The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Residence Housekeeper, job grade S3, on a fixed-term contract of one (1) year.

The British Ambassador’s Residence has an excellent team of staff responsible for the wellbeing and entertainment of all guests. The Residence operates a vast programme of events and visits that requires a professional team to aid in this essential part of diplomatic life.

Reporting to Residence Manager, the Housekeeper is responsible for the smooth running and the comfort of the occupants and guests at the official residence of the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. They will ensure that the Residence facilities and services are delivered in a proactive, discreet, timely, and thoughtful manner. 

Duties and responsibilities

• Basic household day-to-day tasks (cleaning, ironing, vacuum cleaning, dusting, and washing).
• Setting cleaning schedules.
• Cleaning the Residence including all guest bedrooms, bathrooms, private quarters, kitchens, and all public rooms/ areas.
• Ironing all house linens, bedsheets, Ambassador and family clothing, as well as guest laundry when required.
• Ensuring that guest bedrooms are prepared and well stocked with essentials.
• Serving as cloakroom attendant and washing dishes during certain functions.
• Drawing the curtains at nighttime, tidying any occupied bedrooms.
• Tidying any room that has been used.
• Thorough understanding of using different tools, electrical, and chemical use in cleaning processes.
• Able to use detergents and chemicals in a safe way and following health and safety regulations.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager and Senior Management. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver excellent customer service, taking into account any needs and requirements. Identify any issues arising and work with the team to resolve them. Organise time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate clearly and with enthusiasm. Be fair, respectful, using appropriate language and actions, checking understanding, and contributing to team discussions. Take an active interest in other people and cultures and consider your impact on others.
• Delivering at Pace – Focus on delivering a timely performance with energy and taking responsibility for any actions taken. It is about working to agreed goals and timing and dealing responsibly with setbacks.

Eligibility:

The position is available to Saudi nationals and to current holders of valid Saudi residence permits or transferable iqama. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their sponsorship to the British Embassy.

• Active listening and communication skills. Good in spoken and written English, able to express ideas and messages clearly.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills with the ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment. Dependable and with a strong work ethic
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to follow direction exactly and be willing to take on any task.
• High standard of personal presentation and able to demonstrate discretion, courtesy, and consideration at all times.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Flexibility as events at the Residence will require regular evening work and some early mornings. There may also be some occasional weekend work. Willingness to work overtime on an as needed basis.