View Vacancy – Head of Protocol – Residence of the British Ambassador

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Santo Domingo is seeking a Head of Protocol to lead the day-to-day operations for the Residence of the British Ambassador, ensuring that the British Residence at all times projects a welcoming, modern and highly professional image of the UK.  This is a varied role, with the opportunity to get experience in an unusually broad mix of areas in a high-profile diplomatic setting, working directly with the British Ambassador.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative professional to organise events at the Residence and oversee the management of the property and staff on a day- to- day basis.  This is a part-time but permanent role with flexible hours and overtime available regularly.

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, 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 Embassy’s working language is English.

Roles and responsibilities:

Events:

• Support the British Ambassador for all events and activities at the Residence  
• Creative planning and design of events, budgeting and liaising with suppliers; managing invitations and additional staff; preparation of the Residence for VIP visitors; quality assurance for all events.

Organisational/operational:

• Ensure the Residence estate is efficiently run, well organised and maintained to a high standard. 

Finance:  

• Manage the Residence budget and prepare expense reports, quotes, budget and other necessary reports to run the Residence finances effectively.

Staff Management:

• Ensure all Residence staff are properly trained and supervised.
• Supervise temporary/contract staff contracted for events and/or specific works

Contacts:

• Maintain an updated database of service suppliers.  Identify reliable and value for money providers, and build up good relationships.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Staff:

• Line management of 3 Domestic staff (and other staff as required)

Budgets:

• Manage Residence finances and control of the Residence budget
  Residence Imprest

• Must have the legal status to live and work in Dominican Republic
• Fluent English and Spanish, covering reading, writing, speaking and listening, and an ability to switch between the two languages seamlessly
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, in writing and in person
• Proven ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation

Language requirements:

• Language: Written and spoken English and Spanish
• Level of language required:  A high level of fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal) are essential.