Weekend Part-time Housekeeper - Official​/Diplomatic Residence

Job and Person Specification

Job Title:

Housekeeper, Secretary-General’s Official Residence

Grade/Salary: J

Reports To:

Secretary-General

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 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 serves as a venue for some official meetings.

The Housekeeper is responsible for the day-to-day smooth running of the Official residence of the Secretary-General. You will be responsible for the oversight of the maintenance of the property, plants and appliances, as well as undertaking domestic work. You will also work in close consultation with the Secretary-General and/or spouse and is expected to work without close supervision. The Housekeeper 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 House Manager has and brings to the post absolute discretion and confidentiality.

The post-holder will undertake the following tasks:

• 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.
• Assist with the security management of the Official residence.

• Manage the planning and preparation for events and functions including receptions and formal dinners at the Secretary-General’s Official residence. This includes management of vendors and contractors supplying events or catering services.
• Ensure that appropriate protocols and other formal arrangements are in place and adhered to for such events and functions.
• Oversee the scheduling, prioritising and management of events or functions and advise 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.

• Oversee the 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.

• Engage with senior public and private figures in an 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.

• Undertake any other duties assigned by the Secretary-General or her delegate to ensure smooth functioning of the Official residence for family and official purposes.

• Experience of working as a Housekeeper or Senior Household role or equivalent in senior official or diplomatic household, demonstrating interpersonal skills and sound…