View Vacancy - Housekeeper British Ambassador to NATO (BEL318)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Housekeeper

The United Kingdom’s Joint Delegation to NATO is the vital link between the UK Government and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Its principal roles are to promote British interests in NATO and to keep UK Ministers and Government Departments informed about NATO discussions and is now looking for a Housekeeper working within the British Diplomatic Residence.

As Housekeeper you will run the day to day operation of the Residence of the British Ambassador to NATO to a high standard and ensuring it is well kept at all times. Lead on ensuring smooth delivery of set up and catering for official events. The role will demand a confident and calm colleague who can work independently (or in a small team when required) in, at times, a high profile, fast paced environment. The Housekeeper is expected to display a pleasant and professional demeanour at all times and be flexible even under pressure and discreet at all times.

Main responsibilities

Residence Events and catering responsibilities

  • Liaise with the Ambassador’s Private Office and external caterers as required to ensure smooth delivery of official events hosted at the Residence (predominantly dinners). This could include arranging printing of menus, name card and arrangement of placements. On occasion there may be a requirement to help with simple catering tasks or to serve refreshments as well as to support with events that will occasionally be required elsewhere (e.g. at NATO or the other British Residence). Prepare simple meal for the Ambassador when not entertaining officially;
  • Meet and greet guests (including official overnight guests).

Household cleaning, washing and ironing

  • Oversee cleaner in providing a high standard of housekeeping service throughout the Residence. This will require a clear plan on how to make the best use of available resources depending on the days on which UKDel will be hosting evening representational events-3 times at week;
  • Manage the laundry service for the Residence (personal and official) in liaison with the UK Missions’ shared platform team at Rue Ducale where necessary. At least some of this will be sent out.

Other duties

  • Administer the Residence, including stock control, database upkeep for management report purposes, basic book-keeping and accounting records, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and delivering value for money;
  • Report maintenance jobs, and liaise with the Facilities Management support team to provide contractor access;
  • Observe Health & Safety and Security guidance to provide a compliant, safe, working environment avoiding accidents or security breaches;
  • Carry out any other ad-hoc duties in accordance with the needs of the operation;
  • Support the ‘Ducale’ British Residence as necessary on occasion.

  • Previous relevant work experience in a private residence or hotel setting;
  • Confident, discreet, adaptable self-starter able to work effectively without supervision;
  • Ability to demonstrate high standards, effectively prioritise and strong attention to detail;
  • Ability to multitask and demonstrate adaptability;
  • Ability to undertake manual tasks and keen attention to detail;
  • Ability to work effectively and supportively with colleagues, both individually and in a team;
  • Flexibility in terms of working hours and duties : Prepared to work additional hours in support of events hosted by the Mission;
  • Willing to take on new responsibilities when necessary;
  • Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills. Responsive to customer needs and able to treat others with respect and courtesy regardless of work pressures. Has a high standard of personal presentation;
  • Basic cooking skills;
  • Good command of English and French.
Good knowledge of wines would be an advantage.
30 July 2017
Administrative Officer (AO)
Full-time, Flexible working, Permanent
40
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
UK Joint Delegation to NATO, Brussels
British Embassy
1
EUR
3,024.50
1 September 2017

This is a permanent full-time position, where you will be expected to work a maximum of 40 hours over a 5 day period, over 7. This will often be Monday to Friday but the nature of the work within this busy Residence means that you will be expected to demonstrate flexibility in your hours and timetable of work - often at short notice. This may include night and shift working, variable hours, weekend and bank holiday working. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted for additional hours worked at the discretion of the Residence Manager.

The monthly gross salary for this position is € 3,024.50 gross A2 (L) level (The British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium salaries are not subject to annual indexation). Furthermore this post attracts a monthly meal allowance.

Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.

If you are interested in this job opportunity you can choose whether you prefer to apply:

- In English through the FCO Local Posts website, by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of this page or;

- In French (sending CV + Cover Letter, explaining clearly the motivation, skills and experience you could bring to this role) to the following email address: florence.arthau@fco.gov.uk

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

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.