Maintenance Mechanic (Plumbing)

The Embassy of the United States in Lilongwe is seeking a qualified Maintenance Mechanic (Plumbing) to join its Facility Management office.

Summary

• Announcement number: LILONGWE-2026-015
• Hiring agency: Embassy Lilongwe
• Position: Maintenance Mechanic (Plumbing), open to all interested applicants/all sources
• Open period: 10/29/2026 – 11/11/2026
• Vacancy time zone: GMT+2
• Series/Grade: LE-1210 6
• Salary: USD $10,774 per year
• Work schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Promotion potential: LE-6
• Duty location: Lilongwe, Malawi (1 position)
• Telework eligible: No

Duties

• Report to the Supervisory Building/Mechanical Engineer.
• Work at journeyman level as a Maintenance Mechanic (Plumbing), performing skilled maintenance and repair of critical and non-critical mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Cover the New Embassy Compound (NEC)/New Consulate Compound (NCC) functional and office buildings, on-compound ancillary and residential buildings, above- and below-ground infrastructure, recreational facilities, and other owned or leased properties.

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and hold a local security certification.
• Subject to a background investigation and possibly a pre-employment medical exam.
• Must be able to begin work within approximately 4 weeks of receiving agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications, or candidacy may end.

Education

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• Completion of a vocational training program from an accredited institute recognised for producing journeyman-level plumbers and mechanical system specialists trained in commercial or industrial building maintenance is required.
• Training through a recognised trade union apprenticeship program is also acceptable.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years' experience as a journey-level plumber in the repair and maintenance of plumbing/mechanical systems in commercial or industrial facilities is required.
• Experience working with PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete and black pipe, circulation and well pumps, and water treatment equipment.

Language

• English: Level 2 – limited knowledge in speaking, reading and writing.
• Chichewa: Level 3 – good working knowledge in speaking, reading and writing.

Job Knowledge

• Thorough technical knowledge of building plumbing and mechanical systems, with a specialty in plumbing.
• Familiarity with water, wastewater, storm water, chilled water, water treatment, swimming pool, fire suppression, compressed air and irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with common pipe types and fittings, including PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete and black pipe.
• Ability to identify the root cause of problems and determine the materials and equipment needed for repairs.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Knowledge of International Building Code (IBC) standards and fire and life safety codes.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to read and interpret technical drawings, diagrams, equipment schedules and manufacturer manuals.
• Skilled at diagnosing, testing and repairing plumbing, pump, filtration and water systems.
• Able to install and repair common pipe types, including PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete and black pipe.
• Skilled in the use of hand, power and specialty tools, and at troubleshooting equipment by sound, colour codes and odour.
• Able to respond quickly to emergencies and work in tight spaces, at heights and in extreme temperatures.
• Able to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, with co-workers, contractors and vendors.
• Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, with the ability to write reports and emails and research information online.
• Organised, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage a heavy workload with multiple tasks.

Evaluation

• Candidates are evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in the vacancy announcement.
• Applicants may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• The application form must be completed and all required documents provided, addressing all position qualifications and requirements, including education, experience, language, and listed knowledge, skills and abilities. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

How to Apply

• Apply only through the Apply button on this job posting.
• Application deadline: 11 November 2026.