View Vacancy – Housekeeper to the British High Commissioner

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.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Job Subcategory

Housekeeper

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British High Commission in Ottawa has an exciting opportunity for a person to join as Housekeeper to the High Commissioner. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the close relationship between the UK and Canada, supporting work at the forefront of international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.

The High Commissioner’s Residence has an excellent team responsible for the wellbeing of the High Commissioner, their family and guests within the Residence. It involves a programme of official events and visits that requires the utmost professionalism to aid in this essential part of Diplomatic life. The Housekeeper is an important position within this highly effective team and reports directly to the Residence Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to directly contribute to the successful running of the official residence, with no two days looking the same.

The ideal candidate will be a good team player and a clear and effective communicator, who pays strong attention to detail. A background in housekeeping within a commercial organisation such as a hotel or a large private household is highly desirable.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Housekeeping duties for the official residence of the High Commissioner and their family. Including cleaning bedrooms and bathrooms, laundry, ironing, bathrooms.
Maintaining guest bedrooms, laundry, ironing, bathrooms.
Set up and serving at official events such as lunches, dinners, coffee engagements and cocktail receptions. Includes setting formal dining tables, moving furniture and table service.
Larger projects are required during less busy times, examples include cleaning carpets, storage organization, polishing silverware and dusting chandeliers.
Assisting other staff where required, such as cleaning other areas of the house or helping chef with food service
Asist with any other tasks within the residence as requested by the Residence Manager or High Commissioner

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Must be physically fit as the job involves heavy lifting and working on feet.
Trustworthy, polite, hardworking and self-motivated.
Flexibility and being a team player is essential.
The ability to follow direction exactly and be willing to take on any task to a high standard.
Must have the legal status to live and work in Canada in your own right, from time of application

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Background in hospitality and experience in a large-scale Housekeeping position would be highly desirable.

Required behaviours

Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

9 March 2025

Grade

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

37.5

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

Canada

Location (City)

Ottawa

Type of Post

British High Commission

Number of vacancies

Salary Currency

CAD

Salary

$3,744.98

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

2 June 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Canada.

Standard working hours will be 8am – 4pm, with regular evening hours required for functions.

Due to the nature of this role, there is no possibility of remote working.

This can be a physically demanding role, with an expectation that the appointed person is able to complete the physical tasks associated with the running of a busy, high-profile household.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Please note, the salary is non-negotiable.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities.

Additional information

Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on Sunday 9th March 2025

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

To apply please copy and paste this link: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/1/adv/
To help us track our recruitment effort, please specify on the application form/indicate in your cover letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.

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View Vacancy – Housekeeper to the British High Commissioner

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