BRISTISH HIGH COMMISSION

YAOUNDE OFFICE NOTICE NO-01/14 YAO

POSITION: RESIDENCE MANAGER

SECTION: CORPORATE SERVICE TEAM

GRADE: A1 (L)

POSITION: TYPE 2 YEARS FIXED TERM CONTRAT (PART TIME)

A vacancy has arisen for the position of Residence Manager at the British High Commission in Yaounde

The British High Commission in Yaounde is seeking a high performing residence Manager.

The job will be part-time (17 ½ hours per week on average). The main function of the Residence Manager is to ensure the smooth and professional day to day running of the Residence (staff, budget, events). It requires someone with good management and administration skills.

This is an exciting role involving work with in a very dynamic British High Commission team. More than o thousand people are invited to the Residence during the year to event build ties between the UK and Cameroon in line with British policy. The High Commissioner (HC) in Cameroon and his wife are committed to using the Residence to the full and to managing it to the highest standards of excellence

Roles and responsibilities/ what will the job holder be expected to archive?

Residence management

• Manage the day to day functioning of the Residence to a high standard of efficiency and professionalism, in keeping with UK Foreign and commonwealth. Office (FCO) guidelines on residences.
• Plan and manage the High Commissioner’s programmer of hospitality at the residence.
• Work closely with PA/HC and the High Commissioner’s wife regarding scheduling and the other issues relevant to the Residence or the events
• Organize and co-ordinate all aspect of the High Commissioner’s hosted events to a high level of professionalism, creativity and value for money, working effectively with relevant High Commission staff concerned.
• Recommend menus, plan the setup of events, staffing, and seating plan. Be present during the event to ensure that all fulfill their duties correctly.
• Work closely with organizations, companies and any other associations, which occasionally use the Residence as a venue for function, generating revenue for the Mission where appropriate.
• Manage a team of 3 staff members at the residence.
• Liaise with High Commissions Corporate Service Team over Residence needs for general maintenance and procurement of necessary furniture and equipment.
• Run an account for Residence shopping (food, drink, flowers, extra staff etc.), accounting for all expenditure, costing each event individually.
• Maintain accurate records of Residence activity and residence assets such as: inventory of wine, beer, soft drink and food stocks and of residence property, government art and furnishings.
• Request repairs to the residence and suggest improvements and replacement of equipment, including in the kitchen, when required.

Key Competencies, skills and experience required

Essential

• Ability to plan, manage and deliver successful events; multitasking and working under pressure.
• Demonstrated experience of managing a budget.
• Excellent staff management skills and effective communication.
• Knowledge of restaurant, food and beverage or catering and menu preparation.
• Problem solving initiative. Anticipates and takes initiative to avoid problems fix them; uses information and experience to solve problems effectively. 

Desirable

• Bilingual English and French language fluency (written and spoken).

Resources managed

• In general the manager will need to organize working hours to ensures that she/ he is able to effectively manage the Residence permanent and temporary staff (three permanent staff and additional temporary staff for functions).

Working Hours

The job is part-time (50%) and will require an average of 17 ½ hours worked per weekend. The working hours will be flexible but will require some work in the evenings when there are functions, and occasional (perhaps once or twice a year) work at weekend.

Salary & Benefits

The position is at grade A1 (L) with salary subject to insurance ant tax as per the usual regulations. We offer a competitive package including medical benefits; performance related bonus, recreational facilities, and opportunities for job related training & development. The position is offered initially as a two year fixed term contract with a third year subject to mutual agreement.

Note:

• The British High Commission in Yaounde is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
• Staff recruited locally by British High Commission in Yaounde is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Cameroon employment law.
• All applicants must be legally able to work in Cameroon with the correct visa/status/work permit.
• The successful candidate will be subject to reference checking and security clearances checks.
• If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

To apply 

Applicants should send;

1. An up-to-date CV in English
2. A short ( 2 page max) covering letter in English with two sections. First, explaining in 200 words why you would like to apply from the job and why you think you would be good at it. Second: short paragraphs on each of the competencies 1 to 5 listed above, giving specific example of when you have demonstrated each competence/skill.

Internal applicants must submit this along with a copy of their most recent 24 months of appraisal evidence (i.e. two full appraisals, or however many abridged appraisals, minutes etc. to make up two years’ worth of evidence) by email to: Recruitment.Africa@fco.gov.uk

The closing date is 21st November 2014 and no further applications will be accepted after that date.

Please quote in the subject line if you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer, with the Vacancy Notice No:01/14YAO