The British Embassy in Dubai is looking for a Residence Assistant to fulfil a critical role in the Official Residence of His Majesty’s Consul General in Dubai.  

The British Embassy in Dubai is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic, commercial and consular interests overseas.  

Main Purpose of the Job:

As the first point of contact for all visitors to the Residence, you will be responsible for meeting and greeting guests in arrival, including VVIPs and senior Government officials, and providing them with a world class guest experience. You will need to always ensure guest’s comfort and you will hold responsibility for a range of practical ‘hand on’ support to the Consul General and to smooth operation of the Residence.  

As well as concierge, table and bar service the Residence Assistant is responsible for the cleanliness and presentation of the Residence, ensuring that the property is clean, presentable and ready to receive the visitors at any time.  

Under the guidance of the Events and Residence Officer and as part of the Embassy’s wider Central Events and Residence Team, the Residence Assistant works very closely with the Consul General as well as the Estates and Security Teams and colleagues across the Mission to deliver “best in class” residence support and hosting.  

This is a great opportunity for a self-motivated person to join a friendly, professional and welcoming team at the British Embassy in support of diplomatic work.   

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in housekeeping, business hospitality and food and beverage service delivery and will thrive in working both front of house and behind the scenes to ensure that our guests experience a top-quality Residence service. The role will suite a candidate who demonstrates the flexibility to meet the demands of a varied work schedule and are able and willing to undertake basics housekeeping tasks through to running a household with the confidence to house senior guests.  

The FCDO is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We do not discriminate on any basis, including categories protected by law. In keeping with the FCDO’s commitment to disability inclusion in the workplace, hiring managers must incorporate the principles set out in the FCDO Disability Confident scheme job applications in the CBS recruitment process.  Our CBS are recruited by Missions in-country in line with local employment laws.  

Duties and responsibilities: 

Visitor and Guest Services 

• Meeting and welcoming guests on arrival, including VVIPs and senior Government officials.
• Providing concierge and assistance for guests and visitors.
• Providing table and bar services as required.
• Co-ordinating arrangements for all official visitors staying at the Residence.
• Ensuring the comfort and safety of all guests and visitors including briefing guests on arrival.

Event Support and Delivery 

• Planning the layout and setting tables for small functions. Designing and creating table decorations and household flower and decorative arrangements.
• Serving meals and drinks, clearing away and washing dishes.
• Preparing and serving meals, snacks and beverages for the Consul General, official guests. Larger events (20 pax and above) will be delivered through a third-party caterer.
• Ensuring the additional staff and contractors maintain safety standards while working at the Residence.
• Advising the Events Team when wine/beer/spirit orders are required. Ordering soft drinks and receiving delivery.
• Assisting other Embassy staff when requested, including function preparation and cleaning up afterwards; actively embracing a team culture.

Housekeeping and Laundry 

• Ensuring a high standard of cleanliness throughout the Residence.
• Ensuring that the entrance of the Residence is clean and presentable at all times including sweeping and washing.
• Cleaning private areas and guest suites of Official Residence and other areas as directed by Events Officer and the Consul General to a consistent high standard.
• Daily cleaning of kitchen including countertops and floors.
• Dusting and polishing furniture. Vacuuming and polishing floors. Cleaning bathrooms.
• Cleaning silverware, antiques and works of art.
• Preparing guest bedrooms and bathrooms as required.
• Washing and ironing laundry to a high standard.
• Keeping linen cupboards tidy and that linen and towels are ready for guest bedrooms and bathrooms as required and ensure that table linen is ready for Residence functions.

Maintenance and Safety 

• Reporting maintenance issues to the Events and Residence Officer.
• Daily running all taps and showers and flushing of all toilets.
• Responsibility for daily checking of all appliances and preventative maintenance of such.
• Checking A/C unites and light bulbs are working.
• Monitoring external service staff and contractors when they are on property.

General Administration 

• Follow financial management systems to ensure that the Residence is accurately tracking business hospitality and representational expenditure, and that it has the necessary financial information required for internal audit purposes.
• Attending residence and all staff meetings and events.
• Assisting the Events Officer with ad hoc tasks and projects.
• Documenting the monthly inventory of beverages, first aid and emergency supplies.
• Upkeep of first aid kit.
• Responsibility for stock, equipment, flatware etc.
• Purchasing consumables for the Residence as required.

Resources Managed  

• Government Procurement Card (GPC)

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Key behaviours required:  

• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.

• At least (2) years of experience in housekeeping, events delivery, business hospitality and hosting senior guests.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Ability to provide a hands-on service delivery.
• Ability to cook and serve western meals, snacks and beverages for up to 20 people.
• Strong customer focus. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with all stakeholders. Able to show discretions in handling any sensitive matters, with the trust of all involved.
• Excellent organisational skills, with proven ability to plant and prioritise tasks and workload.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstration of good judgement and a calm manner.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to meet the demands of a varied work schedule and multiple and changing priorities.
• IT literate and well versed in Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to support flexible working hours / days of week to meet the business needs.