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Job Description
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Main purpose of job:
This is a high-profile, fast-paced role based at the Ambassador’s Residence, which hosts frequent diplomatic engagements, VVIP visits, and official events. The Residence is a busy, highly utilised space that represents the UK government, and the jobholder plays a central role in maintaining the highest standards befitting its official status. They lead a team of six residence Support Staff and coordinate with Estates, Finance, Procurement, Private Office, and Security teams to ensure seamless operations.
The role goes beyond support – it involves strategic planning, designing and delivering high-profile events that contribute to the wider objectives of the FCDO. The jobholder is expected to be propositional and innovative, continuously improving service delivery, sustainability and value for money.
They are responsible for managing the Residence budget and inventory, ensuring compliance with financial guidance and audit recommendations. The jobholder also provides discreet, professional assistance to the Ambassador and their family. Household and family support is covered at the Ambassadors own cost through the COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) reduction for head of post.
Learning and development opportunities include formal training in financial compliance, health and safety, event management, and leadership development. The jobholder will receive ongoing support from the Private Office, Estates, Finance and HR teams, as well as regular feedback and guidance from the Ambassador.
Roles and responsibilities:
Line Management and Staff Deployment (20%)
- Manage performance and development of 5 Residence support staff.
- Oversee scheduling, leave, and deployment to ensure adequate staffing, bringing in contractors as required.
- Provide operational guidance, mentoring, and feedback.
- Develop team capabilities to provide back-up on chef duties and across the full spectrum of residence work.
Residence Management and Operations (15%)
- Oversee furniture and fittings for the Residence and annex; liaise with Estates and TWG for maintenance works and furniture replacement when implemented.
- Finalise and implement the Residence Charter, ensuring standards are upheld.
- Drive continuous improvement in value for money and sustainability (e.g. energy-saving, waste reduction).
Chef, Events and Functions Coordination (40%)
- Lead the team to deliver a VIP-level service,
- Design innovative menus and prepare meals for the Ambassador and guests deciding when to cater in house and when to bring in contractors.
- Plan and execute high-profile events and receptions, including budgeting and logistics.
- Liaise with Estates and external vendors for event setup.
- Ensure appropriate protocol, etiquette, and cultural sensitivity in high-level guest-facing interactions.
- Manage event operations from inception to post-event reporting.
- Health & Safety and Residence Maintenance (5%)
- Collaborate with Health & Safety Officer on risk assessments and food safety compliance.
Residence Imprest and Inventory Management (15%)
- Manage Residence Imprest in line with FCDO financial rules.
- Oversee stock and inventory management; ensure compliance with audit recommendations.
- Budget and procure supplies, ensuring value for money.
- Maintain accurate and compliant records.
Resources managed (staff)
- Line management of 5 Residence Support Staff
- Residence, hospitality, accommodation and facilities management.
- Culinary expertise and oversight of professional catering services.
- Leadership, line management, staff development and performance management.
- Planning and delivery of formal events, receptions, VIP visits and high-profile engagements.
- Budget management, financial oversight, forecasting and value-for-money delivery.
- Procurement, inventory, supplier and contractor management.
- Stakeholder engagement with senior leaders, VIPs, guests, government officials and external partners.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong customer-focused approach.
- Health, safety, security and property compliance management.
- Residential maintenance management, including repairs, refurbishments and preventative maintenance.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, including record management, reporting and management of competing priorities.
- Proven track record of driving operational improvements, enhancing service delivery and adapting effectively to changing priorities.
- Professional, discreet and trusted in handling sensitive and high-profile matters.
- Fluent English and Amharic
- Experience working in a diplomatic or high-profile environment.
- Familiarity with FCDO financial and procurement procedures.
- Knowledge of Fire Safety Standards and Health and Safety.