The British Embassy Dubai is part of a worldwide network, representing British Political, Economic, Commercial and Consular interests overseas.

The Embassy currently has a vacancy for a dynamic, hardworking and trustworthy professional to join the Embassy as a Residence Assistant for the Consul Generals (CG) Residence, job grade S1, on a fixed term contract for two (2) years.

As the first point of contact for all visitors to the Residence you will be responsible for meeting and greeting guests on arrival, including VVIPs and senior Government officials, and providing them with a world class guest experience.  You will need to ensure guest comfort at all times and support to the Consul General and to smooth operation of the Residence. 

The jobholder will work closely with the Events and Residence Officer and the Consul General in maintaining all aspects of the Residence, supporting official entertaining, cleaning duties and other household tasks as assigned.  

This is a great opportunity for a self-motivated and trustworthy person to join a friendly, professional and welcoming team at the British Embassy in support of diplomatic work. We are an inclusive employer and actively support equality of opportunity at work and have an excellent programme of learning and development.  

If you love working as part of a team, are motivated to work in a unique and fast-paced environment and take pride in maintaining a household to a very high standard, we encourage you to apply. 

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 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, private guests and family members. Larger events (20 pax and above) will be delivered through a third party caterer.
• Ensuring that additional staff and contractors maintain safety standards while working at the Residence.
• Advising the Events Officer 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 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 & Safety

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

General Administration

• Ensure that all financial transactions are tracked and recorded on the financial management system in a timely manner 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.

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:

• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• 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.

• At least two (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.
• Strong customer focus. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with all stakeholders. Able to show discretion in handling any sensitive matters, with the trust of all involved.
• Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to plan, and prioritise tasks and workload.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement and a calm manner.
• Ability to multi-task and to respond quickly and flexibly to meet the demands of a varied work schedule and multiple and changing priorities.
• Ability to cook and serve western meals, snacks and beverages for up to 20 people.
• IT literate and well versed in Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to support flexible working hours / days of week to meet the business needs.