View Vacancy – Head of Protocol

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Santo Domingo is seeking a Head of Protocol to lead the day-to-day operations for the Residence of the British Ambassador, ensuring that the British Residence at all times projects a welcoming, modern and highly professional image of the UK. This is a varied role, with the opportunity to get experience in an unusually broad mix of areas in a high profile diplomatic setting working directly with the British Ambassador.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative professional to organise events at the Residence and oversee the management of the property and staff on a day- to- day basis.  This is a part-time but permanent role with flexible hours and with overtime available.

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, 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 Embassy’s working language is English.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

• Events: 
  • Support the British Ambassador for all events and activities at the Residence;
  • Creative planning and design, liaison with UK companies and sponsors, budgeting and seeking best value suppliers; managing invitations and additional staff; preparation of the Residence for VIP visitors; quality assurance for all events.
• Communication/Coordination:
  • Ensure that issues relating to the Residence are properly communicated to HM Ambassador;
  • Ensure effective communication with the Corporate Services Team to ensure the Residence, garden, furniture and equipment are properly maintained and accounted for.
• Organisational/operational:
  • Ensure the building and gardens are efficiently run, cleaned, well organised and maintained;
  • Ensure furniture, equipment, etc. are safeguarded, accounted for and maintained;
  • Procurement and stock control of consumables for the Residence and events; event budget management;
  • In liaison with the Corporate Services Team, ensure that there is a rolling programme of maintenance works. 
• Finance:
  • Prepare expense reports, quotes, budget reconciliation and other necessary reports to run the Residence effectively;
  • Manage the Residence payments.
• Human Resources:
  • Ensure all domestic staff and outsourced employees are properly trained and supervised;
  • Supervise temporary/contract staff contracted for events and/or specific works such as cleaning, maintenance, remodelling, etc;
  • Supervision and quality control of outsourced staff and contractors at the Residence, including caterers.
• Contacts:
  • Maintain an updated database of service suppliers. Identify reliable and value for money providers, and build up good relationships.

Resources managed:

Staff: Line management of 3 Domestic staff (and other staff as required).

Budgets: Manage Residence finances and control of Residence expenses’ budgets.

• Fluent English and Spanish, covering reading, writing, speaking and listening, and an ability to switch between the two languages seamlessly;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, in writing and in person;
• Proven ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation;
• A college/university level degree in Hospitality Management or equivalent experience;
• Must have the legal status to live and work in Dominican Republic.