View Vacancy - Residence Manager & Social Secretary (02/19 LUA)

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

Main purpose of job:

The Residence Manager & Social Secretary is responsible for the efficient management of the Residence in Luanda, ensuring that it contributes fully to the achievement of UK Government priorities, represents value for money, adheres to the principles of the Vienna Convention, is maintained to the highest possible standard and serves as a showcase for British excellence. Reporting directly to the Ambassador, the Residence Manager & Social Secretary is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of all events that take place in the Residence.


Roles and responsibilities:

Establish and maintain and ongoing dialogue with the Ambassador and his/her spouse/partner to ensure the Residence offers a quality hospitality service to guests, whether residential or for events, providing value for money within existing budgetary resources.  Understand and apply FCO financial management and procurement processes in order to accurately manage expenditure against the available Entertainment Budget, and manage the Residence cash imprest, making as many payments as possible by CCC.  

Ensure that inventories and stock lists are maintained accurately, stocks (eg cleaning essentials, foodstuffs and drinks) ordered in advance of requirement and recorded properly, and that a rolling replacement system is in place for household items (linens, soft furnishings, china, glassware, cookware).  Maintain household equipment in full working order, requesting repairs and/or replacements as necessary.

Manage the two domestic staff, ensuring that they properly understand and observe hygiene protocols, perform cleaning services to a high standard, are able to serve and clear at meals and events, and learn some basic food preparation and plating.  Develop knowledge of specific cleaning techniques needed for high value and/or delicate items including silver, copper, crystal and lighting.  Work with Corporate Services to ensure Health and Safety standards are met in relation to Residence operations.

Where necessary eg for larger events, liaise with external catering companies, fully applying FCO procurement and budgetary processes, clearly articulating the type and style of event required and closely monitoring preparation and delivery.  When/If appropriate, manage delivery by a chef/cook, ensuring good quality food supplies are purchased.  Liaise regularly with Embassy Corporate Services and other teams to ensure the organisation and execution of events at the Residence is coherent and seamless.   Keep guest records, including notes of dietary preferences.   Issue save-the-date notices and invitations, log RSVPs, and keep records of attendance at events. Be familiar with protocol, precedence and appropriate forms of address. Maintain stationery stock of invitation cards, menu cards, place cards, etc. 

Resources managed:  

Management of 2x domestic workers and 1x part-time chief.

  • Previous catering/hospitality and/or event management experience

Language requirements:  

Language:Minimum Functional English and Portuguese.




  • Good organisational skills
  • Proven people management skills, capable of leading teams
  • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
  • Experience in managing financial budgets and resources effectively
  • Ability to complete work to a high standard under pressure with a focus on attention to detail and customer service. 
  • Good IT skills (MS Office, particularly Word & Excel)





          26 February 2019
          Administrative Officer (AO)
          Part-Time, Permanent
          Africa
          Angola
          Luanda
          British Embassy
          894.50 USD
          1 April 2019

          Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate.


          Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy Luanda are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

          No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

          Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. 


          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.