Housekeeper for the Swedish Residence

The Embassy of Sweden is hiring a Housekeeper who will be employed by the Ambassador of Sweden and work in the Swedish Residence in Addis Abeba.

The starting date is according to agreement, but preferably as soon as possible.

The Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa is responsible for Sweden's relations with Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, the African Union (AU), IGAD and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The Ambassador is responsible for the employment of residence staff.

The Swedish Residence is located on the Embassy compound and have three employees.

The Housekeeper will support the smooth and professional operation of the Ambassador’s official residence. This role includes maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, assisting with official events and entertainment duties, and ensuring effective communication with Embassy and residence staff. The position requires discretion, reliability, and strong service-oriented skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION

Main Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Ambassador or the Executive Assistant of the Ambassador, the Housekeeper will perform the following duties:

1. Event Preparation & Protocol Support for Official Representation
The Housekeeper prepares the Residence for official entertainment by setting tables, assisting in organizing seating arrangements, and ensuring proper presentation according to protocol. This responsibility includes supporting the entire flow of events—before, during, and after—by assisting with setup, service, and cleanup to guarantee smooth and well‑organized official engagements.

2. Serving at Official Events
The Housekeeper’s duty is to serve food and beverages during official events, sit-down lunches and dinners, receptions, and meetings at the Residence, including bartender services when required. Ensuring that all guests receive a high standard of hospitality consistent with diplomatic protocol.

3. Kitchen Support & Assistance to the Chef
The Housekeeper assists the Chef in meal preparation as needed, supporting tasks such as ingredient preparation, basic cooking assistance, and organizing kitchen materials. The role also includes helping to maintain cleanliness and order in all kitchen and food‑service areas to support efficient meal production. The Housekeeper washes dishes, glassware, and service items used during daily activities and official events.

4. Cleaning & Household Upkeep
The Housekeeper maintains a clean, organized, and presentable Ambassador’s Residence. Including daily cleaning tasks such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and polishing. The Housekeeper cares for household linens and tablecloths and ensures that all guest and representation areas remain tidy, orderly, and ready for use at any time.

5. Communication & Coordination
The Housekeeper is expected to maintain clear communication with Embassy staff and residence personnel to support effective coordination and a positive working environment. Close collaboration with residence team members is essential to ensure smooth workflow and the successful execution of both daily activities and official functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCES

Required qualifications:

• Experience in hospitality, formal serving, housekeeping (experience in diplomatic or high-protocol settings is an asset).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and during official functions.
• Flexibility regarding working hours.
• Proficiency in English and Amharic.

Competency

• Service excellence and professionalism.
• Reliability and time management.
• Ability to work under pressure during events.
• Teamwork and cooperation.
• Courtesy and protocol awareness.

We offer

• A dynamic and inspiring work environment with varying tasks and competitive conditions of employment.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week (standard schedule to be agreed upon)
• Flexibility is required for evenings, weekends, and official events.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The vacancy is a local position, full-time, starting with a probation period of six months with the possibility of permanent employment. An individual salary system is applied.
• Full-time working hours of hours/week (mainly daytime but every now and then also dinners in the evening and on exceptional cases also weekends) with a beneficial plan for annual leave. Part-time working hours will be according to agreement.

APPLICATION

Applicants should submit the following documents by e-mail, to the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa:

• CV, including details of relevant education and work experience.
• Cover Letter (English), setting out why you consider yourself a good candidate for this post.
• Names, telephone numbers and addresses of two reference persons who are willing to provide a reference on your character and work capacity.
• Clear contact phone numbers and addresses in Ethiopia where the Embassy can rapidly contact you.

Applications shall be sent to ambassaden.addis.abeba.recruitment@gov.se. As the subject of the message, please indicate reference no and your name: ‘UM2026/11421/ADDI-your name’

Please note that applications will not be returned, and only short-listed applicants will be contacted. To be considered, your application should be submitted latest by 1 May 2026 (16:00hrs) and fulfil the abovementioned requirements.