The British Embassy in Helsinki is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic, and consular interests overseas and is looking for a Residence Assistant for Maternity cover.

The Residence is the centre of hospitality and entertainment for the British Embassy in Helsinki. A range of events take place there throughout the year. The Residence has a number of guest rooms used for official visits. It is also home to the Ambassador and his/her family.

The Residence Assistant plays an important role, carrying out a wide variety of tasks such as setting up rooms for events, including flower arranging, welcoming guests, waiting on guests during events, and maintaining Residence rooms to a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.

The Residence Assistant is responsible for the housekeeping of the Residence, including the Ambassador’s private quarters, and laundry. These tasks are carried out with another Residence Assistant with whom the new employee will work closely. Willingness to do basic/light cooking, such as breakfasts, and assist the Residence Chef would be an asset.

The new employee will be a crucial member of the Ambassador’s team. They are expected to be a strong team player, contributing to a high standard of service delivery on a daily basis. The Residence Assistant will directly report to the Events & Residence Manager.

Roles and responsibilities:

Housekeeping & Laundry

• Clean Ambassador’s private quarters: dusting, wiping worktops, taking out rubbish, hoovering, mopping, cleaning toilets and washing & changing bedding;
• Clean and upkeep of guest bedrooms and bathrooms;
• Clean ground floor fine rooms: polishing/waxing antique furniture, dusting, hoovering, mopping and cleaning guest bathrooms;
• Polishing of silverware and crystal glasses;
• Take care of all laundry for the house, washing & ironing: bedding, towels and event linens such as tablecloths & napkins;
• Keep linen cupboards tidy and ensure that linen and towels are ready as required and ensure that event linens are ready for Residence functions.

Events

• 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;
• Serve drinks and food at a range of events from breakfasts and afternoon teas to cocktail receptions, formal lunches and dinners, and garden parties in the summer;
• Preparation of food/snacks for official meetings;
• Supervise additional staff for functions;
• Clean up afterwards including washing dishes;
• Responsible for inventories of event equipment;
• Take care of recycling;
• Provide support to Corporate Services section during annual leaves.

 Other

• Work flexibly in the role and as part of a wider Embassy team;
• Attend residence and staff meetings;
• Report technical or maintenance issues to the Residence Manager and Corporate Services team;
• Assist other staff members with ad-hoc tasks and projects, as requested.

The job description is subject to changes and may evolve over time and in response to changing circumstances. The role exists as part of a team and all staff are expected to be flexible in supporting colleagues, particularly at busy times.

• Food service experience, preferably from an events environment;
• Housekeeping experience;
• Basic cooking abilities;
• Fluency in English C1 level;
• Positive attitude, a customer-focused approach;
• Good communication skills and confidence;
• Being discreet at all times;
• Attention to detail;
• Excellent organisational skills and time management;
• Ability to work flexible hours;
• Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team;
• Basic IT competency (Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel) and numerical skills.