required;
- Support the Maintenance Electrical Engineer by collating and providing data from fire safety systems for the preparation of reports and Key Performance Indicators regarding existing and potential engineering studies and projects;
- Perform other fire safety and/or emergency response-related duties as directed by the line manager;
- Participate in training of staff, visitors, contractors and fire wardens; and,
- Work closely with the Health & Safety team to ensure continuous improvement in fire safety.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Diploma or Higher Diploma in Electrical /Electronic Engineering from a recognised Institution;
- Minimum 3 years hands-on practical experience in electrical and fire protection systems maintenance;
- Proven and extensive experience of more than 3 years in installation, preventive maintenance, repair, and commissioning of fire systems;
- Must have knowledge of the practical application of general electrical/electronic systems
- technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services;
- A valid driver’s license;
- Experience in installing, commissioning, and servicing conventional and addressable fire alarm systems, self-contained emergency lighting systems, central batteries, and static inverter systems in a wide range of building types is preferred;
- Experience in conducting or reviewing fire risk assessments and following through with improvement actions until completion;
- Experience of working closely with Health & Safety teams or representatives;
- Good understanding of health and safety management procedures relating to electrical Safety;
- Familiarity with safe working practices and health & safety requirements;
- Excellent organization skills;
- Proficiency in computer use required in MS Office packages and CAD systems;
- Capable of preparing material schedule summary reports, electrical plans, technical specifications, line diagrams, and other project documentation for management review;
- Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and drawings;
- Ability to troubleshoot electrical/fire panel systems;
- Attention to cost and downtime management;
- Excellent spoken and written command of English;
- Strong conflict resolution skills;
- Routinely taking initiative;
- Customer/End-user awareness;
- Excellent communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization;
- Ability to form close working relationships within their own team and across teams;
- The flexibility to cope with new changing environments and methods of delivery; and, Commitment to Equal Opportunities and diversity.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their applications online:
Complete all sections in the online form
Upload your curriculum vitae of maximum 4 pages in the designated area on the form. This CV should be uploaded in Word or PDF format.
Deadline: 7th August 2025
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Level of Education: Diploma, Associate’s Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36