Main purpose of job

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.

Oversee the management of the property and staff on a day-to-day basis, ranging from the fabric of the building to the supervision and coordination of staff, suppliers and collaborators. Maintain a rolling programme of repairs and furniture replacement/purchases.

Lead on all aspects of visitors and entertainment/events at the Residence including coordination with the Ambassador’s PA and as required, the lead officer responsible for an activity in the Embassy.

Work closely with Post Management for the well-being of all staff at the Mission, with primary function as advocate for and provision of support to UK-based staff and families (FCDO and PAGs) on family and community issues, principally in the areas of information gathering, welfare and communication.

Roles and responsibilities

Residence Operations:

• Ensure the Residence estate is efficiently run, well organised and maintained to a high standard including the purchase/replacement of furniture and furnishings.
• Work closely with the Estates Officer to ensure that Residence staff complete and document periodic Health & Safety compliance checks.
• Ensure all Residence staff are properly trained and supervised.
• Supervise temporary/contract staff contracted for events and/or specific works.
• Lead on the Recruitment of any Temporary Staff required at the Residence.
• Work closely with the Corporate Services team to ensure that all residence costs fall within the agreed and assigned budgets. Account for cash advances promptly.
• Ensure all Residence procurement activities are in line with FCDO best practices and achieve value for money.
• Take responsibility for the inventory and control of official silverware, tableware, drinks stocks and other items

Residence Events:

• Support the British Ambassador and lead on the delivery of visitors, events and activities at the Residence. This includes coordination with the Ambassador’s PA and any lead officer in the Embassy, arranging of menus in line with dietary requirements, purchase of food/flowers as necessary, hiring of additional staff and caterers, set up and removal of any equipment hire and welcoming guests for events.
• Maintain Residence event records to include producing estimates in advance of events and actual costings after events; guest lists, menus and suppliers used.

Community Liaison Officer:

• Immediately on arrival, welcome all UK Based staff and accompanying families to ensure as smooth an integration as possible into Ecuador; following up regularly to check that the settling in process is working; be a source of referral and support where questions, problems and difficulties arise; providing short Post community induction.
• Maintain open communication with, and provide information to UKB officers and their spouses/partners and families on topics including spouse/partner employment at Post; child and adult education, childcare, recreation facilities, training opportunities and social matters.
• Complete FCDO Families Spouse and Partner Annual Employment Report.
• Information management of the Mission Welcome Pack, CLO Teams site, input to update and review of the Post Report and Fact Sheet.
  

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

2 residence staff (1 S2, 1 S3)

Language requirements: 

Language: Spanish and English

Level of language required:  Advanced in written and spoken

Essential on arrival:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and events simultaneously with precision and efficiency.
• Proven ability to plan, execute, and evaluate high-profile events, including vendor coordination and guest management.
• Experience in managing small teams, including training, scheduling, and performance oversight.
• Competence in managing budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring value for money in procurement.
• Understanding of building maintenance, safety compliance, and vendor management.
• Discretion and confidentiality. High level of discretion, always respecting the privacy and confidentiality of household matters.
• Attention to detail, ensuring tasks are completed to high standards, especially in costumer service, cleaning and maintenance.
• Good communication skills.
• Legal status to live and work in Ecuador.