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 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

• Provide 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.

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidate 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. Due to the nature of the role, the position will require some out of hours work in the evening/at the weekend, and will be agreed in advance.
• Annual Leave entitlement 20 days per annum.
• The salary for the position is €26,501.08 gross per annum, paid locally on a monthly basis. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account.

How to apply

The Job Description and Application Form for this position are available on our website https://www.ireland.ie/en/lithuania/vilnius/about/job-opportunities/

Your completed application form, along with your CV, should be sent via e-mail only to vilniusembassy@dfa.ie, with the subject line Cook-Housekeeper Vacancy.

Applications must be received before 12.00 (Local time) on Monday 26th January 2026.

Depending on response rates the deadline may be extended. 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 in early February 2026.
• A skills test will be included in the recruitment process.
• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process; and
• 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 in Lithuania is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.