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- Tasks: Manage the Secretary-General's residence, oversee cleaning, prepare meals, and organise events.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth Secretariat, a key intergovernmental body promoting democracy and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a live-in position with potential for flexible day engagement and unique networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious environment, engage with dignitaries, and showcase your hospitality skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housekeeping or senior household roles, excellent communication, and event management skills required.
- Other info: Knowledge of African cuisine and customs is a plus; driver's licence needed.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
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Job Title: Senior Housekeeper, Secretary-General’s Official Residence Grade/Salary: J |
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Reports To: |
Secretary-General |
General Information
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental body of the Commonwealth, responsible for advancing and achieving the shared goals of the association’s 56 member governments in advancing democracy, development and respect for diversity.
The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General who, as the Chief Executive of the organisation, is responsible and accountable for its overall leadership and management. As an eminent public figure, the Secretary-General interacts regularly and widely with Heads of Governments, international organisations, High Commissioners and other key stakeholders within the Commonwealth and beyond. The Secretary-General resides at his/her Official residence currently located in Central London. The official residence is used for entertaining dignitaries and also serve as a venue for some official meetings.
Job summary
The Senior Housekeeper is responsible for the day-to-day smooth running of the Official residence of the Secretary-General. Youwill be responsible for the oversight of the maintenance of the property, plants and appliances, as well as undertake domestic work. The Senior Housekeepe will also work in close consultation with the Secretary-General and /or spouse and is expected to work without close supervision. The Senior Housekeepe is expected to bring to the position at all times the capacity to exercise initiative and independent judgement in the performance of agreed duties. It is essential that the Senior Housekeepehas and brings to the post absolute discretion and confidentiality.
The SeniorHousekeeper is a live-in position. Engagement on a day basis will also be considered for suitable candidates.
Task Description
The post-holder will undertake the following tasks:
Management of the Official Residence
- Manage the Official residence of the Secretary-General including overseeing cleaning and tidying of the house and immediate surroundings. Undertake light household duties where necessary or in the absence of other domestic staff.
- Manage the inventory of supplies and the official residence budget.
- Arrange supplies and proactively manage the supplies inventory.
- Prepare meals for the Secretary-General, family members and guests (up to 12 people.
- Run errands as required.
- Undertake laundry duties and ironing for the Secretary-General and household.
- Oversee other domestic staff within the household.
- Assists with the security management of the Official residence.
House Events and Functions
- Manage theplanning and preparation for events and functions including receptions and formal dinners at the Secretary-General’s Official residence. This to include management of vendors and contractors supplying events or catering services.
- Ensure that there is appropriate protocols and other formal arrangements in place and adhered to for such events and functions.
- Oversee the scheduling, prioritising and management of events or functions and advising on best use of the rooms in the Official residence.
- Ensure that there are adequate supplies in place for events or functions. Oversee catering and decorative inventory requirements.
- Liaises as required with the Secretariat’s Conference Team in the organisation of official functions and events at the residence.
Travel Preparation
- Overseethe Secretary-General’s personal travel preparation and requirements (official travel is managed by the Secretary-General’s Office in the Secretariat).
- Maintain a close liaison with the Secretary-General’s Office on the Secretary-General’s travel diary.
External Facing Duties
- Engage with senior public and private figures in appropriate manner which projects the office of the Secretary-General.
- Engage and negotiate with internal and external events organisers and other stakeholders as required to ensure smooth running of the house, events and functions.
Other duties
- Undertake any other duties assigned by Secretary-General or her delegate to ensure smooth functioning of the Official residence for family and official purposes.
Person specification
- Experience of workingas a Housekeeper or Senior Household role or equivalent in senior official or diplomatic household, demonstrating interpersonal skills and sound judgement
- Experience of event and/or banqueting management
- Excellent communication skills to achieve the right results in dealing with visitors to the Official residence, at receptions and with service personnel
- Proactive approach to work, resourceful and flexible
- Ability to work on own initiative and make decisions in high pressure or challenging circumstances
- Able to set priorities within allocated duties while remaining responsive to competing priorities
- Ability to work without close supervision
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discreet at all times
Other requirements
- Diploma or Professionalcertificationin Cookery /Catering or hospitality management.
- Experience and ability to preparea choice of home cooked, fresh, nutritional meals and catering for any dietary and cultural needs.
- Knowledge of African customs and languages and preparation of African cuisine is desirable.
- Knowledge of health and Safety and Basic Food Hygiene.
- Driver’s licence.
- An understanding of budget management.
- A sound understanding of diplomatic protocol.
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Senior 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 Senior Housekeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Commonwealth Secretariat and its values. Understanding their mission and how they operate will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing your commitment to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the hospitality and diplomatic sectors. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with individuals who have experience in similar roles, as they may provide valuable insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your event management skills by volunteering for or organising local events. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your resume but also give you practical examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion. Given the nature of the role, having specific examples ready that illustrate your experience in handling sensitive information will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housekeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in housekeeping or senior household roles. Emphasise your interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and any experience you have with event management.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the role and the importance of discretion and confidentiality. Mention specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage a household and engage with high-profile individuals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a diploma or professional certification in cookery, catering, or hospitality management, make sure to include this in your application. Also, mention any knowledge of dietary needs and cultural cuisine, especially if it relates to African customs.
Showcase Your Proactive Approach: Demonstrate your proactive approach to work in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities and made decisions under pressure in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in housekeeping or similar roles, especially in high-profile environments. Highlight specific examples where you demonstrated sound judgement and interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Event Management Skills
Since the role involves managing events and functions, be ready to share your experiences in event planning and execution. Discuss how you've handled logistics, vendor management, and ensured adherence to protocols.
✨Emphasise Discretion and Confidentiality
Given the nature of the position, it's crucial to convey your understanding of confidentiality. Share instances where you've maintained discretion in sensitive situations, showcasing your trustworthiness.
✨Cultural Awareness and Culinary Skills
If you have knowledge of African customs or cuisine, make sure to mention it. Discuss your culinary skills and ability to cater to diverse dietary needs, as this is a key aspect of the role.
