View Vacancy - Head Housekeeper
The British Embassy, Doha has a vacancy for a Head Housekeeper, Grade S1.
Main Purpose of the Job:
To ensure the smooth running of the Residence, and the comfort of its occupants and guests, by overseeing the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the Residence, garden and pool area. The Head Housekeeper provides a butler and full waiter service, ensuring the cleanliness and security of the Residence and its contents, and overseeing the work of the Assistant Housekeeper.
The Head Housekeeper ensures the kitchens and cellar is adequately stocked and provides a breakfast, lunch and evening meal service for the Ambassador and family.
For formal meals and events, the Head Housekeeper assists the catering hotel as required.
The Housekeeper Supports delivery of all post objectives by contributing to an efficient and well-presented Residence, suitable for hosting social events, houseguests and functions that will facilitate diplomatic, political, defence, commercial, and public services work, as well as contributing to a well-motivated and security conscious Embassy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Ensuring the overall cleanliness of the Residence, garden and pool area:
• Ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of the Residence, the garden and the pool area by assisting and directing colleagues in their maintenance and cleaning duties as necessary.
• Ensuring that all Residence and garden furniture and equipment is clean, well maintained and in conjunction with the Residence Manager, replaced as required.
• Reporting larger maintenance requirements to the Residence Manager for action.
• Reporting minor maintenance work requests to works team in the first instance and then to Residence Manager for action
To serve meals and refreshments to the Ambassador and his family and guests:
• Responsible for breakfast, lunch and evening meal service for the Ambassador’s and his/her family as advised by the Residence Manager.
• Serving meals and refreshments to the Ambassador’s guests and house guests, as well as other visitors to the Residence, including VIPs.
• Acting as a waiter/waitress or barman/barmaid at parties and large events as required,
• Agreeing stocks with the Residence Manager to ensure the kitchen and cellar is adequately stocked. Disposing of out of date goods regularly.
• Washing up kitchen utensils, pots and pans, serving dishes, cutlery and crockery, as directed by the Residence Manager.
Ensuring the care and security of silver and precious items/ valuables in the Residence:
• Ensuring regular and appropriate cleaning; preventing damage to items during cleaning.
• Regularly checking valuables and ensuring their security during events and functions taking place inside the Residence
Assisting the Outside Catering Team:
• Assisting the outside catering team as required for official luncheons, dinners and events. Guiding them using the official kitchen and official kitchen utensils. Provide help to set up and cleaning after the events.
Laundry duties:
• Providing a full laundry service to the Ambassador, family members and guests.
• Providing a full laundry service for all items required for events
• Keeping the stores clean, tidy, and replenishing items as required.
Other duties:
• Providing leave cover for the Assistant Housekeeper.
Key Competencies:
• 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.
• Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
• Changing and Improving – People who are effective in this area are responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change. It is about being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in ‘smarter’, more focused ways.
• Making Effective Decisions – Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Good self-management and organisational skills.
• The ability to work both on your own and as part of a team and to work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of basic European cuisine. Food preparation, food hygiene and cooking skills.
• Flexible and positive approach to working in a forward thinking, modern and motivated organisation.
• Minimum 5 years of experience
• Cleaning skills; use of vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dishwasher, iron etc.
• Basic Protocol
• Up to date First Aid Certificate
• Up to date Health and Safety Certificate
• Food Hygiene and Handling Certificate
• Discretion
• Qatar Driving License
• Experience working with a family
Working Hours and Remuneration:
The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including non-negotiable salary of QR 7,253/- per calendar month and responsibility allowance of QR 800 per calendar month, paid in arrears. Housing is provided on the Embassy compound as part of the employment package. The Embassy offers a generous leave allocation and is committed to staff development.
The position can be offered on a sponsored basis and due to the nature of the work, some flexibility on hours may be required. A 48 hour working week across 6 days, flexible around the Ambassador’s schedule, and frequently organised in split shifts (eg, 07:30am-14:30, and 17:30 – 20:30) to accommodate meal times and/or evening events and functions.
Frequently required to work late, early and antisocial hours: waiting tables for the Ambassador and his/her family as required, as well as working late nights and early mornings when VIPs and guests are staying at the Residence, or when events are taking place.
‘On call’ at all times of the day and night, including during day off.
Working in a kitchen environment where a number of hazards (eg. gas cylinders and kitchen equipment) are present; occasionally using ladders in the course of work (eg. to change light bulbs).
Heavy lifting is sometimes required (e.g. arranging furniture for events, moving guests’ luggage etc).The successful candidate will need to commence security clearance procedures through the Embassy.
Eligibility:
The position can be offered on a sponsored basis and applicant must currently reside in Qatar with transferable NOC.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must complete the online application form, answer the motivation for applying and competency questions.
** (Your application must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in your online application form. Applications that are not complete will be rejected).
The closing date for applications will be 01 October 2018 by 23:55 Doha time.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Process:
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months.
Due to the large amount of applications the Embassy receives only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances, medical clearance and reference checks.
The British Embassy Doha 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 Qatari employment law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
