View Vacancy - Residence Assistant for the British Embassy Lisbon (PRT25.362)

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)
Butler, Housekeeper, Protocol, Visits and Events

The British Embassy in Lisbon is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are now seeking a top-quality Residence Assistant to supports the Events and Residence Manager in all activities related to the Ambassador’s Official Residence.

Step into the heart of British diplomacy in Lisbon, we’re looking for a Residence Assistant to help deliver world‑class hospitality at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. 

The Residence Assistant role requires high level of professionalism, deliver discreet, front of house service and provide hands-on support to the kitchen team. The role ensures the Residence is guest-ready at all times and supports staff during high level official events in line with protocol.

Your role at the Residence:

Guest and Table Service

  • Provide professional service (silver, plated, buffet, family-style) for small meeting events and official functions.
  • Execute formal table settings (UK/State protocol), place cards, seating plans, glassware and silver care.

Cleaning

  • Daily cleaning, including vacuuming and dusting of entertainment areas, ensuring they are always guest-ready.
  • Polish silver, furniture and other items to maintain high standard of presentation.
  • Ensure the cleanliness and order of entrance corridors, hallways and guest toilets.
  • Tidying and organising storage spaces.

Laundry & ironing

  • Wash, dry and iron all required clothing, linens and towels, including items for guests when requested.
  • Carry out minor sewing repairs or alternations to maintain garments and linens in good condition

Kitchen Support

  • Assist with mise-en place (washing, chopping, basic prep), reheating and plating.
  • Prepare hot/cold beverages; set up tea/coffee stations.
  • Support stock rotations , grocery shopping and receipt of deliveries.
  • Support smooth catering operations for small private meals and larger scale events including: meals for up to 30 people (breakfast, lunch or dinner) and receptions for up to 300 guests.

Residence Management Support

  • Support the monitoring of expenses related to residence operations.
  • Assist with financial reports FCDO procedures.
  • Maintain and provide full accounting / receipts for purchases assisting with record keeping for budgetary purposes.
  • Support the Events & Resident Manager role as required.

Teamwork & Flexibility

  • Provide cover for other residence staff when required to ensure continuous smooth operation.
  • Attend training sessions and staff meetings as scheduled, contributing to the overall improvement of the residence standards. 

Security & Compliance

  • Adhere to and support the implementation of security procedures for residence access. 
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with health, and safety regulations during events and daily operations. 
  • Immediately report any incidents or security-related concerns.
  • Maintain strict discretion and confidentiality in all interactions.

  • Fluency in English and Portuguese, both spoken and written (minimum C1 level according to the CEFR*);
  • A high school diploma (or equivalent qualification) is required for this role.
  • Basic mise-en-place skills and some cooking knowledge to support household meals and events.
  • Flexibility to cover different tasks and collaborate as part of a team.
  • Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation. 
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate temporary staff during large events.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and basic IT tools.
  • Clean driving licence and willingness to drive as part of job duties.
  • Previous professional experience in private residences, hotels and restaurants.
  • Knowledge of formal table service, event catering and guest protocol.

Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
1 December 2025
Administrative Assistant (AA)
Full-time, Fixed Term
35
24 months
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Portugal
Lisbon
British Embassy
1
EUR
18,497.82 (gross)
yearly
2 January 2026

This is a fixed-term, full-time contract (35hours net per week) subject to 30 days probation period. 

The British Embassy in Lisbon aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role of € 18,497.82 gross annual salary paid in fourteen instalments; plus a monthly meal allowance of €193.60. This salary is payable if the successful candidate is subject to individual income tax (IRS) in Portugal on the employment income in question. If the successful candidate is not subject to individual income tax (IRS) on their employment income in Portugal, and/or is not taxable elsewhere on such income, he / she will receive the above salary minus a reference amount approximate to the level of Portuguese tax that would be applicable if the income were subject to tax locally. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process. 

All staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Portugal are subject to local Portuguese employment law as well as internal regulations in force at any given time. 

The successful candidate will be subject to a professional background and security clearance and must have pre-existing work authorisation for Portugal in order to apply. 

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Portugal. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.

The Embassy will not consider applications from existing staff who have not successfully completed their probation period or, in the case of staff on temporary contract who have not yet completed two thirds of their contract.

British Embassy Lisbon offers a supportive environment for its team, including flexible working opportunities, a rich learning and training offering and a focus on individual development.

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 position. 

*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 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 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.