View Vacancy - Residence Assistant (Part-Time) (FIN26-002928)

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Waiter/Household Assistant

Who we are?

The British Embassy in Helsinki is part of a world‑wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

The Ambassador’s Residence is the centre of hospitality and entertainment for the Embassy, hosting a wide range of official events throughout the year. It also includes guest rooms used for official visits and is home to the Ambassador and their family.

We are now looking for a part‑time Residence Assistant to join the Residence team and play a key role in delivering high‑quality hospitality in a professional and welcoming environment.

What you will be doing?

You will work closely with another Residence Assistant and report directly to the Events & Residence Manager. The role combines professional housekeeping with event support, requiring attention to detail, flexibility and teamwork.

Housekeeping & Laundry

  • Cleaning the Ambassador’s private quarters, including dusting, wiping worktops, hoovering, taking out rubbish, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, and changing bedding;
  • Cleaning and maintaining guest bedrooms and bathrooms;
  • Cleaning ground floor fine rooms, including polishing and waxing antique furniture;
  • Polishing silverware and crystal glasses;
  • Managing all household laundry, including bedding, towels and event linens;
  • Keeping linen cupboards tidy and ensuring linens are ready for Residence functions.

Events

  • Assisting with the planning, layout and preparation of indoor and outdoor events, including moving furniture and equipment;
  • Receiving deliveries to the Residence and assisting with moving items;
  • Serving food and drinks at events ranging from breakfasts and afternoon teas to cocktail receptions, formal lunches and dinners, and summer garden parties;
  • Preparing food and snacks for official meetings;
  • Supervising additional staff during functions;
  • Cleaning up after events, including washing dishes;
  • Managing inventories of event equipment;
  • Taking care of recycling.

Other duties

  • Working flexibly as part of the Residence and wider Embassy team;
  • Attending residence and staff meetings;
  • Reporting technical or maintenance issues to the Residence Manager and Corporate Services team;
  • Supporting colleagues with ad hoc tasks and projects when required.

Why apply?

This is a varied and hands on role at the heart of the British Embassy in Helsinki. You will be a crucial member of the Ambassador’s team, contributing daily to a high standard of service delivery in a unique working environment.

The Embassy promotes the core values of Expertise, Courage and Respect, values strong teamwork, and expects all staff to contribute to a positive and respectful workplace. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with colleagues, support high profile events, and be part of an international diplomatic network.

Our ideal candidate shows:

  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR* framework);
  • Minimum 2 years’ of experience in professional housekeeping and/or hospitality service (hotel, residence, or events);
  • Food service experience, preferably within an events environment;
  • Basic cooking abilities;
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends with notice in line with event schedules;
  • A positive attitude and strong customer‑focused approach;
  • Good communication skills and confidence;
  • Discretion at all times;
  • Ability to undertake the practical aspects of the role, including moving furniture/equipment for events;
  • Strong attention to detail;
  • Excellent organisational and time‑management skills;
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
  • Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word and Excel, and good numerical skills.

Nice to have:

  • Experience of living and/or working in the UK or another international environment;
  • Food hygiene certification (hygieniapassi);
  • Alcohol pass certification (anniskelupassi).
Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
22 April 2026
S1
Permanent, Part-Time
18
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Finland
Helsinki
British Embassy
1
EUR
1,565
monthly
1 June 2026

This is a part-time, 18 hours per week, permanent position. Monday - Friday, with flexibility to work occasional early mornings and evenings in line with operational needs. 

From time to time, staff may be required to work beyond their conditioned hours during the week or at weekends to support events. In such cases, staff are entitled to time off in lieu (TOIL). All TOIL must be approved in advance.

The appointment is subject to professional background check, security clearance and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

The start date mentioned in the advert is indicative only. The appointment may commence earlier or later depending several factors.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Finland are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Finnish employment law and FCDO guidance for Country Based Staff.

Staff at the British Embassy Helsinki who are not subject to Finnish income tax (i.e. non-Finnish nationals) have a reference amount deducted from their gross salary. This abatement reflects the local tax that would otherwise apply, ensuring consistent net pay across roles.

Pension and unemployment contributions are deducted for all staff. Salary payments are reported to the Finnish Income Register in line with legal requirements.

Learning and development opportunities: The British Embassy in Helsinki has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our L&D Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to induction programmes offered to all Embassy staff.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Finland and be prepared to ensure that this right remains valid throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in Finland.

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 Embassy 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 ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification. 

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

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.