Cook-Housekeeper

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

The Embassy of Ireland in Vilnius is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking person with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to fill a full-time Cook-Housekeeper position on an initial two-year contract. The Cook-Housekeeper will be primarily based at the Official Accommodation of the Ambassador of Ireland and will support the representational work of the Embassy of Ireland in Vilnius through acting both as private chef and residence manager.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the needs of the Embassy, but will include the following:

Cook Functions

• As private chef, direct high-quality catering for representational functions at the Official Accommodation, and, from time to time as required, at the Chancery or elsewhere, including menu planning to cater to dietary restrictions and guest preferences;
• Day to day catering at the residence
• Sourcing and purchase of safe and high-quality food for official functions and liaison with wholesalers;
• Service at dinners, lunches, receptions and other externally-catered events hosted by the Embassy, including sourcing and supervising additional staff for larger events;
• Budget management;
• Cleaning of kitchen, food preparation areas and all kitchen equipment to a high standard.
• Other duties as may be required.

Housekeeper Functions

• Overall management and care of the Official Accommodation and state assets therein, including during periods of the Ambassador’s leave;
• Cleaning and associated housekeeping duties (e.g. ironing);
• Event management, including set-up and coordination and management of Mission external event managers/external caterers for specialised or larger-scale events as relevant;
• Facilities management (interior and exterior), including coordination and liaison with security, landscaping, and other contractors and delivery operatives on site at the Official Accommodation, and supervision of same;
• Maintenance and upkeep of the Official Accommodation inventory;
• First line maintenance and liaison with Embassy on maintenance and contracts; 
• Other duties as may be required.

In respect of all functions, the Cook-Housekeeper will liaise closely with the Ambassador and Embassy team.

Essential Requirements:

• Candidates must have relevant training, preferably in a discipline related to the Culinary Arts / Professional Cooking or Hospitality Management.
• Candidates must have at least three years relevant professional experience in a similar or relevant role.
• The candidate must be able to communicate effectively in both English and Lithuanian; (a language test may be included as part of the shortlisting process).
• The candidate must demonstrate a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness, be reliable and show initiative and attention to detail.
• The candidate must provide evidence of flexibility, efficiency and effectiveness showing strong organisational skills, attention to detail, able to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks;
• The candidate should provide examples of being solutions-oriented, and committed to delivering results, including by adapting approach if necessary;
• The candidate must demonstrate using work based examples of providing excellent interpersonal skills, working in a team but also dealing effectively with people in external organisations;
• The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Lithuania prior to recruitment.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Housekeeping and/or household administration experience.
• A good understanding of the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Embassy.
• The successful applicant will work alongside other local employees of the Embassy, and will report directly to the diplomatic staff in the Mission. Previous experience in a diplomatic mission is desirable, but not essential.