Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the Secretary-General's residence.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth Secretariat, a prestigious organisation with global influence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a unique work environment and gain experience in an official household.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, interact with diverse guests, and develop valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cleaning and cooking is essential; strong interpersonal skills are a must.
- Other info: This role requires discretion and the ability to work independently.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Assistant to the Senior Housekeeper at the Official Residence of the Commonwealth Secretary-General
Division: Secretary-General’s Office
Location: Official Residence of the Secretary-General
(London W1)
Grade: O
Reports to: Senior Housekeeper at the Official Residence of the Commonwealth Secretary-General
Functional Relationships: 1. Chief of Staff, Secretary-General’s Office
2. Office Manager, SGO
General Information
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, as the Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Secretariat is primarily responsible for its executive direction and management. Furthermore, as an eminent public figure, she needs to interact regularly and widely with a large number of constituencies.
Job summary
The scope of work involves activities associated with preparing meals and serving drinks, as required, as well as maintaining the Secretary-General’s residence in a clean and presentable manner; responsible for assisting the Housekeeper in the day-to-day smooth running of the house including dealing with admittance of guests and maintenance personnel & suppliers, cleaning, laundry, ironing, washing etc as directed by the Housekeeper.
The post holder is expected to bring to the position at all times the capacity to exercise initiative and independent judgement in the performance of agreed tasks. It is essential that the post holder has and brings to the post absolute discretion and confidentiality.
Task description
NB: The duties listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties assigned are at the discretion of the Secretary-General and/or the Housekeeper.
The post-holder, will assist the Housekeeper in:
· Cooking and preparing drinks and supporting the catering for events as and when required
· As and when required, participate in the serving of food and refreshments for representational functions including lunches, dinners, receptions or social events held at the Residence
· Cleaning and tidying of the house and immediate surroundings including the back yard and front steps as well as windows, vacuuming, mopping, and spot-cleaning floor or wall surfaces, and sanitizing bathroom fixtures
· Dusting and polishing furniture, fixtures and other fittings
· Laundry and ironing
· Watering of plants and arranging flowers
· Supporting the Housekeeper in meeting & greeting the Secretary-General’s guests and also dealing with and escorting the maintenance personnel and suppliers
· Perform any other duties associated with maintaining the Residence.
Person specification
Experience:
Essential:
· Experience in cleaning / housekeeping
· Cooking
Competencies
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
· Capacity to work within an official household, demonstrating interpersonal skills, sound judgement and common sense
· Results orientated with a strong focus on providing a service
· Commitment, flexibility and initiative
· Good communication skills to achieve the right results in dealing with visitors to the Residence, at receptions and with service personnel
· Able to set priorities within allocated duties while remaining responsive to competing priorities
· Work within guidelines and without close supervision
· Maintain a high level of confidentiality
PAGE
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Housekeeper employer: Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Housekeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Office and its values. Understanding the importance of discretion and confidentiality in this role will help you demonstrate your alignment with their expectations during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in housekeeping and cooking when networking. Engage with professionals in the hospitality industry or those who have worked in similar roles to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your interpersonal skills. Since you'll be interacting with guests and service personnel, think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships or resolved conflicts in a previous role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks in a busy environment. The ability to manage competing priorities is crucial, so consider scenarios from your past work where you effectively balanced multiple responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Housekeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cleaning and housekeeping. Include specific examples of your cooking skills and any previous roles in an official household or similar environments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your interpersonal skills and ability to work independently. Mention your commitment to confidentiality and discretion, as these are crucial for the role.
Highlight Relevant Competencies: In your application, emphasise your results-oriented approach and flexibility. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.
✨Show Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in cleaning and housekeeping. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled, such as cooking or managing laundry, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Confidentiality
Since this position involves working in an official household, it's crucial to convey your understanding of discretion and confidentiality. Share examples from past roles where you maintained privacy and handled sensitive information appropriately.
✨Exhibit Strong Interpersonal Skills
The role requires good communication skills, especially when interacting with guests and service personnel. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships in previous jobs, showcasing your ability to be friendly yet professional.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility and Initiative
This job demands a commitment to flexibility and the ability to take initiative. Think of instances where you've gone above and beyond in your duties or adapted to changing priorities, and be prepared to share those stories.
