Cook - Housekeeper

 Mission Statement

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 applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of cook-housekeeper at the Official Accommodation of the Ambassador of Ireland and to support the representational work of the Embassy of Ireland in Vilnius.

The successful candidate will be hired on a 12-month initial contract with an option to extend, subject to satisfactory performance, with a 3-month period of probation. Candidates must have a permanent, legal right to reside and work in Lithuania and will be subject to Lithuanian employment and taxation law.

The closing date for applications is 22nd March 2024.

Roles and Responsibilities.

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

• Preparation of meals and catering of small functions including receptions, buffets, and sit down breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including menu planning to cater to dietary restriction and guest preferences;
• Sourcing and purchase of safe and high quality food for official functions and liaison with wholesalers;
• Cleaning of kitchen, food preparation areas and all kitchen equipment to a high standard.
• Perform tasks in the Official Accommodation of the Ambassador of Ireland to maintain it in a representative state;
• Care and management of all state assets in the Official Accommodation, including representational crystal, silver, china, and alcohol;
• Maintenance and upkeep of the Official Accommodation inventory;
• To assist with the organisation of functions and events and will include cleaning the Official Accommodation and associated duties (including snow clearance);
• To provide coffee/tea and meeting facilities upon request;
• Service at dinners, lunches, receptions and other externally-catered events hosted by the Embassy, including sourcing and supervising additional staff for larger events;
• Supervision of the Official Accommodation premises, including liaison with security, landscaping, and other contractors and delivery operatives on site;
• First line maintenance and liaison with Embassy on maintenance and contracts;
• Supervising suppliers at the Official Accommodation;
• To manage the house during absence of leave or otherwise;
• Cleaning;
• Any other duties which may be required.

Essential Requirements

To be eligible the following qualifications and competencies are required:

• 5 years’ minimum relevant experience working as a cook and/or in the hospitality sector;
• Fluency in English and Lithuanian;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• High degree of integrity and trust;
• Reliable and can work on own initiative;
• Attention to detail;
• Strong organisational and management skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Candidates must have a legal right to live and work in Lithuania.

Desirable requirements

In addition to the essential criteria above, the following criteria are desirable:

• Some household administration experience;
• Experience working for an Embassy or international organisation.

Terms and Conditions

• The successful candidates will be hired on a fixed-term contractual basis and will be based at the Official Accommodation of the Ambassador of Ireland in Vilnius.
• Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. Hours of attendance will vary from week to week depending on events being hosted by the Embassy. Attendance may be required from as early as 07:00 or until as late as 22:00, but otherwise will typically be from 08:30 to 16:30 or as otherwise agreed.
• Annual Leave entitlement 20 days per annum.
• The salary for the position is €18,017.64 (gross) per annum, paid locally on a weekly basis. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account.

How to apply

The Application Form for this position are available on our website www.ireland.ie/lithuania.

Completed application forms should be sent via e-mail only to vilniusembassy @dfa.ie, with the subject line Cook / Housekeeper Vacancy.

Applications must be received before 16:30 hrs. (Local time) on 22nd March 2024

No applications will be accepted after this deadline, however the mission depending on response rates may extend the deadline. Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted.

Selection Process:

• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above;
• It is planned that interviews will be held before the end of March 2024;
• A skills test may be included in the recruitment process;
• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process;
• A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates.

General Data Protection Regulation

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland, Vilnius is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.