View Vacancy - Residence and Events Manager

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Residence Coordinator

The British Embassy in Rabat is seeking a high performing Residence and Events Manager, grade B3 (L) to start as soon as possible.

The main function of the Residence Manager is to ensure the smooth and professional day to day running of the Ambassador’s Residence (staff, budget, and private and public events).  It requires outstanding management and administration skills and judgement to support the Ambassador and his wife in their engagements in diplomatic, political, cultural and social activities in Rabat in line with Embassy priorities.

This is a unique and exciting role working as part of the British Embassy team in a property of great historic significance, beauty and interest to the UK and Morocco. When functioning at full capacity, thousands of people are invited to the Residence every year to events that build ties between the UK and Morocco in line with British policy.

This position offers a rare chance to initiate, develop and lead on creative and innovative events at one of the most unique venues in Rabat.

Objectives:

To run the Ambassador’s Residence in Rabat efficiently and effectively and develop and maintain efficient systems and processes to ensure the smooth-running of the Residence and its interface with Corporate Services.

To oversee the major refurbishment works at the Residence and manage the move back from the temporary Residence to the main residence.

To support and assist the Corporate Services Section in the management of the Estate (repairs and maintenance) of the Residence.

To manage effectively, efficiently and accurately the devolved budget for the Residence.

To manage the staff working at the Residence ensuring challenging objectives are set and met and that the Staff receive training and are integrated into the life of the Embassy. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

Residence Management (75%)
• Manage the day to day functioning of the Residence to a high standard of efficiency and professionalism, in keeping with UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidelines.
• Ensure the Residence is always ready to offer a welcoming, efficient and professional service to visitors and guests, and a comfortable home environment for the Ambassador and family.
• Organise and co-ordinate all aspects of Ambassador-hosted events ensuring professionalism, creativity and value for money, working effectively with Embassy staff when required.
• Cultivate and maintain good working relationships and networks of senior level contacts in government, non-government and private sectors.
• Ensure post-event follow up through creation and management of guest lists and external database of contacts and clients to maximise future opportunities.
• Working with Embassy Events Coordinator, draw up guest lists, send out invitations and monitor RSVPs, choose menus, plan set-up of events, welcome guests to the Residence.
• Manage Residence forward programme to avoid clashes with Embassy events.
• Working with colleagues in the Embassy, ensure the Residence plays the right part in visits and events, including the Queen’s Birthday Party, Ministerial visits, UKTI events, Embassy away days, corporate events, workshops etc
• Ensure the Residence is well-maintained – including through making and seeing through work requests for necessary maintenance; ensuring facilities are well maintained and serviced; implementation of H&S guidance; and liaison with contractors carrying out works at the Residence
• Manage and motivate the Residence team (outdoor/indoor teams) including routine performance management, development and absence planning, involving them in Embassy events.
• Bring in contract staff as appropriate for larger events, oversee their work and run value for money comparisons.
• Line management of four LE Staff: 1 Chef, 2 Housekeepers and 1 Gardener. Including managing appraisals, leave and overtime.

Residence Procurement (25%)
• Be accountable for financial systems and Residence property, including managing Residence accounts in accordance with standard procedures; understanding and predicting Residence costs and ensuring adequate future provision is made for them in financial planning.
• Ensure good value for money in all purchases and sourcing of new suppliers
• Procurement for the Residence (Estates & Maintenance, Furniture, Uniforms, etc.), working with colleagues as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of Residence activity and assets (including inventory of stocks residence property, government art and furnishings).
• Manage the Residence budget in accordance with FCO standards and run an account for Residence shopping (food, drinks, flowers etc), accounting for all expenditure in line with auditors’ requirements.

Key Competences:

• Leading and Communicating: Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
• Collaborating and Partnering: People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Delivering at Pace: Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. It’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Managing a Quality Service: Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.

• English, French and (ideally) Arabic language fluency (written and spoken)
• Ability to plan and deliver successful and sometimes concurrent events; multitasking under pressure.
• Problem solving initiative, with  a creative, innovative and flexible mind-set
• Experience of managing a budget
• Excellent staff management and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to get results.
• Good project management skills.
• Experience of managing and working with a wide range of event suppliers with the     ability to oversee, devise and manage operational procedures.
26 February 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
38
36 months
Middle East & North Africa
Morocco
Rabat
British Embassy
1
MAD
22,230
1 April 2019

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including a gross salary of MAD 22,230 per month, inclusive of all allowances. The contract will be a Full Time, Fixed Term for Three years.

Conditioned working hours for the position are 38 hours per week Monday to Friday.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents in English when applying online:

1.  A covering letter of no more than 300 words stating the reason for your interest in the job, and the skills and experience you offer 
2.  An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than three pages

** (Your application must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in the cover letter or motivation section in the application form. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Time) on 26 February 2019.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Morocco employment law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.