Job Title: Office and Residence Manager (EO MSR) – Vacancy 26813
Company
British High Commission (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Overview
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality, and challenge discrimination, enhancing organisational capability. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.
We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce, and you may be required to undertake other duties as reasonably required.
This role sits at the heart of the British High Commission in Maseru. You will support the High Commissioner across finance, estates, events, programmes, crisis preparedness, and people management. You will also collaborate closely with Corporate Services Teams in Pretoria on budgeting, forecasting, HR, and administrative support.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial and Budget Management (25%)
- Manage all aspects of the High Commission’s budget in compliance with FCDO procedures
- Work with Corporate Services Pretoria on invoicing, budgeting, and forecasting
- Track expenditure and ensure compliance with financial rules
- Manage the cash box on a monthly basis
- Identify and mitigate financial risks
- Support the annual Management Assurance Process and address non-compliance
- Complete audit requests and central budgeting requirements
- Coordinate payroll matters with the Pretoria HR Hub
2. Estate Management (30%)
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of the High Commission estate (office and residence)
- Implement recommendations from technical experts
- Ensure security standards are maintained in line with ESND and the Regional Security Adviser
- Maintain furniture, fittings, and up-to-date inventories
- Oversee repairs, cleaning, pest control, and service contracts
- Manage diplomatic bags and ensure compliance with Lesotho MFA Protocol requirements
- Support official entertainment and guest management
- Assist with diary management and administrative duties
- Maintain filing systems, contact databases, and organised workspaces
3. Event Management (20%)
- Deliver high-quality and high-profile events aligned with UK and Post objectives
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and influencers
- Manage event planning, delivery, protocol, and finances
- Maintain and update a comprehensive contacts database
4. Programmes Management (10%)
- Manage programme expenditure under the High Commissioner’s oversight
- Liaise with delivery partners and relevant teams to ensure compliance
- Ensure proper financial documentation and alignment with project milestones
- Maintain accurate budgets, forecasts, and reporting
- Build relationships with government contacts and programme stakeholders
5. Consular and Crisis Logistics Lead (5%)
- Provide initial consular support to British Nationals and direct them to appropriate resources
- Maintain and regularly update Post Crisis Plan documentation
- Ensure travel advice for Lesotho is accurate and current
6. Line Management (10%)
- Manage the Driver / Corporate Services Assistant
- Oversee performance, workload, and staff welfare
- Foster a positive and collaborative working relationship
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in project and financial management
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Proactive approach with focus on continuous improvement
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to adapt across multiple responsibilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Qualification in programme or project management (including financial management, risk management, monitoring, and evaluation)
- Experience working with regional partners
- Experience in staff management
Required Behaviours
- Communicating and influencing
- Making effective decisions
- Managing a quality service
- Working together
Application Deadline
15 June 2026