View Vacancy – Residence Manager and Social Secretary (Maternity Cover)

The British Embassy in Cairo is seeking a high performing Residence Manager and Social Secretary to the Ambassador.

Main purpose of the job:

The main function of the Residence Manager and Social Secretary is to ensure the smooth and professional day-to-day running of the Residence (staff, budget, and private and public events). It requires outstanding management and administration skills and the judgement to support the Ambassador and his wife in their engagements in diplomatic, political, cultural and social activities in Cairo in line with Embassy priorities.

This is a unique and exciting role working as part of the British Embassy team in a property of great historic significance, beauty and interest to the UK and Egypt. When functioning at full capacity, thousands of people are invited to the Residence every year to events that build ties between the UK and Egypt in line with British policy.

This position offers a rare chance to initiate, develop and lead on creative and innovative events at one of the unique venues in Cairo.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and maintain good working relationships and networks of senior level contacts in government, non-government and private sectors.
• Maintain and update guest lists and contact databases across all sectors.
• Manage the day to day functioning of the Residence to a high standard of efficiency and professionalism, in keeping with UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidelines on residences
• Organise and co-ordinate all aspects of the Ambassador’s hosted events to a high level of professionalism, creativity and value for money, working effectively with relevant embassy staff concerned.
• Draw up guest lists in consultation with the Ambassador and Embassy staff, send out and monitor invitations and RSVPs, assist in choosing menus, plan the setup of events, welcome guests to the Residence.
• Ensure post-event follow up with external clients to maximise future opportunities and encourage repeat business to grow
• Maintain accurate records of Residence activity and assets such as: Residence forward programme, contact database, inventory of stocks and residence property, government art and furnishings.
• Manage the Residence budget in accordance with FCO standards and run an imp rest account for residence shopping (food, drinks, flowers etc), accounting for all expenditure in line with auditors’ requirements.
• Liaise with Embassy management over Residence needs for maintenance of the house and procurement
• Manage the team of 10 staff (including their development programmes and ongoing learning opportunities)

Key Competencies:

• Delivering Value for Money – Involves the efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in the delivery of public services.  It means seeking out and implementing solutions, which achieve the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay. 
• Leading and Communicating – Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm.
• Delivering at Pace – Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
• Making Effective Decisions – Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. 

• Fluency in English and Arabic both written and spoken.
• Ability to plan and deliver successful events; multitasking under pressure.
• Experience of managing a budget.
• Excellent staff management and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to get results.
• Problem solving initiative.
• Good project management skills.
• Experience of managing and working with a wide range of event suppliers with the ability to oversee, devise and manage operational procedures.