Housekeeping Officer, Washington, D.C.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington has a fulltime vacancy (40 hours per week) for a Housekeeping officer.
This job will be offered at pay scale 1 for a fixed term of 1 year with a probationary period of 1 month (see also enclosed job description - English version only).

Application letters with resume, both in English, should be addressed to:
Winfred Deerenberg, Head of Facility Management
Email: winfred.deerenberg@minbuza.nl

For more information about this vacancy, also please contact above mentioned mail address.
Closing date for applications:  Nov 3rd 2024

Indicative monthly gross salary: $3,204  gross (pay scale 1, step 2)
401K Plan is offered. Health/Dental/Vision is provided on a 72-28 Employer-Employee basis.

The selection interviews will take place the 6th and 7th of November.

*This vacancy is open to internal candidates and external candidates (local employees and partners of officials posted to a Mission in the US)

** As per US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers in the US are required to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work in the US.

The housekeeper is responsible for keeping the assigned building(s) clean according to the cleaning schedule and work agreements. On a day to day basis cleaning, ironing and assisting to an overall professional appearance fo the locations. The house keeper keeps track of cleaning supplies and toilet requisites and ensures the cleanliness of designated areas. This position requires working within the guidelines and instructions provided by the Head of Facility Management and adhering to health and safety standards. The working days are Monday till Friday for a total of 40 working hours a week.

The housekeeper is daily additionally involved in our cafeteria operations by helping with food preparation and other tasks. This role involves supporting events at the embassy and two other locations (Ambassador’s Residence and Deputy Chief of Mission’s Residence) and assisting in the events that take place in these locations.

Results areas and results

Daily cleaning tasks

  • Vacuuming and mopping floors
  • Dusting surfaces and furniture
  • Emptying trash and recycle bins
  • Ironing
  • Cleaning windows, furniture and bathrooms
  • Monitoring overall professional appearance of the locations in cooperation with the facility team

Daily cafeteria duties

  • Assist and replaces in their absence the cafeteria officer in preparing and serving daily a variety of dishes, including a daily snack, soup, and an assortment of sandwiches.
  • Monitor stock levels, conduct regular inventory checks, and ensure all food and supplies are stored correctly.
  • Coordinate with suppliers to place orders for food and kitchen supplies, ensuring timely replenishment.
  • Ensure all food is prepared to the highest quality standards, following health and safety regulations.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring all equipment is properly maintained and in good working order.

Support at events

  • Assisting at events at the embassy, Ambassador’s residence and the Deputy Chef de Mission’s residence in the kitchen, waiter-service, security/safety, cleaning, set-up and post-event clean up.
  • Assisting facility manager to keep locations representative.

Framework

  • The housekeeper is accountable to the Facilities manager for the performance of the different duties, ensuring high-quality standards and adherence to company policies.
  • An overtime allowance according to LSR/PUW is granted for the hours outside regular working hours.

Contacts

  • Internal: Daily contact with household staff, facilities team, Embassy staff, and management.
  • External: Regular contact with contractors, food suppliers and catering.

Knowledge and skill requirements

  • Experience in a similar role.
  • Familiarity with cleaning equipment and products
  • Basic kitchen experience is an advantage.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Competencies

  • Integrity
  • Commitment to quality
  • Client orientation (ascertaining the wishes, interest and needs of clients)
  • Ability to work with others
  • Flexibility

Level of education

  • Primary education level;
  • Additional training in health and safety standards is a plus.
  • Relevant work experience;
  • Excellent verbal skills in English;
  • Additional training, knowledge or experience is a plus.

Work environment

The Netherlands Embassy in Washington D.C. represents the affairs of the Government of the Netherlands in the United States of America. The Embassy is located at 4200 Linnean avenue, with 72,000 square feet of privately owned office space. In addition, the Embassy owns 4 properties among which the residence of the Ambassador. A total of around 100 employees (multi-cultural) work at the Embassy. An estimate of 50 persons on a daily basis buy their lunch in the cafeteria of the embassy (Monday till Thursday). On a weekly basis events take place in the facilities of the embassy.

Facilities Management is part of the department of operational affairs. The other units are:  Consular, Finance, General affairs, HR and IT and the staff at the Ambassador’s residence. All FM staff that is working for the Embassy are locally hired staff or contractors of the Embassy.

Mission sustainable

The mission is working to create a sustainable, just and fair world and this includes sustainable operational management. For the housekeeper this means (not limited to):

  • Utilize sustainable products and materials for food storage, packaging and cleaning supplies, avoiding single-use plastics where possible.
  • Encourage energy-efficient practices by using sustainable methods and maintaining equipment to reduce water and energy usage.

Staff member profile

The housekeeper is a customer-oriented, efficient person who can work independently and as part of a team. He/she is capable of following instructions, setting priorities, and maintaining calm during busy periods. He/she is flexible (this includes the possibility to work non-standard hours). The officer works closely together with the support officers and facility staff of the embassy.

Other information

This position is for an initial period of 12 months. With a probationary period of 1 month.

The Netherlands Government celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to foster an inclusive environment within its organization. Individuals interested in advancing these diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information about this position contact: Winfred Deerenberg, Head of Facility Management, at  winfred.deerenberg@minbuza.nl