View Vacancy – Residence Assistant (Part-time)

Main purpose of job:

Under the guidance of the Events & Residence Manager, the job holder will assist in the hands on, day to day running of the Official Residence of the British High Commissioner, and with the delivery of the many official events held at the house. The Residence is a venue for such events, but is also home to the High Commissioner and family.

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

Tasks related to the day-to-day running of the Residence including but not limited to:

• Ensure entrance of residence is clean and presentable at all times.
• Regular checking of electrical and other appliances and preventative maintenance e.g. checking AC units, ceiling fans – clean as needed; light bulbs & lighting throughout, running of all taps & showers, flushing of all toilets etc.
• Regular cleaning of silverware and brass fittings inclusive of main gate brass and crest by side gate to the garden.
• Check shutters and windows work as should. Clean as needed.
• Steam clean settees, couches, curtains etc.
• Polishing of wooden floors as needed.
• Responsible for disposing of household refuse, including sorting for recycling.
• Report any maintenance and general care issues to the Events and Residence Manager.
• Assist the Events & Residence Manager with upkeep of inventories, as required.

Tasks related to the delivery of official events at the Residence including but not limited to:

• Assist with the planning, layout, presentation and preparation for events, including setting out furniture and other equipment for outdoor and indoor functions.
• Receive deliveries to the Residence and assist with moving delivered items.
• Assist with the arrival and set-up requirements of outside catering contractors.
• Responsible for stock, equipment, flatware, etc.
• Serve drinks, afternoon tea and food as required.
• Clean up afterwards including washing dishes as required.
• Supervise additional staff for functions and housekeeping as required.

Other tasks:

• Assist the High Commissioner’s houseguests.
• Take telephone messages as required.
• Upkeep of first aid kit and emergency supplies.
• Monitor outside service people/contractors in and outside the house.
• Attend residence and staff meetings.
• Assist other residence staff members with ad-hoc tasks and projects, as requested.

NB. The responsibilities set out above are indicative. Flexibility is essential, as the tasks required will change in line with requirements at the Residence. 

Scope of role:

The role requires someone who is flexible, adaptable and pays attention to detail. The job holder will be part of the small team of residence staff, and will be expected to work harmoniously with their colleagues. Desirable personal attributes include excellent interpersonal skills (in person and on the telephone) with a positive, friendly, polite and outgoing attitude. The ability to take the initiative, and make decisions independently regarding tasks required but also work as part of a team. The ability to respond calmly and quickly to changes of plan and last minute requests.

Essential on arrival:

• Education – Min 3 CXCs (Inc. Math & English)
• At least 3 years in a customer service or similar role
• Excellent organisational/time management skills
• Language: an excellent command of the English language is required